Why Do Dogs Kill Cats Even When They Don’t Eat Them?
Contents
Dogs and cats are the two most popular pets, and many live together peacefully. Cartoons show them as enemies, but the real story is more about instinct than hate.
Some dogs do chase and even kill cats. Yet most of them never eat the cat afterward. Why?
Dogs that kill cats are usually acting on predatory instinct. Chasing, grabbing and killing are separate parts of the hunting sequence, and in many dogs the urge to chase is strong while the urge to eat the catch is weak or missing. Well-fed pet dogs have no hunger driving them to finish the sequence.
Below, we look at why this happens and how to keep your cat safe.
Why Do Dogs Kill Cats Even When They Don’t Eat Them?
Hunting is a chain of behaviors: spotting, stalking, chasing, grabbing, killing and eating. Each step can be triggered on its own.
Thousands of years of breeding have strengthened some steps and weakened others. Herding dogs, for example, have a strong urge to stalk and chase but rarely kill. Some terriers and sighthounds were bred to chase and catch.
A fleeing cat is a strong trigger for the chase. A dog can grab and kill a cat in the excitement without any interest in eating it, especially when it is already well fed.
This is also why hunting dogs are useful to people. They chase and retrieve game without eating it.
Why Do Dogs Kill Cats?
The most common reason is predatory behavior, set off by a cat that runs. Fear, poor socialization with cats and rough play can also play a role.
According to the ASPCA’s guide to dog aggression, predatory attacks rarely come with a warning. The dog may not growl or show its teeth first.
If you have a cat and a dog, introduce them slowly and under supervision. Many dogs and cats raised together become good companions.
Do Dogs Kill Cats Always?
No. Most dogs never kill a cat.
Attacks are more likely with dogs that have a strong prey drive and haven’t lived with cats. Cats also escape by climbing trees, fences or furniture.
Is It Normal For Dogs To Chase Cats?
Chasing is a normal canine behavior, because dogs are drawn to small things that run. That doesn’t make it safe.
A dog that chases cats can injure or kill one, even if it seems playful. Even dogs that know a cat well can hurt it during rough play because of their size. Supervise play between them.
Can You Stop A Dog From Killing Cats?
You can greatly lower the risk. The main approach is limiting the dog’s access to cats.
Keep the dog leashed outdoors, and use secure fencing and separate areas at home. A dog that has already killed a cat should never be left alone with one.
Ask your veterinarian to rule out medical problems. Then work with a veterinary behaviorist or a certified applied animal behaviorist.
Final Words
Dogs kill cats mainly because of predatory instinct. The chase and the kill are triggered separately from eating, and a well-fed dog has little reason to eat its catch.
Some people believe Dogs will only eat animals they killed when they are hungry, but in most pet dogs the sequence simply stops before the eating stage.
Sources
- Aggression in Dogs, ASPCA
