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Question
My 2 year old black DSH is attacking my dogs for no reason, they do not bother her. She is chasing them and attacking the dogs constantly. I keep removing her to another room but fear I am creating further isolation?
Eileen,
I have a few questions to help me get a clearer picture of what's happening with this kitty and why she's going after the dogs. Hopefully with a few answers I'll be able to make recommendations that are suitable for your situation.
- How long have you had the dogs?
- How long have you had the cat?
- How did you introduce dogs to the cat?
- Is the cat growling, hissing, puffing up or stalking the dogs?
- What's the cat's general body language like when she "attacks" the dogs?
- Have there been any recent changes in your household?
- Are there any other cats in your home?
- Does this kitty have any interactive play sessions (kitty teases, laser lights, etc) on a regular basis?
- What do you provide for this kitty in terms of entertainment?
- How long has the kitty been ambushing the dogs?
I hope the above questions will give me some more insight into the situation so that I can help you get started on the best possible path with this kitty's rehabilitation. Until then I look forward to hearing from you.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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