Why dog dogs hate cats?

While there are dogs that would play with a cat, would sleep snuggled with a cat and would even allow the cat to steal food from his doggie bowl there are also dogs that would chase an easily crush and kill a cat with its powerful jaw. For hundreds of years cats and dogs have been depicted as arch enemies.

The “fighting like cats and dogs” phrase was probably coined from the kind of relationship these animals have. Fighting cats and dogs are depicted in cartoons and for years have been the subject of children’s books. But are these animals really enemies? Is it possible that the feud resulted out of a misunderstanding? 

Dogs are naturally playful animals. Dogs chase each other. Chasing, especially for puppies is so much fun. Chasing the cat can be considered as playtime by the dog however, the very dignified cat would think otherwise. The size of the dog is already intimidating for a cat. The obvious strength would make a cat or any other animal with the cat’s stature to run for their life.

A dog with a wagging tail is conveying its friendly personality. On the other hand, a cat’s wagging tail means anger. Dogs sniff each other when they first meet. Cats would be outraged by this kind of greeting. The result…endless chasing around the room and around the house! The chase would only be stopped if the cat managed to climb a tree. This is not the end though. Every time the dog sees the cat, another chasing scene would ensue.

Cats really do have a reason to hate dogs. Dogs are compulsive hunters. They would hunt and chase anything that moves and that includes cats. Even puppies practice their hunting skills on cats. Cats however are nimble animals that can easily elude the grasp of the dog. This challenges the dog even more. More fights would arise making the dog and the cat in one household arch enemy for life.

Socialization that is started while the dog is still a puppy can correct the dog’s behavior. Socialization is very necessary if the dog is the breed that has a high prey drive. Well mannered dogs would tolerate other smaller pets. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the cat is not left alone with an extremely aggressive unleashed dog. Dog and cat should be separated at meal times. It is important to let the dog and the cat know that they are both a part of the household.