http://www.care2.com/greenliving/is-your-cat-a-bully.html
Is Your Cat a Bully?
The truth about cats and dogs is that dogs are not always the bullies. Some cats torment their canine roommates. It isn’t about physical size; it’s all about attitude. I’ve seen a cat take on a German Shepherd and send that big dog fleeing in fear. Bully cats want to control practically every situation. They may even attempt to push their people around, too, by demanding meals when they want them and nipping hands when they have decided they have received enough petting.
If your cat is a threat to your dog; there’s help! According to Arden Moore in The Cat Behavior Answer Book (Storey, 2007), bully cats do not accept punishment or corrections, but they do have a weak spot–they want attention. Use that to your advantage. Retraining a bossy feline is much like training a dominant dog. Start by exercising your cat more frequently to expend some of his excessive energy and turn his attention to you instead of your poor dog. Protect your hands by engaging him in games with a fishing pole toy or cat teaser (a coiled wire with a small bundle of lightweight wood on one end that moves erratically, imitating the movement of a butterfly).
With regard to protecting your dog, the first step is to stop the attack. Look for early warning signs and stop a fight before it starts. Right before an attack, a cat will typically dip his head, arch his back end, and shimmy a bit. If you see this, try to remain calm. Scolding and high-pitched shrieks may only serve to fuel any aggression. Instead, step in and try distracting with food treats, a favorite toy, or spend a moment rubbing under his chin. Cats can’t be happy and mad a the same time.
Separate the two when you cannot be around to supervise them. Avoid having them together during high-energy times, like at mealtimes ad when you arrive home. Reintroduce them when they are both tired–for instance, after you have played with your cat and taken your dog for a brisk walk. When you do reintroduce them, keep your dog on a leash and let him learn your cat’s signals. Do this until you see that both pets are calm. Then unleash your pup. Finally, make sure your cat’s claws are trimmed to avoid any injuries.
Do you have dog versus cat in your home? Does your cat wear the pants in the family? Share stories of your bully cat in the comments…
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31 comments
add your comment »I've been very fortunate, my cats and dogs only play. Thanks for the article!
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I have three cats, two females and one male. Binks, the male cat seems to be getting beat up all the time by Hymie. Hymie is the "Queen" of the house. I have found Hymie trying to beat up the youngest of the three, Kitten. Kitten knows when not to get involve when Hymie is pouncing on Binks. This often happens early in the morning and when I return from work later in the day. Does anyone else have this happening to them too?
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I have 3 cats. Sylvester, a stray cat I've adopted 5 years ago seems to be the real bully, sure, Avril bullys Tommy every now and then, but Sylvester not just bullies other cats; he kills rabbits too!!!
It is like its his mission to attack every other animal under the sun, except Avril of course because he has a crush on her. He hits, bites, chases, kills at times, and the funny thing is he doesnt even look humans in the eye!
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I have no cat and dog problem, since I have no dog (yet) but I have 2 cats. I had the older one for 5 months when I adopted the little one from the street, a kitten 2 weeks old. The first days I had to keep them separately because of course Bantú, the older didn't like the idea of sharing me.
About one week after Tricu's arrival, though the problem wasn't jealousy. Bantu decided that this litle thing living with us must have been some kind of mouse for her to play with. It was both funny and a bit dangerous to see them playing together. anyway now they eat, play, sleep and do everything together but sometimes i find bantú hiding from her playfull sister.
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My cat, Sassy, is not a bully...she's very shy and skittish but she had my Rottweiler cowed. She used to walk around him hitting him with her tail and he'd just look at my like, "Mom, she's touching me!" I think she thought he was her boyfriend and he put up with it. Since he died, I think she really misses him.
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No my pets are not bullies....
my two dogs are the sweetest things ever and my cat is somewhat independent, but still likes to be a part of the family...
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Where is your editor? Two errors in the second paragraph!
And I do have a cat that's a bully. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm sure he does need more exercise!
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At first, I thought my Jack's pouncing on Princess was his being a bully, then I observed him doing it to everyone else, too. I noticed it with Princess because she isn't very social and tends to do a lot of growling. I realized it is because he is bored and wants to play. If another cat doesn't know how, like Mesmer (a rocky kittenhood with poor socialization), he is happy to teach them.
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sorry for the double posting. i didn't think the first one had gone through.
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one cat - peanut url - tries to be a bully, but head cat tina won't let him.
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