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Cats/Cat aggression towards dog

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Expert: - 10/17/2011


Question
Hi -

I have a 2 year old Toy Fox Terrier.  He's a very timid dog who came from a puppy mill and has been attacked twice by the same dog.  My fiance moved in 3 weeks ago with his 2 ten year old cats.  They are cranky cats to begin with but are aggressive towards my dog.  Tater is 15 lbs and the cats are bigger than he is.  I recently noticed big scratches on his chest where they must've pinned him in a corner and attacked him.  This is not acceptable.  What do I do?

Answer
Hi Jen,

Here's are a few links that have some good tips on what to do.. Did you follow an intro protocol when you brought the cats into the household? I would suggest you try that first.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5046014_make-cat-less-aggressive-dogs.html

http://www.heartofminnesota.org/pdf/cat_dog.pdf

http://www.paws.org/introducing-cat-to-dog.html

These articles should help you. You also have to remember that sometimes it takes quite a long time for them to sort things out. And sometimes they don't. Make sure their nails are trimmed real short. This will also help. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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