Do Dogs Eat Cats?

Dogs certainly do kill cats, though it is very rare that they will eat a cat.

Cats and dogs are instinctive enemies. This instinctive antagonism seems to be genetic, but it may also be learned behaviour.

It has been proved time and again that dogs and cats can be friends. That usually happens when puppies and kittens are brought up together in the same household.

Other cats and dogs outside the family circle, as it were, are still considered dangerous and are seen as potential enemies.

What Should You Do To Keep Your Cat Safe From Dogs?   

1. Keep your cats inside at night.
2. Surround their property with strong fencing.
3. Make sure fences are sunk down far that dogs can’t excavate under them.
4. Don’t encourage stray dogs

Anecdotal Evidence Of Dog Attacks On Cats

Unfortunately, there can’t be any blanket denial or affirmation to the question of ‘do dogs eat cats?’.

There is sure to be some evidence that it happens. What we do know for sure is that dogs will kill cats. Maybe wild or feral dogs eat them too.

Despite centuries and centuries of domestication, the hunting instinct is still within dogs. Even the toy breeds still have that. It is said that the confrontational behaviour between cats and dogs can be caused partly by the misreading of signals.

A dog wags its tail in excitement, not aggression, whereas cats move their tails in irritation. Seeing a cat wag its tail may cause a dog to rush forward in excitement, thinking that it is an invitation to play. The cat mistakes this for aggression.

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Also Read:

Are Foxes A Threat To Cats?

Do Bears Eat Cats?

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Like any sensible creature when a large carnivore abruptly rushes towards them, the cat runs. That can trigger the dog’s inborn chase and hunt mechanism. Then again, the cat may interpret the dog’s wagging tail as irritation, the prelude to aggression.

Once this scenario has repeated itself a few times it sticks in the mind of a young cat. Every time it sees a dog approach, it runs, sparking off a repeat of the cycle once again.

Much of this question depends on the individual personalities of both cats and dogs.

Some breeds of dog are deemed naturally aggressive and dangerous. Unfortunately, this is usually because of the treatment meted out to them by their owners. Dog owners can turn their pets into aggressors.

The natural instincts of each species lead towards antagonistic interactions. – Wikipedia.org

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Also read: Would a Raccoon Eat Your Cat?

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Cats vs Dogs

Normally, a dog will beat a cat in a fight. It is usually decided by size. A cat may wound a dog or fight so ferociously that there is a standoff, but it is highly unlikely that it will defeat a dog. Maybe a toy breed against a large cat would end differently.

A cat’s advantage over dogs is it agility and nimbleness. It can leap and twist like lightning, but if a dog’s jaws get a grip on a cat the show’s over.

The phrase “fight like cats and dogs” reflects a natural tendency for the relationship between the two species to be antagonistic.

J. Stephen Lang 2004

Cats at Risk

Any cat is at risk from dogs. Dogs don’t distinguish between the old or young, the fit or infirm. Instincts take over and they start to chase. Domestic cats that don’t have a lot of experience with dogs may be vulnerable.

Those cats that like to roam and explore will probably have more chance of coming into contact with dogs. As stated before, many times it depends on the characteristics of both animals.

It now appears, that when it comes to raw brain power, dogs are clearly ahead.

Foxnews

How to Keep Dogs Away

1. Erect high and deeply sunk fences.
2. Use ammonia and vinegar around the perimeter of your property.
3. You can use orange or lemon peels in the same way.
4. Install motion-activated sonic or ultrasonic sound blasters.
5. Install motion-activated sprinklers.
6. Spread pepper around
7. Spray or sprinkle manufactured repellents

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.

Josh Billings

Other Pets at Risk

It is well known that dogs will chase anything. They will run after bicycles, motorbikes, and cars.

Any pets that move can catch their interest and spark off their hunting instincts. Or they may see an opportunity to play with tragic consequences.

Some dogs can coexist with other pets in peace and harmony, others can’t. Strange or stray dogs can be a danger to whatever pet you have.

Take-Away

Dogs will and can kill cats, whether through too enthusiastic play or uncontrollable instinct.

Dogs interact with the world through their strong sense of smell and taste. As a dog doesn’t have hands, their mouth is the organ they use, a mouth filled with teeth!

Although carnivorous, many domestic dogs have been brought up on non-meat food products.

They will gladly eat any morsel of meat you care to give them, but they aren’t used to killing and eating prey.

They may kill a cat for various reasons, but it is doubtful that they will eat it afterwards.

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Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/1044386/dog-and-cat-pet-population-worldwide/