Ginger and white cat standing on rock looking down at large tan color dog
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Cat Aggression Towards Dog? 8 Proven Steps To Stop It

BySusan Nilson

I’m lucky enough to share my life with four rescue dogs and six rescue cats and I know all too well that sometimes our feline friends can get a bit feisty with the dogs. 

But don’t worry, there’s always a reason for it.

From the cat’s point of view, at least.

Once you understand why your cat might be acting aggressively toward your dog, you’ll be better prepared to deal with the behavior.

This article will explore the most likely reasons behind your cat’s aggression towards your dog, as well as the best way to address it.

Types Of Aggression In Cats Towards Dogs

There are several common triggers that can cause pet cats to become aggressive towards the family dog.

Territory

Cats have a strong sense of territory. 

They carve out their own spaces and can see any intrusion, like your dog’s presence, as a challenge to their domain. 

To your cat, her territory is her sanctuary, where she calls the shots. 

When the dog barges in, it can throw off this delicate balance, causing her to feel stressed and anxious.

Perceiving Dogs As Threats

Even if your dog means no harm, your cat may initially perceive him as a potential threat purely because of his size and the way he moves around, especially if he’s one of those dogs who bounces around full of energy.

Our cat Kasper had a rocky start in life. 

He was a tiny orphan kitten trying to survive on a golf course of all places.

To make things worse, he had a run-in with a fox. 

Even though Kasper was a sociable and self-assured young cat, he was extremely cautious during his first encounter with our dog, Roman. 

Roman’s size and his similar coloring to a fox likely made him extra wary, understandably.

Large tan dog looking down at fearful tabby kitten
Cat Kasper was quite wary of Roman when they first met © The Cat and Dog House

Fear

Fear, stress, and anxiety are common responses in cats when they cross paths with a dog. 

However, how they react can vary significantly. 

For some cats, a prior negative experience with a dog might contribute to their fear-driven aggression.

Some cats might respond with aggression, while others may opt for avoidance tactics. 

Initial responses in a fearful cat can range from a cautious hiss to defensive aggression and lashing out, especially if your dog is the exuberant type. 

Lack Of Socialization

Cats that have been appropriately socialized during their kittenhood may be more adaptable to new situations, including living with dogs. 

Good socialization exposes kittens to various experiences and individuals and creates positive associations with them, making them less likely to perceive dogs as threats as they get older.

However, if a cat has not been properly socialized with dogs during their crucial early development stage (around 2-7 weeks of age), they may not feel comfortable with them or know how to interact with them. 

This lack of previous experience can lead to aggressive behaviors.

In our house of rescue cats, the more social and confident cats are fine with our dogs, whereas their less social, more skittish counterparts usually prefer to keep their distance.

If one of the dogs accidentally gets too close – especially when they’re resting – they may well lash out.

Overstimulation

Sometimes cats get aggressive when they get overstimulated during petting (see my article on petting-induced aggression) or play.

For example, our cat Oakley and dog Roman like to play chase games, but Oakley will occasionally lash out at Roman if things get a little too heated for his liking.

Ginger and white cat standing on rock near at large tan color dog
Roman and Oakley like to play, but cat Oakley won’t hesitate to switch to aggression if play gets a little too rough for his liking © The Cat and Dog House

Redirected Aggression

Sometimes, a cat may become aggressive towards a dog when she is agitated by a situation but cannot access the source of her irritation. 

For instance, your cat sees another cat in the yard from indoors and becomes frightened or annoyed.

She can’t get to the other cat, and so instead she redirects her agitation towards the nearest target, which just so happens to be the hapless dog.

Individual Variability

Just like people, every cat is unique, and their response to dogs can vary significantly. 

Some cats may adjust to a dog’s presence relatively quickly, while others may require an extended period to become comfortable.

Medical Problems

Sometimes, cat aggression towards dogs can be the result of an underlying medical condition. 

It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any health problems that may be causing your cat pain, discomfort, or stress. 

Pain or illness can undoubtedly contribute to aggressive behavior, but it can be hard for cat owners to recognize that their cat may be suffering because cats are so good at hiding it.

By addressing any potential medical issues, you can help your cat feel more at ease and reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior towards your dog.

Gradual Adjustment

Cats typically don’t take well to sudden changes, especially in their territory. 

So just be aware that your cat will probably need a gradual adjustment period if you are introducing a new dog to the household.

I’ve introduced cats and dogs many times over the year, so I created a video to help pet owners make a smooth transition:

Signs And Body Language Of A Potentially Aggressive Cat

Recognizing the signs and body language of an aggressive cat is crucial in managing their behavior and ensuring the safety of both the cat and the dog. 

Some common signs of aggression in cats include:

If your cat displays any of these signs, it is important to give her space and avoid any confrontations.

If you can safely remove your dog, perhaps by putting him on a leash and luring him away with a treat, it’s best to do so. 

Attempting to intervene or force any interaction between your cat and dog could escalate the aggression further. 

Managing Cat Aggression Towards Dogs

If your cat is being aggressive towards your dog, there are several steps you can take to manage the situation and, hopefully, improve their relationship:

#1. Create A Safe Environment

Establishing boundaries and providing separate areas for your cat and dog is crucial for managing aggression.

This can be achieved through several measures:

Set Up A Safe Space 

The first step is to give each pet their own space where they can relax, feel safe, and retreat whenever they choose. 

This will help minimize any potential conflicts between them and avoid the potential danger of either pet getting hurt.

Use Baby Gates Or Barriers

Install baby gates or use barriers to create physical boundaries between your cat and dog. 

This way, they can see and smell each other without direct physical contact, allowing them to gradually become familiar with each other’s presence.

We have often used dog gates with a little cat door at the bottom, so the cats have access to a certain part of the house but the dogs do not.

Fluffy black cat walking through cat door in larger dog gate towards gray and white cat
A dog gate with a smaller cat door is an ideal way to keep a cat’s and dog’s space separate © The Cat and Dog House

Create Hiding Spots

Set up hiding spots for your cat where she can retreat when feeling overwhelmed or threatened, or any other time she wants to. 

This can be a cozy bed, a cardboard box, or again, a designated room where the cat can have some alone time.

Cats love to hide, and studies show that having a hiding place can significantly reduce a cat’s stress levels, and it’s such an easy thing to implement.

Separate Feeding Areas

Cats can be territorial when it comes to food, and your cat may not appreciate your dog coming near when she’s eating. 

It’s best to have separate feeding areas for your cat and dog to avoid any potential conflicts.

We have all our cat feeding stations on elevated surfaces, so they can eat in peace without having to worry about the dogs.

Provide Vertical Spaces

Cats feel safe and secure when they have access to high places. 

Install cat trees, shelves, or perches where your cat can climb and observe from a distance while feeling safe.

Tabby cat perched on high shelf looking down
Cats often like to perch high up so they can safely survey their surroundings © The Cat and Dog House

#2. Supervise Interactions

If your cat is being aggressive toward your dog, you may want to consider separating them for a while to allow everyone some time and space to calm down and de-stress.

You can then gradually introduce them to each other in a controlled environment while rewarding them for calm behavior in the presence of each other.

Be ready to use toys to distract and redirect their focus when necessary. 

It’s really important to be patient and go at the animals’ pace so they both have time to adjust. 

Again, it’s a good idea to use a dog gate or baby gate so the pets can see each other, but your cat doesn’t have physical access to your dog. 

This way, your cat will find it easier to stay calm.

It’s less stressful for your dog, too.

You also want to keep an eye on your dog’s body language so you can make sure he’s calm and relaxed and not feeling stressed or agitated.

#3. Provide Individual Attention

Spend quality one-on-one time with each pet, playing, giving them attention, and making sure their individual needs are met.

This will also help to strengthen the bond between you and each pet, creating a positive atmosphere in the household overall.

#4. Exchange Scents

Scent swapping is a handy technique for getting a cat and a dog used to each other’s scents, usually while they are being kept separate. 

You can do this by swapping over their bedding or blankets every day or two, or by rubbing a cloth on one pet and presenting it to the other for sniffing.

This helps them get familiar with each other’s smell, potentially reducing anxiety, fear, or aggression when they encounter each other. 

Even better, pair the scent with a reward. 

So when your cat sniffs the dog’s blanket, give her a yummy treat so she starts to build up a positive association with the dog’s scent.

#5. Positive Reinforcement Training 

Positive reinforcement training techniques can be an extremely effective way to manage cat aggression toward dogs. 

Positive reinforcement means rewarding a pet when they do something you like. 

This makes them more likely to do it again.

At the same time, they are less likely to engage in undesirable behaviors that go unrewarded.

Here’s how you can implement positive reinforcement training:

Reward Good Behavior 

When your cat displays calm behavior around your dog, reward her with yummy, high-value treats. 

Make your food rewards something delicious that she absolutely loves and doesn’t normally get.

This will help her build up a positive association with the dog’s presence.

In the same way, you can reward your dog with a food treat for being calm around the cat.

If he is irritated or stressed by her aggressive behavior, this will help him build up a more positive association with her.

Use Clicker Training 

Clicker training can also help with modifying your cat’s behavior towards your dog. 

By learning to associate the clicker sound with a reward, you can train your cat to respond positively in the presence of the dog.

It’s also a great way to give your cat a mental workout and engage her brain, meaning she’ll be less emotionally reactive all around.

This video from Cat School Clicker Training shows how it works:

#6. Mental Stimulation

Providing food puzzle toys and playing interactive games with your cat gives her an outlet for those innate hunting instincts, and like clicker training, will engage her brain.

The thinking brain inhibits the emotional brain, meaning that the more you can engage your cat’s brain, the less emotionally reactive she’ll be around your dog.

Think about it like this, if you are really angry, it can be hard to think straight.

But if you are immersed in a task, you’re less likely to react emotionally when something goes wrong.

It’s exactly the same for our pets and we can use it to our advantage when working with behavior issues.

#7. Consistency And Routine

Establish a consistent routine for both pets, including feeding times, play sessions, walks (for your dog), and litter box maintenance (for your cat). 

By providing structure, you help reduce stress levels for both the cat and the dog, minimizing potential triggers for aggression. 

If they know what to expect and when to expect it, everyone can relax.

#8. Seek Professional Help

If your cat’s aggression issues persist or escalate, it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance from a qualified feline behavior consultant. 

They will be able to assess the situation and provide guidance on a customized behavior modification plan to help promote harmony between the cat and dog. 

They will also be able to help you address any underlying causes of the aggression and provide tailored solutions for your specific situation.

Cat-Dog Compatibility

Last of all, it’s important to recognize that not all cats and dogs are a good match. 

Certain dog breeds may have a high prey drive or be prone to territorial aggression, making it difficult for them to coexist peacefully with a cat. 

Making sure both pets stay safe should always be the top priority, with the goal of setting up the environment to avoid both cat and dog aggression.

Gray dog sleeping on red plaid blanket cuddled up to tabby and white cat
With careful management and controlled exposures, cats can usually learn to co-exist happily alongside their canine housemates. Cat Rainbow and dog Daisy were both rescued from bad situations off the street, yet quickly became firm friends © The Cat and Dog House

Breed Characteristics

As I mentioned, some dog breeds have strong prey drives, making them more inclined to chase or view small animals, like cats, as prey. 

Breeds like Border Collies and Terriers are known for their herding instincts and may display a strong interest in a cat.

Similarly, certain cat breeds may be more or less tolerant of dogs. 

While Siamese cats are often social and outgoing, breeds like Maine Coons are known for their laid-back and friendly nature, which may make them more adaptable to living with dogs.

Individual Personalities

The unique personalities of your cat and dog play a significant role in determining their compatibility. 

Each animal is an individual with distinct preferences and behaviors.

Assess your cat’s and dog’s temperament, energy levels, and sociability. 

A cat with a confident and outgoing personality may be better equipped to handle a dog’s presence, while a more reserved cat might require a more gradual introduction.

Similarly, some dogs are naturally gentle and patient, while others may be more excitable. 

Age Considerations

Young kittens and puppies may be more adaptable and open to forming new bonds compared to older, more established pets.

When introducing a kitten to a dog, they often have a better chance of developing a friendly relationship as they grow up together. 

The early experiences they share can shape their interactions.

Older cats can also adapt to new companions, but it may require more patience and a slower introduction process. 

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Accredited Canine and Feline Behavior Professional | Author | Editor

Susan Nilson is an accredited cat and dog training and behavior professional, a published author, and former editor of BARKS from the Guild, the official trade publication of the Pet Professional Guild. She shares her life with the six fabulous rescue cats and four equally fabulous rescue dogs she's acquired on her world travels, ranging from Dubai to Los Angeles to Finland. When she moves country, they go too (obviously!) and have clocked thousands of air miles between them. Her goal is to help cat and dog parents better understand their pets, with a view to keeping more pets in their forever homes.