You are here:

Cats/Cat attacks neighbors dog unprovoked

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/13/2011


Question
My 14 year old very loving male cat recently attacked my neighbors dog while walking by our house on a leash! He is around others dogs at times but has never shown agressive behavior toward anyone or thing, ever. He jumped on it's back hissing and biting. Even broke the skin. Any suggestions as to why he would single out this animal. By the way, he dog is a medium size terrier mix, clearly much bigger.

Answer
Hi Renee,

There might have been an aggressive posturing that your cat picked up on from the dog that you can't see or sense. And he reacted to that by attacking first. The other dogs around him probably ignore your cat so he doesn't react to them. But this one definitely did something that set your cat off. The best I can tell you is to keep the two separate. There could be one of two reactions from the dog now. One is that he will be afraid of your cat and you won't have anything to worry about. Or the terrier will try to go after your cat to protect itself. Either way you don't want any further trouble. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.