* Cats are good at understanding objects: They can usually tell the difference between a living creature and an inanimate object.
* No threat: A soft toy dog doesn't pose any threat to a cat. It can't move, bite, or make any threatening sounds.
* Curiosity vs. Fear: Cats are naturally curious and might be more interested in investigating the toy than being scared of it.
* Individual Cat Personality: Some cats might be more sensitive than others and could react with a little caution, but it's not likely to be fear.
However, there are some exceptions:
* Toy looks too realistic: If the toy dog looks very realistic, a cat might be momentarily startled or confused, especially if it's suddenly moved or makes a noise.
* Cat has a history of fear: If a cat has had a negative experience with dogs in the past, it might be more wary of any dog-like objects, even a toy.
Overall, a soft toy dog is unlikely to scare a real cat. They're more likely to be curious about it or simply ignore it.