My cat is a bully!?

Question

My cat acts like a bully to my dog. My dog is 8 or 9, blind, and has seizures. Whenever my cat sees her, she hisses at her, and when she gets close enough, she hits her on the head with her paw. My cat is declawed, so she doesn't scratch, but you can hear her paw hitting the dog from other rooms, so it has to hurt (my cat weighs about 20 or 25 lbs.). Also, when my dog tries to come down the hallway or get to the dogdoor, my cat won't let her through. When she get's out the dogdoor, my cat won't let her back in. My dog is afraid to go outside, so she goes to the bathroom on the floor all the time. Is there anything I can do to stop my cat from bullying my much smaller dog?

I am not going to chain my cat. Even though she is a bully, I love her with all my heart. (and she'd also find a way to get off of the collar. we've tried giving her a collar but she pulls it off). But I wouldn't chain her anyway.

I got the dog after, but sometimes she just sits there for a few minutes looking at the dog. It's almost like she's laughing at her. Then she starts hitting the dog.

I have had them both for several years. The dogs bed is in my parents room, and my cat doesn't go there (her favorite room is either my room or the couches in the living room). Believe me the cat gets LOTS of attention. From me more than the dog gets, but my mom gives them both a lot of attention.

Answer 1

I know what you mean. My GIANT cats are bullys to my much smaller cat. Just keep them in separate rooms. Don't worry. To get them familiar with each other, put both your pets in kennels facing each other so that they can get the smell. Keep on doing that until they are acquainted with each other, and things will loosen up!

Answer 2

You poor thing! Your cat is definately a bully!

I wonder what's bugging your cat? Has she always been like this? I'm assuming that you've had the cat & dog for quite some time, so what's changed?

Your dog needs lots of attention & care from you as he has special needs & I think your cat may be jealous.

When your cat stops your dog going out to pee, she does it on purpose - this is a classic sign of a power struggle - when indoor cats do this to other cats we call it Litter Guarding. We all know how horrible it is when your dying to go, but you can't find anywhere & what could be worst than peeing yourself! Basically it's psychological bullying too.

This is going to sound daft, but have you moved your dog's bed to a place where your cat has always liked to sleep? If you have, it may be worth trying to put it somewhere else.

Obviously don't praise your cat when she hurts your dog, but give her a bit of extra love for a few days, or set aside 15mins a day to play with her. I'm not suggesting that you normally ignore your cat (you sound a very concerned owner), but I think it's worth a try.

Best of luck.x

Answer 3

Have you ever heard of cats, guinea pigs, mice and other animals attacking or eating their young if they're not strong enough to survive?

As your dog is blind, your cat may be picking up on that - I'm not saying your cat is trying to kill your dog I'm just saying the essence of it is that your cat may feel threatened.

First of all, When your cat shows this ' mean ' behavior to your dog, Pick your cat up and remove her from the situation, give your dog reassurance, if your cat comes back - remove her again and again and again - It may take weeks but she will learn.

Your dog is feeling depressed and scared if he is going into an isolated room by himself.

If you do not already have a bell on your cats collar do buy one - this way your dog will hear the cat aswell.

Answer 4

You should spray your cat with water when it tries to attack your dog. Your cat might be doing this because she might know that she is stronger then the dog. If the bottle doesnt work you might want to keep the cat and the dog apart from each other and go outside with the dog when she has to go to the bathroom so she knows she is better protected.

Answer 5

Cats either attack others in play or defence. The dog might not be threatening but the cat may think so anyway. I'd keep a closer eye on the cat and discourage her behaviour. Eventually pets learn to co-exists if not in a friendly manner at least they can avoid attacking each other.

Answer 6

You might consider using some flower essences on your cat. Go to www.spiritessence.com and look into Dr. Jean Hovfe's "Bully Remedy". The bottle is mailed to you for $16.95, no shipping or handling charges.

The essences are inexpensive and easy to use and cannot harm the cat in any way. You just shake the bottle well and put three to four drops on the cat's fur between her ears. Treat her four times a day for a week to ten days and you should see the bullying diminish. The essences are not drugs or medicine and it is important to use them frequently as their effect increases with the prolonged use.

Answer 7

I think the cat is scared and trying to protect its home and maybe you. I'm not sure what you can do about it though. The cat probably can't tell that the dog is wimpy. Did you get the dog after or before the cat.

Answer 8

yeah! same with me, like for no reason wats so eva my cat just went up to my dog and scratched her in the eye and she cried fro 3 days and another cat is REALLY mean to another cat in our house, shes always been a sweet thang but i think shes jealous
the best thing to do is to try to keep them seperated or call your vet, maybe the cat is jealous or upset

Answer 9

try to spend more time with the dog if he does the right thing and punish (slap,stomp on the floor,spray with a bottle) your cat when it tries to slap ur dog,but dont be to hard on them

once the cat is nice potty-train ur doggy

Answer 10

Get a spraybottle full of water, and spray your cat in the face when she's doing something wrong. Soon she will get the hint. Good Luck! :)