If your dog has suddenly become aggressive towards your cat, this is a situation that needs to be rectified immediately. Depending on their size and their aggression, dogs can be quite dangerous to cats, and a threatened cat can also be dangerous to a dog. Stop your dog from growling at your cat, and make sure that the matter does not escalate further.
Things You'll Need
- Leash
- Baby gate
Instructions
Separate the dog and the cat for a week or so. In most cases, it is easiest to put the cat in a room where the dog can smell him, but not see him. This is essential if a new animal is in the home, but it can also be used when animals that have previously gotten along start behaving aggressively towards each other.
Set up a baby gate in the doorway. This will keep them separated while they get used to the sight of each other. Monitor them closely while the door is open and there is a baby gate between them. Cats can easily climb baby gates, and determined larger dogs can even knock them down.
Put the dog on a leash and introduce him to the cat in 10-minute sessions. This will allow them to get comfortable with each other. The leash will keep your dog from chasing your cat, but, ideally, keep the leash loose.
Tell your dog ̶0;no,̶1; if he starts growling at your cat, but do not punish him further than that. A dog who is punished for growling might simply cease growling only to proceed to aggressive behavior without a warning.
Lengthen the times when your dog interacts with your cat. If your dog is growing calmer and more friendly, increase the time in the same room with the cat in increments of five minutes. Keep him on a leash, and if he stays quiet around the cat, reward him with praise.
Put your cat and your dog in the same room while your dog is loose. Ideally, after all the time spent acclimating the two animals, they will be friendly or at least leave each other alone.