Who is smarter - cats or dogs? Depends on what you mean by this. Intelligence is a completely subjective concept: what seems extremely reasonable to one person is a manifestation of stupidity to another. In relation to domestic animals, each person speaking about intelligence means something different. For one person, the manifestation of a pet’s intelligence lies in the animal’s habits, for another – in absolute obedience, brought to the point of automatism, and for a third, it is enough that the pet knows how to use the toilet and knows where the bowl of water is.
Therefore, each person has his own answer to the question of who is smarter than a cat or a dog. These pets are completely different, and for some people cats are smarter, while for others dogs are smarter.
The cat rushes at the dog
Na-ta-li Really terrible.
Nowadays it is fashionable to remove doors everywhere. My boyfriends also removed all the doors in the apartment. This is not always good, as you can see. But you have only one way out: strictly isolate the animals from each other. Sphinxes fiercely guard their territory and will do so. Moreover, they are not castrated, and it is in their brain that this is the territory for their future offspring. Therefore, all aliens are mercilessly expelled.
I really sympathize with you and feel sorry for the dog.
Na-ta-li Can't the dog be placed separately? Well, maybe somewhere in the hallway, under the stairs? Block it with something? There is no need for invention here when this happens. The cats will not be left behind, I assure you. These are still bastards!
By the way, I read that sphinxes are a rather unique and aggressive breed. It is unlikely that they will agree to peace, and it is unlikely that they will be persuaded.
The main thing is that the dog can be seriously injured. All of them, these cats, rush right into the eyes and nose, that is, into the most vulnerable places. Therefore, the consequences can be serious.
Na-ta-li The fact that we lived normally for a whole month does not mean anything. Then the cats went hormonal, and they decided to get rid of the monster!
Lord, let the dog live on the second floor. Cats are not allowed there. Fence off. Well, something needs to be done! Let them clearly know whose territory is whose.
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Before visiting the forum, read the topic: “How to properly consult a veterinarian,” as well as the list of answers to frequently asked questions, this will help you save your time and get an answer to your question faster. Pay special attention to the document: Symptoms of animal diseases. Perhaps in your situation you cannot expect an answer on the forum, but you need to urgently call a doctor or take the animal to a veterinary clinic!
Before joining the forum, read the following sections, this will help save your time and quickly get an answer to your question:
Attention! Pay special attention to the document “Symptoms of Animal Diseases”. Perhaps in your situation you cannot expect an answer on the forum, but you need to urgently call a doctor or take the animal to a veterinary clinic!
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Assess your dog's interest level
It is important to understand the reasons that prompt your pet to run after cats. Usually they rush off to play with the cat or their innate instinct is triggered.
In this case, it is necessary to intervene to prevent the animals from harming each other. Cats can be very aggressive when protecting their offspring.
When a dog chases a cat as if it were prey, the situation is very serious. The dog may kill him or suffer himself. During the chase, she does not notice what is happening around her. Your pet may get run over by a car or be chased by stray dogs, who will begin to act aggressively against your pet.
Observation
When taking your dog outside, constantly monitor its behavior, and always observe how it reacts to your commands. If a cat appears in your home, do not leave the animals unattended for a month. Encourage both for good behavior, and also strictly reprimand for conflicts that arise.
Nutrition
The dog should not be allowed to eat from the cat's dishes. This causes stress for the cat. He will “take revenge” on the offender, and also show aggression towards him. A very good situation is when the animals’ bowls are nearby, and they calmly react to each other’s proximity while eating.
However, this is not easy to achieve, as the dog will try to eat the cat's treat. Patience, as well as long-term training, will teach your pet not to look into “someone else’s” plate. Exercise your dog should be done regularly. It is important to let her understand how to behave in the presence of a cat. Repeat the exercises many times, encourage your pet and it will lead to results.
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A cat hisses at a dog: possible reasons
Hissing is one of the communication signals for a cat. With this sound, the animal notifies that it is uncomfortable due to stress or pain. Hissing is an emotional manifestation of internal distress in the cat. Most often this is a warning signal or one of the protection options.
A cat may hiss at a dog for a number of different reasons:
So, in most cases, the purpose of a cat hissing is to scare or scare the dog. Therefore, the cat at this moment tries to look intimidating and threatening. A menacing hissing is accompanied by the opening of the mouth and baring of the teeth, pressing of the ears, arching and raising of the fur.
Method two is to train the dog to stop unwanted actions.
If you intend to teach your dog to respond to cats, you will have to teach him to clearly respond to commands.
- Hold a piece of meat in each palm. Bring one hand to your pet's nose and let him smell. Your pet will understand well that there is a “yummy” sandwiched in the palm of your hand. The hand should be kept clamped, not allowing him to get to the treat;
- When trying to get the contents of your fist, pull the dog back and say “ugh”. She must clearly understand that you do not like her behavior. It is important to ignore her behavior and ensure that she stops all attempts to get to the tasty morsel;
- When the pet obeys the “fu” command, praise it and give it a treat from the other hand. Giving treats from a clenched fist that the dog wanted to unclench is not allowed.
- The exercise must be constantly repeated in order to bring the execution of the owner’s commands to automaticity. The dog must, on command, stop trying to get a treat from a clenched fist and sit in front of the owner.
Once the command has been sufficiently practiced, start using it in the presence of the cat. As soon as the animals are nearby, say “fu”. The dog will remember the command and associate it with a treat clenched in his fist. It is important to ensure that he leaves the cat alone at the command “fu” and does not perceive the “tabby” as prey.
How to calm your pet?
Algorithm of actions for the owner if the hissing repeats once or rarely.
So, hissing is a natural communication signal for cats. This is how fluffies communicate that they are uncomfortable or in pain. A cat can hiss at a dog for many reasons: fear and aggression, danger and resentment, jealousy and competition. Touching, stroking or caressing an angry animal is prohibited. If the hissing is repeated rarely, there is no cause for concern - this is a manifestation of hostility between two animals. But if clashes are repeated every day, measures need to be taken.
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Risk for kittens too
Dogs can pose a risk to cat babies. Mother cats are forced to leave their habitats while hunting. A hungry dog doesn't care much about who or what becomes its prey. Because of this, cats would do everything possible to not only hide their kittens as securely as possible, but also to instill as much fear in the neighborhood dogs as possible.
How to make friends between a cat and a dog
Few people know, but in fact, making friends between a cat and a dog can be much easier than making friends between a cat and a cat. The fact is that intraspecific aggression in cats is much more pronounced than interspecific aggression. And, although, in nature, canines are the natural enemies of cats, a cat who has not had negative experiences with dogs will be much more likely to make friends with a calm and friendly dog than with another cat.
In this article, I have the right to talk only about how to work with a cat, since I am not a dog specialist. But it would be completely wrong to approach the problem one-sidedly! Therefore, I will also give some advice on how to work with a dog, based on my experience and the experience of fellow dog handlers.
So, the first thing we must determine before choosing a dating strategy is who is an old-timer and who is new . The old-timer should always get a larger part of the territory, and the new one should get a smaller part. The old-timer should get more attention, and the new guy less. This can be difficult to maintain when a kitten or puppy arrives at home, but you should try to at least maintain a balance and allocate at least half the time for the old-timer to communicate with you personally.
The second thing we need to decide is whether we are going to place an adult animal or a baby . There are pitfalls here. For example, for cats, it will be easier to find a common language with an animal that is smaller or equal in size to them (that is, a puppy). A large dog can be scary even just because it is big and scary.
But dogs may not recognize a friend in a kitten, but mistake it for prey that can be caught and eaten. It will be easier for them to recognize an animal of equal status in an adult cat.
But it will be easier to control an adult dog and prohibit unauthorized contact with the cat. In this sense, there will be problems with the puppy; he will constantly climb up to the cat with games and try to chase it, not understanding what is scaring it.
As a result, no matter who we move in with whom, first of all, we must take care of the organization of the territory. If there is both a cat and a dog in the house, a vertical area for the cat is a must! Without it, it will be difficult to avoid conflicts. Ideally, the cat should be able to walk around each room without touching the floor, and get to all the resources it needs outside the dog’s access. In short, we raise cats’ bowls with food and water above the floor, organize a safe tray or trays out of the dog’s reach (I have a separate article about this), place shelves, cat complexes, beds so that it is convenient for the cat to move around them from points A to point B and sleep on them. It happens that cats, after a dog appears in the house, live for months on the second tier, occasionally going down to the floor. You must provide for all options for the cat’s routes around the house and make sure that at any moment she can jump somewhere and be out of the dog’s reach.
Don't forget that cats have an instinct to hit the eyes with their claws to blind the pursuer. Be sure to trim your cats' claws regularly until they become friends with the baby, otherwise the puppy may suffer eye injuries.
How dangerous is a cat attack?
Many owners of animals, especially large and quite adventurous dogs, worry about cats, which they begin to chase around the yard or down the street if they are given such a chance. In fact, you should worry not about the cat, but about the dog, if its “victim” decides to fight back or take revenge after some time.
It's not about who is stronger, a cat or a dog, but about the method of attack and defense that meowing animals use. No matter how large and scary a dog may be from the point of view of its owner, it will not be able to do anything with a cat clawed into its muzzle with the claws of two (and sometimes all four!) paws.
Cats rarely rush onto a dog's back, at the withers or scruff of the neck. The exception is forest and wild reed cats. A domestic cat, like a city cat living on the street, is practically not attacked in this way. However, this does not mean that they cannot do the same. For example, a considerable number of cats prefer to jump onto a dog that is offending them from a tree or from a fence. But such cases are typical for cats harboring a sense of revenge, that is, it is a stretch to consider such behavior a typical way of displaying aggression.
Genetics
One explanation for the thousand-year enmity may be genetic predestination. Dogs belong to the canine family and are predators. Predators regard animals that are smaller than them as game. Representatives of fighting breeds are especially dangerous for cats; aggression in their behavior is fixed at the genetic level.
There is also a reverse version: when the Earth was inhabited by the prototypes of modern dogs and saber-toothed tigers, representatives of the cat family hunted canines. The latter developed a feeling of hostility, which could be fixed at the genetic level.
Cats are not social
The second version is that cats are the ones who don’t like dogs. While dogs often gather in packs, cats, on the contrary, prefer to lead a solitary lifestyle. This is due to the fact that representatives of the cat family, for the most part, do not like to contact other individuals. If a cat is hostile towards its relatives, what can we say about relationships with representatives of another species. Often, a dog attacking a cat is simple curiosity or a response to a provocation.
Which cats attack more often?
Any cat attacks a dog if it gives it a reason. But there are also cat breeds that are more prone to aggression. The Siamese breed is considered to be the most “vicious”. Moreover, they are not only evil, but also extremely cunning.
However, Siamese do not rush into battle just like that. If a Siamese cat attacked a dog, then there was a reason. And anything can be a reason for aggression. Each animal has its own reason. Some cats feel extremely offended if a dog licks their bowl, while others are completely calm about it. Some cats remember for years the dog that once attacked them and are capable of showing aggression even after several years. Others, on the contrary, will avoid the offender, run away, and climb a tree at the sight of a bully dog.
Aggressive behavior occurs least often in Classic Persians. Such a cat attacks a dog in exceptional situations in which there is simply no other way out. For example, protecting your kittens, or a plate of delicious sausage that the owner’s dog decided to lay claim to.
It's about enzymes
The fourth version is associated with the different structure of organisms. There is a theory that representatives of the cat family produce a certain special enzyme that negatively affects the subconscious of dogs, making them aggressive and agitated. This theory could explain everything, but it falls apart due to the fact that many cats and dogs are friends and even spend most of their time together without experiencing discomfort.
Dogs are vindictive
The feud between cats and dogs may stem from their first meeting. Dogs remember unpleasant situations for a long time, and their line of behavior is developed quickly. Cats, on the contrary, prefer to first observe for a long time and then draw conclusions. If during the first meeting of animals the cat reacted aggressively to the dog, the latter will remember this and subsequently behave the same way.
Boredom and desire to play
Once again, different language comes into play. If the puppy wants to show his affection, to play, he wags his tail, which the cat again sees as aggression.
The dog is ready for communication and pampering, she wants to play catch. But the cat doesn’t like this type of communication. She is not happy when boundaries are violated and personal contact is made. And if there were any other animal in the place of the dog, the purr would act the same way.
Let's imagine that a puppy came to meet a cat and it lowered its ears, arched its back, wagging its tail a little - all signs to attack the noisy and pestering creature. How does the dog understand this? Indeed, in his language it is precisely this behavior that is associated with the latter’s subordination. The puppy naively believes that the cat is afraid and a “joyful meeting” occurs after which the dog will remember for the rest of his life that it is better not to meet with cats and there is no need to expect anything good from it.
Why does a domestic cat attack and bite its owner?
In most cases, the reason for aggressiveness lies in psychology. The animal is driven to such behavior by a wide variety of emotions. In the absence of pathology, a disgruntled cat always warns of a possible attack:
presses ears, moving them back;
arches tail and back;
raises the fur along the spinal column;
turns sideways to the enemy;
makes hissing or rumbling sounds.
If you notice such behavior, leave your pet alone and carefully analyze what triggered it. By eliminating the irritating factor, you will avoid new outbursts of anger.
Illness or pain
If a previously affectionate cat has become aggressive and attacks its owner, then the reason for this behavior may lie in pain. A paw injured as a result of an unsuccessful landing reacts sharply to even the most gentle touches. A pet may attack a person in order to prevent contact with a sore limb.
Pain syndrome is characteristic not only of injuries, but also of some diseases: arthritis, infections, pathologies of the oral cavity. Monitor closely for accompanying symptoms. If apathy, sleep disturbances and poor appetite appear, it is better to get checked at a veterinary clinic.
Another possible cause of attack is deterioration or complete loss of functionality of one of the senses. Impaired hearing, vision and smell interfere with the normal perception of the real picture, distorting the protective function. Most often, this problem occurs in old age.
Bad Education
Frequent play with human hands becomes a habit. As a kitten ages, its claws lengthen and become sharper. The damage from such “cold weapons” is much more serious than in childhood. A mustachioed pet, accustomed to the absence of punishment, will not only play with his hands, but also take out his dissatisfaction on them.
If a cat does not like to sit in the arms of strangers, then in a noisy company she will easily release her claws at anyone who dares to touch her. This behavior is especially dangerous when a small child appears, exploring the world through touch.
Self-defense
Claws and teeth are used not only for attack, but also for defense. Aggressive behavior is explained by ordinary fear. Sudden awakening, a sharp grab or forceful holding are perceived as a threat. Most often, cats simply hiss and run away in the hope of hiding in a secluded place. If all escape routes are blocked, they will fight until victory.
"Evil" by nature
Let’s make a reservation in advance, cats that show idiopathic (unexplained) aggression are not “bad”; they get along quite well with people, with a reasonable approach to education.
The list of “evil” includes: Siamese cats – have an innate “cult of the owner”. Considering the age of the breed and the history of its breeding, the scratching Siamese is still “flowers”. It is believed that the ancestors of Siamese cats killed people who tried to lie to the pharaohs. Most often, problems arise due to jealousy of the owner, that is, the cat loves one family member, and attacks others.
White cats – presumably, aggression is associated with “Angora blood”. Most white Angoras are born deaf, which makes them more vulnerable. Fear and self-preservation instincts force the cat to show excessive hostility “just in case.”
Blue cats - the only assumption that justifies "evil" is the natural distrust that most representatives of this color have. The person shows excessive persistence, which frightens the cat.
Cats that have experienced abuse are also at risk. Abnormal aggression is extremely rare, but it is almost impossible to stop. The owners cannot predict the behavior of the ward; now she purrs and caresses, and a second later, as if at the flick of a switch, she flies into a rage.
When purchasing an animal from a “risk group”, you should carefully weigh your strengths; sometimes, adjusting behavior does not help and the owner has only one option - sedatives for cats in case of aggression. Before starting treatment, read the article to the end. Most types of aggression are understandable and can be stopped. Generally speaking, an animal can become angry for 3 reasons - competition, pain or fear.
Cases of critical aggression
In addition to the situations discussed, uncontrolled aggression is also possible. To repay it, medical intervention is necessary. Otherwise, the animal, which finds itself in an insane state, can cause fatal injuries to people.
Unsatisfied sexual instinct
Neglect of castration and lack of mating can result in a serious problem in the future. Unsatisfied sexual instinct does not go away over the years, but constantly accumulates. As a result, in the middle or end of life, accumulated energy is redirected in a negative direction. Behavioral disorders occur, accompanied by increased nervousness and outbursts of aggression.
20 years ago, my uncastrated 9-year-old cat began to attack me, my mother, and, worst of all, my little sister for no reason. Then there was no money and ample opportunity to study why this happened, all that was left was guesswork. Later, I kept hearing from friends: an uncastrated domestic cat went crazy, caused serious injuries, and had to be euthanized. And a friend of my grandmother almost lost her arm. So castration is humane both in relation to the cat and in relation to others.
The cat has gone crazy - literally
Cat madness is a rare phenomenon in veterinary medicine. In 99% of cases, aggression is associated with psychological trauma, poor upbringing, self-defense or pain. A mental disorder can only be determined using laboratory diagnostics.
If your pet attacks members of your household, make an appointment with a veterinarian. In the absence of pathologies and a stable mental state, he may need a zoopsychologist.
Rabies
The rabies virus is deadly to humans, so it is necessary to clearly know the main signs of its manifestation. When infected, the following is noted:
aggressiveness or apathy;
fear of light and water;
perverted appetite (eating inedible objects).
The patient should be isolated in a separate room to prevent the spread of the virus. There is no cure for this infection. The only way to protect yourself is timely vaccination.
Aggression caused by pain or fear
A cat driven into a corner, seeing no way out and no support, is not easily afraid; it fears for its life. Everything that frightens must be destroyed - it is an instinct and cannot be eradicated, the main question is the degree of fright:
Mild - despite being frightened, the cat can approach or sniff the frightening object. For example, introducing an adult cat to a small kitten.
Average - a pet that has been examined by a veterinarian behaves with restraint, the cat’s body is tense and compressed, the tail is tucked, it seems that the cat wants to become smaller. Just support your pet; the cat will not panic when it feels protected.
Heavy - the animal attacks everything that is nearby. They use teeth, claws, hissing, threatening poses and releasing secretions from the anal glands. In fact, it looks like a “typhoon” rushing throughout the room. Do not try to stop the animal, much less pick it up. Until you calm down completely, you need to leave the room, if possible. If a panic attack occurs outside the home, it is necessary to wrap up the animal, closing its eyes and temporarily placing the aggressor in a cramped, enclosed space - a carrier or box.
Very severe - accompanied by involuntary bowel movements and bowel movements, the pupils are dilated, the mouth is open. A condition that is dangerous not only for others, but also for the cat. Symptoms indicate that the maximum dose of adrenaline is released into the blood and the heart muscle is working “to the limit.” Do not touch the animal with your hands and protect your face! It is recommended to carefully cover the cat with a box or blanket and leave it alone for a while, without moving it.
What should an owner do if a cat bites and attacks?
You can understand what to do if a cat attacks its owner using the reason for its aggressiveness. The problem that arises can be solved by proper education or treatment.
Bring up
Regardless of the reason for the pet’s inappropriate behavior, retaliatory aggression on the part of the owner is unacceptable. Animals respond best to being ignored. If the attack occurs while playing together, demonstratively leave the room and do not come into contact with the cat until it realizes its mistake.
Education begins from the first days of the appearance of a mustachioed pet in the house. If the moment has already been missed, then more time will be required. It is more difficult for adults to overcome established habits than for kittens.
The following recommendations will be useful for retraining your cat:
Avoid playing with your hands. Reconsider your arsenal of toys in favor of teasing fishing rods and mice that are suitable for displaying the hunting instinct.
Don’t break away when another conflict arises. Gently remove your hand when the grip loosens and leave the room immediately.
Buy a scratching post. Make sure the type you choose is suitable for your pet. The scratching post will not only shorten the length of the claws, but will also absorb some of the energy.
Use a spray bottle. A jet of water is the ideal tool to prevent unwanted actions.
Get another pet. If the cause of aggression lies in a lack of attention, then an additional playmate will quickly solve the problem.
Be patient. Over time, your efforts will definitely bring results.
Treat
If a disease is detected, the problem is eliminated after it is cured. Prolonged and frequent attacks require a mandatory check with a veterinarian.
A cat with an unsatisfied sexual instinct will have to undergo castration. If you have a mental disorder, you will need long-term drug treatment, but rabies cannot be cured. The patient will have to be isolated in a special box to confirm or refute the disease. A positive prognosis is only possible if you are vaccinated against the virus.
A harness is the best escape remedy
Many owners of particularly nervous and impressionable animals have more than once caught their pets in the doctor's office. There is nothing pleasant about trying to pull a frightened and screaming cat out of a trash can or other “secluded place”! To avoid devastating consequences, you can use a harness:
The harness must be selected based on the size and weight of the pet. If the cat is larger, it may suffocate. If it’s less, he’ll simply wriggle out of the “harness” and run away safely.
In order to accustom the animal to limiting its movements in advance, it is necessary to regularly walk it for at least three or four days using a harness.
The “harness” must be put on the cat before leaving the house, and a leash must be attached to it directly at the clinic reception. When the cat starts to get nervous, this will not be so easy.
In addition to the harness, it is better for owners of large and “uncontrollable” cats to prepare a muzzle in advance (there are special cat models). Please note that in some clinics they simply will not accept aggressive and very frightened animals without it!
In addition, do not forget about a simple trick: if the cat is very nervous and reacts poorly to other people and is terribly afraid of dogs, it is better to arrange an appointment with a specialist in advance at the busiest time or directly at home.
How to reduce the risk of aggression and raise an affectionate animal
An affectionate animal can only grow up in a caring and loving family. Never, under any circumstances, use physical punishment. Your hands should only be associated with affection.
Try to talk with your pet often and study its habits. If dissatisfaction appears, accompanied by warning signals, do not test his patience, but immediately stop the unpleasant actions.
If a cat grows up next to a child, make sure that the child knows how to handle it carefully. Stop sudden grabbing and squeezing.
Historical reasons
A dispute between two dogs is often resolved without actual fighting because dogs have inherited a complex set of signals from the wolf, their ancestor. These signals stop the animal when it sees a more dangerous opponent. Cats, unlike dogs, originate from solitary predators. They lack such abilities because they do not have such a frequent need for contact. It follows that cats are more cautious, especially in deciding whether to get into a fight or not.
Dogs were domesticated by early hunter-gatherers approximately 15,000 years ago, if not earlier. One can only speculate whether they were then “man’s best friends” or not. By the time cats appeared, dogs had already played a significant role in human life: they hunted next to him, guarded houses, herded and drove livestock, and even kept him warm on cold nights.
Cats first showed an interest in human homes about 10,000 years ago . Although this can be called a kind of opportunism. In those days, the human habit of storing food led to the emergence of house mice as a serious pest. Only since the time of the ancient Egyptians has the first evidence of cohabitation between cats and humans been visible. Dogs have had the advantage for thousands of years of being well cared for by their owners, while very few cats have been able to do the same.
