Some dogs are scared of cats because kittens have razor-sharp, curved blades as claws that slice and dice a soft and sensitive snout. Prey drive is triggered in many dogs by feline size and speed. However, not all dogs are scared of cats. Cats, on the other hand, are frightening to people.
They blow themselves up, create obnoxious noises, and have four paws full of pointy stickers that are painful. Dogs, unlike cats, do not have sharp claws. Cats are tiny and adorable, but they have a secret weapon hidden in their cute, fluffy paws.
What can go wrong when cats are so darn beautiful and fluffy? To begin with, beginning very early in a kitten’s existence, when they are just lovely, they have split-second reflexes.
When you aren’t looking, that sweet little fluffy kitty can slap the dog for some violation the dog had never experienced before.
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Are Cats Aggressive?
A cat is aggressive, lightning-fast, slippery, and agile, with no grey area in its fight or flight response, especially once its anger is released.
Almost all cat aspects are suited for combat and killing; even their loose skin and velvety slick fur have a fighting function. A human is 15 times their weight and capable of crushing their legs or neck, and they are terrified of their capabilities.
Suppose your dog invades a cat’s space; it will probably learn some complex but fundamental boundaries as the cat claws and snatches at its snot and face. It is likely never to forget being slapped by a mama kitty-paw.
Although the cat and dog learn to cohabit as intended with time, respecting each other’s boundaries takes some time. It will all work out as it should, with the cat continuing to teach until the puppy understands.
A cat’s brain has pre-programmed information carried in the cat’s DNA and transferred into the brain during early development. It allows you to rake a dog’s snout with your needle-sharp claws to attack it.
Evolution has made dogs’ brains pre-programmed by growth to recognize that cats’ brains are pre-programmed similarly.
Several good reasons for a dog to be scared, or at least apprehensive, of hostile behavior are stated below.
Reasons Why Dogs Are Scared Of Cats
They Learn Lessons
The cat lesson is as follows: “When you run away from a dog, you become prey. You can either stand your ground or approach the dog, and the dog will become warier and most likely leave you alone.”
The dog lesson is as follows: “You can play with cats, but only in a kind manner. You’ll be disciplined if you’re too rough, and it’ll hurt.”
Permanent Damage
Cats are also good at chopping, slashing, and gouging into the eyes, thin face skin, or tender bellies, perhaps blinding and disemboweling your dog. Even the tiniest frightened cat can cause painful gaping cuts and scrapes.
A huge, angry tomcat or queen protecting her litter, weighing 20 pounds or more, can do lifelong injury.
Previous Incident
If your dog has prior attacks from a cat, it has every right to be afraid of unknown cats. Let’s have a look at an example. When one Border Collie arrives at his new home, he is terrified of cats.
The semi-feral farm cats on the ranch where he grew up were his only experience with cats. However, he can eventually learn that cats are safe, and he has learned to coexist happily with them over time. Cats are tiny, but in the right conditions, they can demand respect.
Claw Lessons
The cat probably gave the dog a lesson about claws when you weren’t looking. The cat has established its boundaries. Give them some time, and they’ll be friends again. Cat claws are sharp, retractable claws that cut a dog’s sensitive snout to ribbons while the cat dances away.
Dogs mainly use their claws for digging, and they are duller yet more durable than cat claws. They can kill cats, but they aren’t usually interested in stuffing their faces with sharp items.
Aggressiveness Between Dogs And Cats
Cats aren’t afraid to exhibit aggression by puffing up their tails, arching their backs, and, worst of all, immediately scratching the dog with a stiff jab at lightning speed.
When it’s an aggressive kitten, it’s amusing, but when it’s an adult cat, the dog has learned to flee when it starts gazing at him.
Germ Warfare May Be Why Dogs Are Scared Of Cats
Cats are also capable of waging germ warfare. If the bite penetrates the tendon sheath, bacteria in a cat’s mouth can cause a severe and painful infection in the tendons when injected by a bite from the cat’s large and sharp canine teeth.
Even if a cat bite does not harm the tendons, it can produce a long-lasting and severe abscess.
Conclusion
Early exposure to social events and varied environments is one of the best methods to ensure your dog is fearless. The more it experiences during its first few months, the less probable it has phobias.
Suppose the desensitization mentioned above and counterconditioning approaches were ineffective. Take heart and know that you can teach an old dog new tricks. A visit to your veterinarian is necessary to rule out any physiological issues driving the behaviors, such as thyroid abnormalities, or an environmental trigger, such as lead poisoning.
On the other hand, your most valuable asset is a dog trainer who can help you and your dog overcome his phobias. A dog-fearing cat is uncommon, but it is treatable.
Your emotional attachment to your pet can often eclipse your ability to train him through his difficulties. Trainers are vital in educating you and your pet on how to interact calmly with other people and pets.
