Even though the saying goes, “they fight like cats and dogs,” many felines and canines get along quite well. They’re more likely to form a bond if they meet at a young age, but even if you’ve adopted a new cat or dog, they may still learn to enjoy each other’s company over time. If your pets are usually friendly with one another but one party suddenly starts to act differently, it’s important to separate them safely in order to avoid any conflicts and figure out the cause of the problem.
If your cat suddenly develops a habit of attacking your dog, for instance, you might want to take them to the vet for a checkup, as they may be in pain or ill. If they’re new to each other, however, here are six possible reasons why your cat may be pummeling Fido’s face.
The 6 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat May Swat Your Dog
1. The Dog Pushed Them Over Their Limit
Cats can only take so much. If your energetic puppy persists in playing with your cat after your feline has had enough, they may be punished by a swift bop on the nose. If you notice this behavior, help your dog give the cat some space. Redirect them with a toy, or make sure your cat has a place to hide where the dog can’t reach them. Also, ensure the dog is well-exercised in order to be calm and relaxed around the cat.
2. Fear Aggression
This is more common in new animal relationships, but occasionally even old friends might startle each other. Maybe your dog sneaked up behind your cat and scared them. Swatting can be a reaction to fear.
3. Redirected Aggression
The neighbor’s dog taunting your cat through the window or a bird chirping out of reach could be annoying your cat. Your dog might not have even done anything to provoke the attack, but your cat sees the opportunity, and they’re mad, so they might take a swing.
4. Territorial Behavior
Your cat wants to let your dog know that they don’t share. If your dog loves to steal your cat’s favorite warm sunny napping spot or likes to hide away their catnip toys, they might be the ones in for a surprise.
5. Predatory Behavior
A hallmark of a bored cat, your feline might pounce on your dog if they’re lacking prey. Giving them a stimulating toy and playing with them regularly every day lets them indulge in their hunting instincts without attacking your dog’s nose.
6. They’re Being Playful
When dogs and cats become comfortable in each other’s company, they’ll sometimes engage in roughhousing that looks similar to how they played with their littermates. Dogs may nibble on the cat, who “retaliates” by swatting them. Hissing or awkward, stiff body language denotes fear or aggression, but languid swipes of the paw could be a display of affection towards your dog.
How to Train Your Cat to Get Along with Your Dog
Whether your dog and your cat have known each other for years or met yesterday, both can be somewhat territorial creatures who will likely compete for favorite spots in your house and your heart. You should make sure your dog and cat have separate, quiet spaces where they can go when they’re tired of each other. This is especially important for your cat, who may prefer to rest on elevated surfaces, such as on top of their cat tree, where they enjoy their own privacy.
If your animals are new to each other, don’t force the new relationship. It could take months before they’re fully adjusted, and they require time, patience, positive reinforcement, and supervision. At worst, they’ll learn each other’s boundaries and tolerate each other. In the best-case scenario, however, they’ll be lifelong friends.
You should always introduce new animals as gradually as possible to reduce stress. Let your dog sniff a blanket from your cat and vice versa before they see each other to familiarize their scents. You might even house them in separate rooms for a few days while everyone becomes acclimated to the new smells. When they do meet, the first introductions should only be visual, with the dog on a lead. Eventually, when they get used to each other’s presence while remaining calm, with the dog still being leashed, let them sniff each other if that is something they are attempting to do. Do not force any part of their interactions. As long as both parties feel safe, they’ll learn to at least tolerate each other over time. A necessary requirement before even considering introducing them is a well-socialized dog who is comfortable and friendly around cats, not overly bouncy, and certainly not aggressive towards cats. The younger the animals are, the higher the chances of a successful introduction.
Supervision is still crucial, as well as observing both animals’ body language. This will help you assess situations and how they’re feeling, so you may be able to predict a mishap before it happens. If either of the animals is showing signs of fear, withdrawal, or even hints of building aggression, don’t yell. Distract them gently and separate them until they can calm down and safely try again. It’ll take a little time and patience, but using positive reinforcement with treats and praise, so they associate each other with rewards, they’ll learn to tolerate one another, while some may become friendly.
You can always call an animal trainer or animal behaviorist for advice. If you adopted your new pet from a shelter, they’re usually happy to help and will have the necessary information about your new pet in terms of socialization and behavior around other animal species. Most importantly, respect your animals’ preferences and never force them to interact if they are not enjoying it or choosing it themselves.
Conclusion
It’s pretty common for cats to swat at dogs, but the good news is that it’s also common for dogs and cats to form friendships with each other. Make sure they have their own dedicated spaces where they can take a time out if they start to grow tired of each other. If they’ve just met, give them plenty of patience and time, allowing them to get to know each other, basing their relationship on positive associations such as treats and praise. Don’t rush the new relationship and supervise any interactions.
In the meantime, you can reassure them that you love them both. If this is a new behavior between old friends, you should take your cat to the vet to make sure they’re not in pain or become ill. When you get a clean bill of health from your vet, make sure to play with your cat regularly and provide them with an enriched and stimulating environment, to reduce their boredom.
Featured Image Credit: Skullman, Pixabayy
