Why Do Dogs Chase Cats? We Explain

We know that cats and dogs like to chase different things. The situation becomes sticky when they live together, or cross paths as neighbours, and dog goes after kitty. We’ve a wealth of info on why dogs chase cats, what prey drive is and how to train a dog not to chase cats.

Meow, let’s get started! We’ll begin by looking at what’s behind the impulse for dogs to chase cats.

Prey drive: What is it?

It might be a game or there might be more to it. Due to instinct, a small, cutesy, furry animal like a cat will trigger your dog’s prey drive.

In years past, humans bred dogs to hunt, and many dog breeds have ingrained instincts to chase or hunt other animals. Hunting breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Coonhounds, and Beagles are especially prone to this. Known as “prey drive,” these instincts still exist in modern dogs and can motivate them to chase smaller animals.

Don’t freak out, though! The truth is that in many Kiwi households, dogs and cats accept each other as kin and even play together. On that, read our article: The Importance of Playtime for Kiwi Dogs and Cats.

Different games

Dogs play ‘chase’ and ‘catch’ with other dogs as pups and adults; cats grow out of it soon as they hit adolescence (when they become fertile and start mating). With one party wanting to chase for fun or food and the other only chasing for food, both often misinterpret the situation – especially as they don’t speak the same language 💬.

Watch this hiss-terical video that’s chock full of mischief to get an idea of how dogs and cats play different games (also notice how wholesome and beautiful their relationships are when they learn to live ‘peacefully’ with each other):

Distinct species, different body language cues

Dogs and cats can miscommunicate. One way dogs say ‘hi’ is with a tail wagging in the sky. Cats with a swishing tail up are saying ‘oy, you might be a problem’, so when Dog says ‘hi’ (wag wag), cats may be thinking, “uh oh I’m outta here”. And the dog might think, “oh, she wants to play, yay!” Truly it’s a game of broken telephone.

The inherent contrasts in these forms of canine and feline communication often lead to immediate conflict 💥, at least in both species’ minds, and that means … fight or flight.

From pooch’s perspective 🐶

It can be a sore game. When cats let dogs know they don’t want to play chase with their claws and jaws (fight), dogs are left with the post-encounter effects. They often slink away to lick their scratches (avoiding cats for a while … or forever).

From kitty’s perspective 🐱

Dogs are generally larger than cats (or, in the case of Scottish Terriers, have larger-than-life personalities) and often have exuberant, high-energy natures. In contrast, cats can be extremely sensitive and timid creatures. So, kitty bolts 💨 (flight). Wouldn’t you rather be safely up in a tree than scrambling around on the ground with an over-eager pooch?

Caught in a loop 🔁

Cats sprinting away from a perceived annoyance or danger only makes the dogs chase after them faster. Round and round the garden. Sigh.

How to train a dog not to chase cats

It seems a sad cycle, unless you realise that – as the human in the household – you have some sway. Here’s how to train a dog not to chase cats…

Introducing them is the first step

It helps if one or both of them are young. You can help your pets learn to live together by assuring them they are safe, loved and will still be taken care of regardless of how they interact with the other animal. Though obviously they will be disciplined (firmly but fairly) if they’re harming them. As they grow accustomed to each other, they can negotiate their relationship terms.

From the beginning, reward your puppy for being calm around your kitten. Over time, give Sir Bark-a-lot a longer leash to work with. Just in case, make sure your cat has an escape route with cat trees, cat condos, tall furniture, and cat shelves.

Activate *operation distraction*

To train your dog not to chase cats, you have to start with distraction when you see him/her settle into a chase stance. But take care. Initial lip licking and play bowing might be a sign of playfulness, where lip licking and salivating means something more worrying…

Pre-empt chase behaviour

Ideally, catch it before it happens (which is why we love puppy school – they teach you to easily read dog body language).

When all your dog has to do is chase your cat, it’ll be their favourite pastime.

Avoid your dog getting into the habit of chasing cats at all. Knowing which games your pooch finds irresistible is a good start, as is making sure they’re not bored. More on this later.

Train your pooch to act on instructions

Train your pooch to respond to you diligently so that you can completely dispel the behaviour by taking charge. Teach your dog to ask your permission, come when called, drop – or let go of – something when commanded, and respond to your attempts to communicate even if far away.

Test your dog’s obedience with distractions and things that entice them. Your goal is to get Fido to obey these commands around your cat. The first time you test their obedience with the cat, make sure they’re on a lead.

It’s okay to bring in a trainer or dog behaviourist if need be. It may take professional intervention for some canines with high prey drives to learn to leave a cat alone.

Be mindful of the dog obedience fundamentals in our ‘Positive Reinforcement For Dog Training‘ article so you can intercept and pre-empt the chase behaviour. Which means ‘dogs chase cats’ is no longer a given in your household.

Best part is, when both pets are happy, there are more cuddles for you! ❤️

Keep your pets occupied and entertained

The more energy a dog has, the more likely it is to chase a cat. Play fetch and other games, do a little training and even set up agility courses with your dog every day. It’s less likely they’ll expend extra energy on your poor cat if you engage their mind and body.

It’s the same for Meowly Cyrus. A cat with too much energy might pounce on a dog and trigger their prey drive. To engage your cat’s mind, play a lot and try clicker training. Also, you could set up a safe space for pussycat, so they can stop stressing meowt and relax away from doggo for a bit. They could even lap at a Meowtini (shaken, not purred, of course) for added relaxation vibes.

If you have several pets including canines and felines in your care, check out this ‘How to Manage a Happy Big Pet Family‘ article for tips.

Discover more about cats and dogs with these interesting articles:

1. High, Mid and Low Energy Dogs – Which Woof is Your Match?
2. Why Do Cats Lick You? Here’s the Top 4 Reasons
3. Prowling Pets: How to Keep Cats and Dogs from Wandering
4. Pet Vaccinations and Schedules in NZ
5. 17 Ways to Be a Rocking Pet Parent

Pet insurance for accidents, injuries and illnesses

Make sure you’re covered for any injury or damage your pooch or pussycat may cause each other, with our dog insurance and cat insurance plans. Our pet insurance helps you make fast, care-based health decisions after accidents and when other injuries and illnesses strike, protecting your precious pup or kitty and your pocket.

Is your fur baby already insured elsewhere? Switch to PD Pet Insurance and we’ll pay a good amount per pet to help cover your switching fees. Click below to get started on a quote for our award-winning cover.