I don’t have a dog, but I currently have three cats. When I introduced the second cat (Bjorn) to the previously only child cat (Avery), my first cat was very unhappy. I was afraid violence would occur if I left the cats unattended, so I made sure they were always supervised. However, I can’t live like this forever. So, I tried my best to get the cats to get along. My training system worked. I’ll share the techniques I used to get my two cats to get along.
These techniques may work for your dog and cat relationship if you’re willing to try them. When I added a third cat to our house, Avery adapted and accepted the third cat much more quickly. I discovered early on that cats can be difficult, but they usually don’t become aggressive bullies unless they are really stressed. Since your cat is bullying your dog, the most likely cause of your cat’s stress is your dog’s existence. Even if your dog is doing nothing to your cat, it may still be stressing your cat out. Here are some products: Go Pet Club Wide Cat Cat Tree Perch – Amazon / Chewy and Trixie Pet Products Minou Cuddly Cave – Amazon / Chewy. We need to fix this because no one should live in a state of potential war at home, especially between two pets they love. I can’t guarantee anything will fix the relationship between your cat and your dog. But I can offer what I think are good ideas that might help. If you have any ideas, please share in the comments as those with this problem need as many potential solutions as possible. Now, let’s get into my ideas. 4 Steps to Help Your Cat Stop Bullying Your Dog. Step 1: Scold your cat whenever you see bad behavior. I had to say this because I’ve seen pet parents laugh and be entertained by some of the bullying behavior cats exhibit and let it happen unless it escalates. Don’t be that person. If your cat thinks it’s okay sometimes, how are they supposed to know where the line is? Scold your cat whenever this behavior occurs so they know you don’t approve.Step 2: Try not to punish your cat harshly for bullying behavior just in case, as they may begin to associate the punishment with your dog. I don’t think you need to go as far as spraying a cat or doing something more negative, especially if your cat’s bullying is very low-key.
Discipline your cat without causing fear or associating bad experiences with your dog. Start by verbally correcting or using a pillow to startle your cat when they display aggression, but avoid using water or vinegar, as this could lead your cat to associate your dog with negative experiences.
Avoid reinforcing bad behavior. Do not play, feed, or cuddle your cat immediately after they have shown aggression towards your dog. Wait until after a timeout and scolding to reward your cat, ensuring that they don’t link violence with positive attention.
Condition your cat to enjoy being around your dog by spoiling them in your dog’s presence. This advanced step aims to reduce anxiety and override the negative associations your cat may have with your dog. Tailor your approach to your cat’s personality and preferences.
Idea 1: Cuddle your cat around your dog. If your cat enjoys lap cuddles, try sitting next to your dog with your cat on your lap. Over time, your cat may become more comfortable and realize that your dog’s presence doesn’t threaten their attention.
Idea 2: Feed your cat around your dog. Use your cat’s love for food to your advantage by feeding them only in your dog’s presence. This can help your cat associate your dog with positive experiences like mealtime.
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I’m a bit crazy and rigged a slow feeder and a timed feeder into one so my cats had to eat together frequently even when I wasn’t there and without stealing each other’s food as it took a lot of effort to get food out of the food toy. Details on how I did it can be found here if you want. But when my third old cat Athos came, he couldn’t figure out the food toy, so now the timed feeder just spills onto the floor. They don’t fight over the food though. Try to get your pets to eat in each other’s presence as it helps foster positivity between them.
PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Cat & Dog Feeder can be found on Amazon/Chewy. Catit Design Senses Food Maze is also available on Amazon/Chewy. Idea 3: Have your cat play while your dog is close but safe inside a carrier; then do the opposite. I’ve noticed that hyper cats can become very aggressive, especially towards things they’re annoyed with or animals they’ve bullied. Put your dog in a carrier and play with your cat around it. Interpet Pet Love Kat Tikkler Feather Wand Cat Toy can be found on Amazon/eBay. Your cat may take a swing at the carrier at first, but your dog will be safe as he/she is inside the carrier. After a few times, your cat will get used to playing in front of the dog without being bothered. Then crate your cat and let him/her watch you play with your dog. If your cat can watch without getting angry, you’re making progress. Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier, Small is available on Amazon. My second cat Bjorn stopped being bullied by my first cat Avery when there was peace while they played. Avery used to get mad when Bjorn played. By crating one cat and having the other play, and then reversing the situation, there was finally peace in my home.BFFs really. You would never have known they didn’t get along at some point.
Have you ever had a situation where one of your cats bullied one of your dogs? How bad did it get? Was it ever violent? Was the situation ever resolved? Do you have any ideas for those dealing with this issue in their own home? How do you think they should try to resolve it? Are there any tips you can think of that you think they should try? Do you think this is the type of situation that can be resolved in almost every circumstance? Do you think some instances are hopeless? I would love to hear your ideas and your stories in the comments down below, and I’m sure so would all those who struggle with this issue and come across this article. Thank you in advance for taking the time to leave your thoughts!
