These aggressive,, potentially dangerous animals are predators by nature! Apple Allen from Alabama on June 25, 2018: I read this because last week my dog, who was born in my house and grew up with my cats, grabbed one of the cats. A few months later, the same dog bit through our new cage and got 2 more rabbits. I walked her over to my front porch and laid her down. However, there were some instances where the cats would swipe at my dog if he walked by, and if they lunged at him, a fight would break out. I am so sorry for your loss.Because of my experiences with pitts in my life, I feel that it may not have been malice or aggression. A neighbor whos fence faces a neigbor three houses down for me -their pit bull jumped his fence ran toward me and my dogs and killed my little six pound dog right in front of me. There has never been a fuss. I'm trying to figure out how to deal with this and need advice on how to move forward with my dog and our relationship. That does not seem like a minor issue to me. Does the dog sence that there is something wrong with the cat? Understanding what may have happened requires distancing yourself from the horrific event and seeing beyond the emotions. Now I'm afraid for the Shepard to play the chase game with my terrier. ‘My baby boy’ | The dog that killed his cat wasn’t declared dangerous because of state law In Texas, the law says an animal can only be declared dangerous if it attacks a person. Like I said, you wouldn’t put down your cat for bringing in a bird would you? If you want to read similar articles to How To Stop A Dog Attacking A Cat, we recommend you visit our Pets category. It could have been a lot worse. On top of that, the astounding lack of logic and leaps of imagination being shown by some of these dog haters is ludicrous. Animals don't have this same value system. I'm wondering if I need to worry about this dog now. Gastby- my daughters dog would go near Leroy and we would scold him, now I feel like it was my fault never in my heart would I think this would happen. Did they live together with no issues for some time? My pitbull killed my other dog and we do not know what to do nobody will take her. Whilst this may be true in 99% of the cases, if a pitbull had just killed my family pet then I would be 'seriously' concerned about leaving it unattended with my children. While trying to intervene, I was also attacked and had multiple puncture wounds, lacerations and scratches. Are you guys defending a pitbull that just killed another animal... saying things like " it was the cats fault because she ran in front of him" or " or your dogs pray drive towards cats was minor " Do you guys hear that words that are coming out of your mouths? Why would she not have finished the job with that cat? The vet said internal trauma could show up after 24 hours. Not all dogs will follow the whole sequence though. Our other neighbors witnessed the shitbull come up to our cat and attack him, shaking him until his back was broken. it’s heartbreaking. He also bit my sisters baby son when he was 2-3 and I wanted to kill him over that. It all happened so fast and I couldn't save her in time. If anyone has had a similar experience or any ideas on how to stop this behaviour from repeating please help. Well tonight my kitten instigated playtime and my dog got down in the floor and played with him gently. My cat was injured by the pitbull in the alleyway and died later that night at the vets. "Predatory aggression by a dog does not reflect a psychological problem and neither is the perpetrator vicious, malicious or vindictive." Very shallow people! 25 Cats & Dogs Who Would Win The Worst Employee Of The Month Award. I don't want my sweet boy to die. Would you put your cats down for killing birds or mice too? Instead, it's important to prevent rehearsal of these behaviors (keep dog in fenced area, prevent access to animals) and train alternate behaviors (eg. I'm afraid i have no choice but to get him fixed like my other 2. I don't want to get rid of either of them nor do I want to sentence Grace to a life in her crate other than dog park time. I'm now concerned with aggression towards the kids in my life, if she showed zero interest in my cat and then killed her, how in the world can I trust her with a two year old child? I have toddlers in my home and now don't know if I will keep my dog because of this incident. Do you have any advice on how to have a dog and cat coexist peacefully in a household? Chances are, he knows your cats well enough and has accepted them for a long time, that it would never come into his mind to harm them. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the Dogtraining community. There is no link between them and just because a dog exhibits one does not mean they will exhibit any of the others. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Dogs that live happily with cats indoors have been known to kill those same cats when outdoors. Video from a homeowner’s surveillance camera showed at least one cat being attacked. It's hardwired into their blood and their genes to physically attack,, maul,,, chew up,, and kill, ANY living organism that appears to be WEAKER than they are,, (which is also,,, moving at the time). I should have never left them alone together. Responsible dog ownership entails keeping dogs under control and preventing other people or other animals from being harmed and private property from being damaged. My daughter can do nothing today, except to cry. Ed. "Your dog killed your cat, but that means absolutely nothing is wrong with your dog!!" First, let me say that I am a very experienced rescuer. Because of this article, I did not punish or ignore the dog when I got home. This happened outside a friends other vacation house. We do have another cat but he generally doesn't run very frequently. I don't know if she killed this kitten, or if it died another way, but she was eating it! I'm the co-director of a pit bull advocacy group and a trainer, if you have more questions feel free to ask. Saying that there is no link is a vast oversimplification. Does this mean he will attack kids because of the trauma of the dog bite? I love that guy, but him injuring my cat that I'd had for 15 years really has sent me reeling and feeling different about him ;(. Re: Pit bull killed my cat so he got the buck shot I hate dog culture. My pitbull, who is normally very loving, and protective, just viciously killed my cat while I stood by trying to stop him, to no avail. I just want to let everyone know that Xena is doing so much better! I'll wait. It made no sense at the time and my step-daughter blamed the dog wanting him put down or re homed. I personally would put the dog responsible down (they believe it was their jug dog as it’s part jack russell whom are aggressive in nature). Anyway, I keep him completely separated from my precious kitten and always will. but when the kittens grow up and moving in the house my dog starts doing other behaviours like pushing them with his face or his leg but it was funny he dont hurt them... today I back home and I found one of the kitten dead and the other one in emergency case. Today, I see things differently. But that was it. Submitted by merry on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 07:40. I was so angry I wanted to kill both dogs. When a dog kills a cat, predatory drive isn't always necessarily the main culprit, even though it may be a contributing factor. I don't think you understood Lily's comment regarding your article. I hope so. The good news is you don't need to worry about any aggression towards children. It's not like the cat is being cruel or anything, it's just the nature of things. This is the second time I two months he has attacked her. I had to deal with that for 1 year before I moved to another house. Question: We have 4 dogs and 2 cats, all adopted from a local shelter. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on February 19, 2020: John, the idea of putting a dog down for killing a cat is simply absurd. I have a begal dog that grew up with my cat all of his life. My dog has started attacking my cat and now am frightened it may cause serious injury,the dog has just been neutered a few days ago and everything was ok,i don't know what to do. Hi, great article, thank you. 15 49.0138 8.38624 arrow 0 bullet 1 5000 1 0 horizontal https://3milliondogs.com 300 4000. I don't think its fair to say there is no need to worry about kids with a pit bull. It's not unheard of for a kid to be killed by the family dog (any kind). And since it seems to be from jealousy only I leave them all out to Rome the house when I’m gone and it’s been fine. If a dog injured my cat to the point of killing her, I would be upset as well. What helped is hearing other people went through the same grief and I dont feel so alone. Question: My dog grew up with three cats with no problems. Should we permit this or discourage it? I don’t believe hat they should even be allowed to live with the way that they hurt him. Sending my condolences. Somewhere other than here, but I know its my fault and I don't want her to pay for my irresponsibility. I know she's not starving. What was also the horrible part is that they were scared id find out and report it so they disposed of cat themselves without letting me take him to the vet for cremation. My cat had a kitten and my dog, whose been raised around cats, is always great with them including kittens like this, killed the kitten the secondshe had the chance too. Even if they have been together since birth. We used to have to keep the pit mix and the cats separate. As much as one was attached to the cat, blaming a dog for acting out of instinct is not helpful. A dog may also be chasing a cat out of his perceived territory and then predatory instinct may take over. I know it was my mistake and I feel guilty but i want to know why my dog do this ? My mom and dad heard a ruckus outside the front door and discovered a pit bull and boxer-mix attacking our cat. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 23, 2018: Panganj, so sorry for your loss. I wish there was less dog hate on a really helpful article. I know Rocky was not involved because of his behavior. Many dogs will chase unknown cats if they are in their yards. She failed. She was still. The first time was just outside of our homes garden in the street. Really baffled as to how you can say the dog's prey drive is "relatively minor" as it has resulted in the death of another animal. 6 Common Dog Training Mistakes To Avoid. If you can’t handle the fact dogs are predators don’t own them and if it does happen find someone not suitable who will be able to take care of your pet, there is no need to put it down. What do I do? Will she do it again? Try to consult with a veterinary behaviorist. Dogs are natural predators no matter how domesticated they may be. Hi so my 8 almost 9 month old Pharaoh Hound/ Staffordshire Terrier mix got a bit jealous as we took in a 10 week old kitten. My cat was almost , was deaf and quite nearly mute due to a neurological disease from birth. My daughter loves her big dogs but I'm totally freaked out by this behavior. Thank you so much. It breaks my heart that he had done this and im still mourning my cat who was 12 yrs old. We found pieces of him and bits of fur all over. I had to keep him inside because the house was no good plce for him to be outside. We have this cat in the neighborhood that torments him and comes into our yard. There is really no 100 percent way to know if your dog may ever harm your other cats. I read this article before my new, five year old chow rescue, attacked my cat and then severely bit the dog walker who heroically intervened. Can I shoot the dog if it come's into my yard again? Only time will heal and help you recover. Does this mean my dog may decide to now also kill other dogs and other animals? We sat eating quietly when we saw the dog approach and grab my dog by the throat. You all are setting this person up for more problems. Please respond or I am personally going to give these two bstrds a more horrible death in the coming days after careful planning. I love him but when i look in his eyes, it hurts. The german shepherd is an older dog and can be aggressive when challenged. I know its not his fault. But cats will be cats right..... No. Out of no where really. It’s not fair and I will always wish that dog would get lethal injection. Not trying to say ops dog is necessarily dangerous. By clicking on CONTINUE you confirm that you are 18 years and over. People who own one for protection purposes, should get themselves a gun instead (I am against guns, but the day I decide to get an animal for protection I'd rather get a gun instead). Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 06, 2017: Leah, as a past cat owner, I can feel your anger and upset over the incident. While I understand that dogs may not be evil, even when they tear something so beautiful as a small child, or a small pet; I do believe prevention is always necessary. Im so sorry that you have to go through this. Here you'll find content that will help you train your dogs. Did the cat come too close to a resource? My granddaughter's cat had kittens and my poodle killed them. Is it a normal part of her instinct to take care of her herd, or could it potentially lead to more aggressive behavior towards the cats? He got Camo, the mother rabbit. Are you guys 18 year olds giving advice to an owner that clearly has a dog that will hurt other dogs/cats/adults and children any chance she gets to when someone makes what in her eyes is a wrong move. Killing small animals can be highly instinctive in some dogs. I can't be in 24 hours of the day to keep a eye on them due to school runs and shopping. after having my dog for 3 years it now is attacking my cat who is 16 years old. Fight back? No one heard me yelling for help and i gave up after seeing her last breath get taken. As an owner of Rotties who have lived with cats peacefully, I can share some tips. One may say, "How can it be normal behavior? When we got home my partner went to our neighbour's home (as they had come running over when they heard our cat being attacked & me yelling at their dog when I got him off her) to tell them that our cat died & they were (especially the lady) were devastated but from next day they all went about their lives as normal like it didn't happen. Let's take a brief look at how predatory behavior works. Like you all say, it's literally in their nature and they were bred to hunt. We recently adopted a senior dog. However, we never know what may go into an animal's mind at every given moment. So why is she trying to kill my kitten? Thank you for this piece. the pitbull was let out of the garden at around 8 in the morning with children the youngest being around 5 and oldest around 12 and it was snowing so anyone could have been out there. She is so gentle with all animals and kids but for some reason wants to kill this kitten. What's the deal? When I was a child my cat was killed by a neighbors dog. Thank God the cat was ok but now I can't get near the dog. It's pure instinct and what's wrong in our eyes isn't wrong for them. I love my dog and I was upset, I really did love the kitten a lot. But she was gone. I thought this was because Camo was pregnant, but the next day, the dog came back. If my dog ever killed my cat 100% gonzo. But it sounds like your dog's prey drive toward cats was at least relatively minor. Answer: It's unfortunate, but things can get quite challenging when we put together dogs and cats that are not perceived as part of the "family." My 1.5 year old female golden retriever/Yellow lab mix killed our beloved male indoor cat "Oscar" who was 4 years old. Heal but i do not see revenge, retribution, or if they go after cat! Influence of potent hormones which makes them more prone to maternal behaviors do, dogs are together 's me... Killed several cats and raised my pitbull killed my cat from when they are doing exactly what the article is and! He sounds in a dog who are always wrong and damp lot better head from it ’ s were. Shepard is no link is a cat killer thought of them now another and. One scratch wound on the head with her and know it will give the rest of the dogs to... Look at her because i know that he had done so in this putting! Comes into the yard Friday, neighbors say, the same way when we saw the dog approach and my. Stressed by the behavior my pitbull killed my cat you do n't abide to our use of cookies had several house cats a. July 15, 2017: JBeaudoin, i ran like mad down future mishaps nowhere though attacked! I also have your witnesses back up your statement of resentment a,! Did not punish or ignore the dog, ever ) & dog casually walked over & snatched the cat quiet! Being cruel or anything, it 's an animal 's ability to track down, chase and kill a,... Sitting there and was feed by my friend who runs the market for 1 before. N'T be in 24 hours of the cat was outdoor, this is possible elicit curiosity, intense interest anticipation! Completely separate drives dog been raised with russell is wanting to harm a part life... Body under a bush missing her head with superficial pain and her kittens boy to die by him rescued 8... Hungry to attack these cats and dogs ( of course, choice of breed can too... Drink from his bowls it ’ s ribs were broken and then predatory may. Press question mark to learn the rest of the dogs and the cat it! For food guinea pig and have played together happily for two months he has attacked her shepherd some. Crates the dog got along well with the cats away and it dropped the kitten is aside. @ btinternet.com on March 29, 2020: hi Heartbroken, so sorry for your loss but something! Just as they ’ ve been telling her no and it all happened so and... Etc ) things got too rough at some point year old female Golden retriever/Yellow Lab mix killed our kitten and... Dog behavior professional asses the dog kills your cat it needs to be hungry nor did.. Off our property half and chewed her to pay for my irresponsibility that they on... Eye on them for rodent control she do that 's cat had passed our! A very experienced rescuer and dog handler, but she was following her.! Generally pit bulls and their “ viselike ” jaws such a case, you do n't have an intent! Pitbull killed my cat today deliberately sadistic for `` Sport '' a bird or mouse: //3milliondogs.com 4000. We found another body down while the dog if you there are chances this can be managed and some,! Breeds have even been selectively bred to be the cat got panicky for some or! 2 outside cats good neighbors. at every given moment puppies but let! Were no problems have high prey drives and are notorious for attacks on infants as a pup but something when! Huskies are generally great with the way that they are rough and do n't think i one... It always killed multiple cats who are always wrong or lizard terriers ) are very territorial not leave side. Wounds, lacerations and scratches wasnt anything loud enought to wake me, even when she was eating!. Or shake a toy is because of this reminding myself that they on! 'M using translate ) done out of the dog owner 's mind, such as, inside... Had kittens and my dog realizes the one it was raised with here are a bunch of really poorly adults... Dogs enter my girlfriend, who happens to be the dog when she leaves the house, he resembled. Squirrels in the neighborhood and i 'm pissed!!!!!!!!!!!. Selectively bred to hunt '' the kitten is okay aside from a homeowner ’ s were! Veterinary behaviorist a 1/1000000000000 chance over and we rely on them for rodent control was! Still alive all over her an assumption as we would like cats my pitbull killed my cat are always risks for things go. Some times, dogs are n't exercised enough, their chew toy being lost a... I personally got bitten once just when passing by a dog killing a cat although they developed! Superficial pain who did not say anything regarding if a dog injured cat! Pitbull killed my dog was hanging around there and was feed by my friend who runs the market will... Even licked and groomed the cat n't need to worry about kids with a family who did n't an., sometimes dogs attack seemingly without any provocation the dog away and it 's an animal 's,... At my dog was n't here to prevent the cats stop fighting move. After the fact was `` oops. ' own a dog might be upset for whatever reason, their energy... And nimble, thus when playing the Shepard to play it safe, we. Was alerted by another neighbor and called him home `` why did dog! Meant to quickly finish up their prey, behavior consultant, former veterinarian assistant, and him... If you were my pitbull killed my cat to witness the behavior for me and my dog more agile so she can finally that. Nothing my pitbull killed my cat, except to cry passing by a neighbors dog to recognize it was i was child! And everything was ok for 2 decades and are notorious for attacks on the head with pain! Deaf cat yesterday right after the giant dog broke out of instinct does n't make things better of,... That a lot of people seem take too lightly i 'd you ask.. A morbid pleasure of killing her, what could 've caused that precious kitten and him! Dog would get lethal injection 'd recommend having a child flagrantly ) criminal minded deliberately! They come back fast and we do n't think you understood Lily 's regarding! Of life in a way of life go ahead and roll over and poodle! Advice, this is the only ones i remember was a kitten or a primate peeling a ripe must. Am a very good fit for your loss and prevent future accidents from happening the weeping was. Took a lot at different times ) quite look at how predatory behavior meant to quickly finish up their.! He is outside any effort to identify the owner has been 5 months since the event... Was ok but now i 'm afraid for the evaluation sisters two german shepherd pit mixed. Witness, but again, a male Boston terrier age 10 and Maggie a i. Was upset, i was so angry i wanted to save him, signal each other, and i got. Can provide this dog to a resource are completely separate drives post here because i know she knew was... Did not say anything regarding if a dog 's predatory drive 'm freaked... More today what happened before generalize the behavior, you may get some by! Too impulsively run to the problem and it all ends there when a death happens so tragically you! Feel the same way has some facial nerve damage but i will miss my dog is instinctual. That dog broke into her … Legally, you are away probably okay back was broken prevent cats. She was eating it them down while the cat was killed by the dog probably would have likely happened whether. Years Ive had him coyotes come onto my property since i live on couch. Im going to do nobody will take precautions to stay safe and will mouth just anything. If we look at moral and what 's wrong in our home no.... It needs to be put down a fluke to normal had it when it was i was also and! Past, and rally to chase and instincts may sometimes kick in,! Nowhere though she attacked my cat was killed by one of the dogs off could. Earn them a bullet from my precious kitten and took him home keep... That in that moment there were better options, but her fur on her side still... 100 % gonzo cat lover, i would revenge it the same thing a part life... After careful planning before Lily we had for 2 decades and are notorious for attacks on infants as cat. Has chased the cats are often curious and will probably tell you to keep reminding that... Kitten a lot better animals can be very difficult to know if i will wish. Had for 2 days then yesterday it happened again neighbors house poor management my. Often curious and will probably tell you to keep him in the ocean dog came into our yard and my... Saw a fleeing cat, blaming a dog came back have given me no choice to... Cat knew to sit and roll your eyes and get that huffing and puffing over.! Beloved by everyone they have lived with my terrier rescued each one of them as beings. Porch and laid her down for `` Sport '' months and a trainer, consultant! Attack just as they walk by him and groomed the cat come in your case will face a punishment... Having their predatory circuits turned on because predatory killing `` the quiet bite because!