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Original poster

Worried my cats will be attacked by dogs

57 replies

patienceisvirtuous · 19/03/2015 11:05

We recently moved into a house with a lovely back garden which backs on to a field frequented by dog walkers. Most dogs are off leash. We previously lived in a flat and our two cats have been (up until now) indoors only and very happy. They're 1yr old and 2yr old for context.

We have a small run for them so they have limited access to outdoors but recently, when I've been hanging washing out etc I've let them have a play around the garden under supervision. Probably a big mistake because now, the 2yo especially doesn't want to be in the run, but outside in the garden instead - and exploring beyond, i.e. in the field :(

I'm not sure what to do. It's not sustainable to always strictly supervise them in the garden - they're under the fence into the field quickly and up our tree etc. Although we're willing to stick with it...

This is probably a ridiculous question but how likely is it that they will be attacked by dogs if I let them have free roam? I'm really worried about it because I'd be devastated if we lost one, or if one was hurt :( Are they at a disadvantage because they've been indoor up until now i.e. so lack street smarts?

Feel like I've opened a pandora's box by letting them taste freedom.

For info, our garden isn't easy to cat proof - it's big, and has various trees around the border... Also, they're neutered, vaccinated, chipped, and have safety collars and id tags.

Any advice would be appreciated...

OP posts:
ShebaRabbit · 20/03/2015 09:57

Normally I'd say let them out but seeing as your cat ran towards the dog I'd be a bit worried about them not having the street smarts to cope. The cats that stand their ground and fight back seem to have the best chance with yappy dogs but not with a dog that is determined to kill a cat. Can you let them out early morning and late at night before feeding?

Original poster
patienceisvirtuous · 20/03/2015 11:16

Maybe Sheba, it's something to think about...

OP posts:
Hakluyt · 20/03/2015 11:27

Honestly- one woof and they'd be up a tree faster than you can blink. Let them out.

CQ · 20/03/2015 11:52

Sorry OP, but I agree with Sheba, if a dog is determined to kill a cat then the cat needs to be very quick up a tree or fence. Standing its ground will not deter some dogs.

I have just deleted a very long post which I have reconsidered as I don't want to traumatise you, but just let me say that for some dogs, cat chasing is so much more than just a game, and it's terrifying to witness.

There is also the risk that although you say you can 'supervise' your cat, if you tried to intercept a dog attack you may end up getting badly bitten yourselves.

My dog is the most loving dog with humans, otherwise she would not still be here, but cats/rabbits/squirrels etc just push her buttons. She's a labrador - supposed to be the cuddly cute family pet Hmm so there's no predicting what breeds of dogs would be worse. She no longer gets let off lead, anywhere.

If your cats cannot get up a tree very very fast then don't let them out.

Hakluyt · 20/03/2015 12:41

"your cats cannot get up a tree very very fast then don't let them oitems"

And let them be miserable instead.....Sad

tabulahrasa · 20/03/2015 12:52

It would worry me too as yes, some dogs will attack cats rather than just chase them for a bit.

I did once look out my front window though to see my tiny (3kg) cat chasing a staffy cross down the street, lol.

Original poster
patienceisvirtuous · 20/03/2015 13:09

CQ I'd take the bite over my cats :(

tabulah lol she's obviously a fiesty one :o Think mine are more of the wimp variety!

OP posts:
Original poster
patienceisvirtuous · 20/03/2015 13:12

Hak tbf they're not miserable indoors. We have lots of activity toys for them and they're generally chilled little souls but their appetite for outdoor fun has definitely been whet!

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 20/03/2015 13:30

She lives with dogs, so she's probably less cautious than she should be tbh.

You do get cat proof fencing?...if that's an option?

Tiptops · 21/03/2015 20:45

I really wouldn't let them out, but I am very pro indoor cats/ cat proofed gardens unless it is completely safe. The trauma of losing a pet prematurely and before their time because of a dog attack/ being hit by a car etc is unbearable to me.

Two of my relatives have had their beloved cats killed by dogs, and no matter how feisty the cat is if they are confronted with the majority of dogs they will be hurt or killed.

If you're interested in cat proofing I'd really recommend protectapuss. Nothing is impossible as I expected my garden to be unsuitable but it absolutely wasn't in their opinion, for context it is about half an acre with several large trees/ hedges and obstacles. They don't charge to quote, why not give them a call?

Hakluyt · 21/03/2015 21:15

Nobody who really loves cats for what they are can be in favour of indoor cats. X b bc

Tiptops · 22/03/2015 01:06

Hakluyt it is precisely because I adore cats for what they are that I am so keen to avoid my indoor cats suffering. I won't see them mauled to death by a dog, I won't scrape them off the ground having been mown down by a car, I won't see them die a slow and agonising death because the manufacturers of antifreeze and other products are too greedy to add ingredients to stop these products tasting so nice to cats.

My cats used to be free roamers and I was of the school of thought that anything else would be cruel. It was pure ignorance and short sightedness. Opening my mind to the benefits of indoor cat ownership has been a revelation.

Iwasbornin1993 · 22/03/2015 02:49

OP I could have written your post! We're in exactly the same position with our two cats who have been indoor their whole lives (5yo) as we lived in an apartment until recently. Our new house has now got no less than FOUR dogs living in the house directly behind us so I am terrified to let them out to explore - despite their lack of emotional blackmail to me while they longingly look out of the window! Can't decide what to do for the best myself so sorry I'm no help but just sending my sympathy your way!

Iwasbornin1993 · 22/03/2015 02:51

Sorry - should read "despite their emotional blackmail..." Rather than lack of! Should really check before posting!

Nandocushion · 22/03/2015 03:33

We don't let ours out. They are perfectly happy inside, much better than they would be outside with dogs and coyotes and cars, and there are many of all three in our area. They are also much more sociable than outdoor cats. I don't understand this English thing of "let your cats go outside, it's better they are free even if they are torn to shreds/flattened like a pancake", and yes, it is a very English view. Cats live many years longer if they are inside, and they are healthier. If you have a cat run, they get the best of both worlds. Keep them safe.

Hakluyt · 22/03/2015 06:12

That's not emotional blackmail- that's them wanting a life. You're thinking about your needs, not theirs.

justyeh · 22/03/2015 06:19

First of all I just want to say do humans stay indoors incase they may get run over by a car, be in a train crash, get murdered... No, would we be happy to stay indoors for the rest of our lives...no.. ok if your cat has never been outdoors or you live in a highrise building then fine keep your cat indoors with plenty to amuse them but if you have a cat that has tasted being outdoors and you have a large garden then it's harder to keep them in and deny them of things cats like to do like climbing trees, chasing mice. There's a couple of things you can do..1) make your garden hard for cat to get out of.. it can be done cheaply with netting and bamboo sticks has cats can't climb these has there too flimsy or roller type things can be fitted along fences to make it impossible for cats to get out. 2) if you don't want to confined your cat to just garden then make it easy for cat to get back in by putting catflap size holes in fence or has mentioned trellis for cat to easily climb back over. Maybe also let your cat out at night just to begin with when it can't be seen by dogs so it gets used to the territory and learns escape routes. Just to add I've owned many cats(or they've owned me) some has long has 21 years to short has 2 years, I'd rather they had short happy life then long miserable one yearning to be doing what cats do.

Buttholelane · 22/03/2015 07:39

You need to look into cat proofing your garden somehow perhaps by attaching mesh to the top of the fence or something.

I think it's very likely they will be attacked otherwise.
There were some disturbing comments earlier in the thread re breeds, I can certainly tell you that an Alsatian is very likely to chase and kill a cat, as they are a high prey drive breed.
Terriers and sight hounds too but the reality is, any dog is capable.

Almost all dogs have some degree of prey drive, most find cats too tempting not to chase and most, I'm sorry to say, if they catch up will grab...

My in laws chihuahua and pug go mental if they see s cat and I have no doubt they would try and shake them, I have met golden retrievers also who love to kill things.
You just can't rely on breed, it's ridiculous to think you can.
Like cats, they are predatory animals.

Cat proof the garden or keep them in.

Cats attacked by dogs die agonising deaths, it's not worth it.

Hakluyt · 22/03/2015 08:07

"I think it's very likely they will be attacked otherwise."

How many cats do you know that have been attacked by dogs? Where do you get your "very likely" from?

Buttholelane · 22/03/2015 08:56

We're not talking about a typical street here where a cat pottering around is unlikely to come into much contact with dogs.

This woman has a offlead dog field directly behind her garden!
Coupled with the fact that her cat actually ran towards a loose dog.
Doesn't look good does it?

Almost all dogs will chase cats, if they catch up with them it's unlikely to end well.
some dogs will run away or past, some might play bow but a sizeable proportion will lunge forward and grab and/or shake.
An agonising death from crush wounds or being torn limb from limb is just not worth it for the sake of a little freedom.

She could try and cat proof her garden or possibly try a harness if they want be out but I think it would be the height of stupidity to let them roam personally.

One has already shown he's not scared of dogs, that would be fine if they are leashed but there's too much of a risk it's going to go wrong when they are loose.

Dogs are quicker than people think, many cats don't get away and it's worse if they do as they tend to crawl off somewhere to die in terrible pain.

chockbic · 22/03/2015 09:02

Have you decided what to do yet?

Hakluyt · 22/03/2015 09:04

How many cats do you know who have been attacked by dogs?

chockbic · 22/03/2015 09:08

There's always risks when you let cats out.

Ours have been around dogs. In town and country.

No attacks or injuries, except when one cat slept in a car engine.

Buttholelane · 22/03/2015 09:11

Your missing the point entirely.

I live in a quiet street where fields, woodland etc is a fair walk away.
Cats here rarely see dogs and if they do, they are leashed so none.

The op's circumstances are entirely different.
Her garden backs onto a field used for off lead exercising ffs.
It's not like her cats are scared either and stay away, her cat actively approached a loose dog.
Sooner or later that won't end well.

chockbic · 22/03/2015 09:19

We aren't, it's just about an individual's perception of risk.

Unless you track your cat, who knows where they go, and what they get up to?