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Original poster

Why is it that dogs hate cats?

26 replies

Jenasaurus · 04/10/2019 05:37

I cant think of another species that hates another, unless maybe it was their food source, but dogs go batshit when they see a cat, maybe its like my reaction to seeing spiders, although that is completely understandable.

I woke up just now, from a dream about a dog chasing a cat and am now pondering the reasons why they do this, and thought someone on MN will know the answer.

Cats have a reaction to small jumpy things like mice and birds but I understand they would have that instinct as they would eat them if hungry...

Have cats ever been on a dogs menu sheet?

OP posts:

Sparklfairy · 04/10/2019 05:41

They don't. My dog and cat were best friends from the day they met. If dog saw a squirrel though...

Original poster

Jenasaurus · 04/10/2019 05:46

Ahh yes squirrels...and what about wild rabbits, would your dog go insane if it spotted one?

Its true what you say though, some dogs who are brought up with cats are fine with them. Out of interest did your dog react to other cats, or because of his friendship with your cat, did they not bother him.

OP posts:

Aprillygirl · 04/10/2019 05:47

I think it’s more just like dogs like to chase things rather than them having a hatred of cats. If a cat stops running, turns round and faces the dog head on most dogs just slope off, or maybe that’s just my dopey dogs lol.

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Bobthefishermanswife · 04/10/2019 05:48

I think it's a stereotypical thing that gets played up in movies and on TV tbh, it's re-enforced frequently in everyday life too in children's books etc.

My grandad has at last count 6 cats (he's the male equivalent of the "crazy cat lady" and strays adopt him) he owns a pub that allows customers to bring their dogs in, most of the time they approach eachother and that's it, at worst they ignore eachother.

I regularly take my dog in when I visit and he'll snuggle up on the cat beds/blankets and is usually joined by one or two cats.

BishopFrownofStThigh · 04/10/2019 05:48

I think they've just mainly got different temperaments so dog wants to play and cat thinks differently

macmustard · 04/10/2019 05:50

If my dog sees a cat yes he will want to chase it. However, if the cat squared up to him and hissed the dog would roll over and cry.

QueenAnneBoleyn · 04/10/2019 05:51

Our dog is easily excited and definitely likes to chase things - cat, bird, squirrel. Wouldn’t say she hates cats but that’s just my experience.
If she caught up with one she’d probably sit there waiting for poor said animal to throw her ball for her

KarenWithTheHair · 04/10/2019 05:51

My cat even hates dogs that are on tv

adaline · 04/10/2019 05:52

Mine chases cats - however if the cat makes it's dislike clear and smacks him on the nose, he runs off crying!

Original poster

Jenasaurus · 04/10/2019 05:54

So from these posts it is more similar to a cats reaction to a mouse, like wanting to play as opposed to wanting to kill or harm.

I am now trying to remember if I have actually witnessed a dogs reaction to a cat first hand, apart from my dream that is. Incidentally in my dream the cat was huge and the dog was a small little thing, but the cat was terrified. Weird what entertainment our brains provide when we sleep. Thanks for the responses.

OP posts:

MaybeitsMaybelline · 04/10/2019 05:54

It’s the instinct to chase small furry animals, but as previous posters have said they are not so brave when faced with an angry cat. Our fiesty cat lived next door to two German shepherds for years, she was never scared and they ended up with bleeding faces on more than one occasion through too much curiosity. They were mutually respectful after that.

user1480880826 · 04/10/2019 05:57

Dogs don’t hate cats. Dogs like to chase anything that runs. But on the whole dogs actually like cats.

lassofthenorth · 04/10/2019 06:02

My dog loved my cats, and anyone else’s cat. Didn’t chase squirrels, small things. Once licked a rabbit we came across in some long grass on a walk.

itstrue · 04/10/2019 06:07

My dog and cat love each other!

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 04/10/2019 06:08

My cat really hates dogs and I've seen people walking their dogs cross the street when they've seen him. So they must have experienced him previously. I once tried to separate DCat from the dog he was targeting and got bitten for my troubles. DCat is no bother with other neighbour hiid cats or people though.

Teacakeandalatte · 04/10/2019 06:11

My dog has a strong prey drive and would love to catch a small furry thing be it a cat, rabbit or squirrel. I've always thought it amazing how they recognise a tiny cat sized dog as a fellow dog though.

Original poster

Jenasaurus · 04/10/2019 06:12

aw what a lovely photo of your fur babies itstrue

When I was a child I used to think all dogs were male and all cats were female and they hated each other for that reason (I was at that age that girls thought boys were yuk and vice versa) have no idea why I thought that about cats and dogs though, I mean how would they breed! I was about 5 though :)

OP posts:

Doingtheboxerbeat · 04/10/2019 06:17

I grew up thinking the same because I only knew dogs that were not trained (terrible irresponsible owners) and then I moved to a different area and I discovered the Internet and YouTube and dog /cat behavioural shows all at the same time. Now I think differently.

Soola · 04/10/2019 06:24

I have sighthounds and their prey drive means they will chase anything that moves quickly.

If a cat is sitting still or laying down they are not bothered. They were fine with our own cat before she went to live with my daughter and used to sleep together. Same with the Guinea pigs and rabbit.

CountFosco · 04/10/2019 06:27

All predators compete for resource (territory or smaller animals for food) and that's why dogs and cats that don't know each other will stand off against each other. Popular culture has turned that into dogs chasing cats but it's as realistic as the 'every woman goes into labour when her waters break dramatically' trope.

CigarsofthePharoahs · 04/10/2019 07:01

My old neighbors dog found my cat absolutely maddening. I can remember being outside as my neighbor was trying to walk her dog and it was going totally spare at the end of its lead because it could see my cat, who was sat on our front garden.
My cat saw the dog and then started to wash herself which made the dog even madder!
My poor neighbor.

Bezalelle · 04/10/2019 08:50

So they must have experienced him previously

This cracks me up! Notorious in the neighbourhood

itstrue · 04/10/2019 08:51

@Jenasaurus thanks! They are really cute. The dog is very protective of the cat. Sadly my cat is terminally ill with heart failure. It's going to end in tears in my house

Adversecamber22 · 04/10/2019 09:02

m.youtube.com/watch?v=uQhyndSHJec

This advert took a while to shoot apparently, I remember it being on tv.

My cat detests dogs and cats and she thinks she is human, and a superior one at that.

LoseLooseLucy · 04/10/2019 09:31

My poor Shih Tzu is ambivalent towards cats, he doesn't seen to notice them when they're sitting on our garden wall. However one fat ginger bastard is taking full liberties with him and will actually come fully in to the garden and rear up and hiss at my poor dog if he goes near it. In his own garden!

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