Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Why do cats hate dogs? The answer isn’t all that simple

This is why your dog and cat may not be best friends

By
a dog and cat in a vet's hands
Nadia Vasil'eva / Pexels

“They’re fighting like cats and dogs” is a euphemism often used to describe sibling rivalries, marital strife, or disagreements among company executives. However, it stems from the idea that two of the world’s most popular companion animals, dogs and cats, prefer to feud with one another over forming friendships.

For folks who are distinctly “dog people,” “cat people,” or “not-into-either people,” whether this idea is accurate or not is irrelevant. For those who love — or have — both dogs and cats, it’s essential to determine: Why do cats hate dogs? Better question: Do cats truly hate dogs, or is this cliche a rumor?

Recommended Videos

The truth is that the answer depends on the specific animals. Some get along famously. Others … do not. Still, there are ways to help the two animals become friends or at least peacefully coexist under one roof. Now that we’ve scratched the surface, let’s dig into what causes cats and dogs to fight like, well, cats and dogs.

a cat and yorkie playing
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová / Pexels

Why do cats hate dogs? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The issue could stem from one or several problems, depending on the animal. However, history, preferences, breed, and prior experiences with dogs can factor into a kitty’s dislike of canines.

History

These days, some pet parents treat their cats and dogs like human children (or better). We cuddle our furry friends in bed and let them hog the blankets, endlessly research the best diets, and break the bank on holiday gifts and seasonal photo shoots. However, this love fest between humans and tiny beasts hasn’t always been the case.

Before dogs and cats were fully domesticated, the animals had to fend for themselves for food. There weren’t automatic feeders or pet parents that fed their animals at 5 p.m. like clockwork. Instead, the animals had to find their own food. With limited resources, food fights broke out. Feral dogs and cats may view one another as threats today, and even ones under the same roof with consistent resource access may engage in resource guarding.

Also, history may involve more nurture than nature. If a cat has had a previous experience with a dog that was poor, the feline may be turned off from the animal.

Dogs are pack creatures — cats are not

There’s a reason that dogs have gotten the distinction of (hu)man’s best friend: They’re pack creatures by nature. As the more social of the two animals, pups generally enjoy attention and playing. Cats, on the other hand, are solitary animals. Kitties hunt their food and are typically more inclined to spend their days chilling alone — hence why some tend to hide. A cat may view a playful dog’s attempts as a mild nuisance, at best, and offensive at worst.

Dogs chase — cats run

Another way these two animals are opposites: Dogs, particularly those bred for hunting, enjoy a good chase. Their ancestors hunted small animals through chase. These days, the chase can be more of a game, like fetch. However, cats generally don’t want to play along. In fact, given the choice between “fight” or “flight,” most cats will choose flight and run (again, hence the hiding). A cat may not “hate” a dog sibling when they hide instead of engaging in the game — the feline may just be setting those all-important boundaries we talk about as humans.

However, if a cat has to run away from treasured spots on the couch too often, the pet may start to detest the canine intruder. Some cats won’t bother running in the first place, though, and may put a dog in their place with a hiss or pounce on the first attempt at a game of “tag.”

The introduction went too quickly

Experts say slow introduction is critical if a family already has a dog or cat. Opening a kennel and expecting the two to hit it off swimmingly can trigger feelings of fear, threat, and territoriality. Most experts advise not having the two meet face to face in the early days but playing off both animals’ keen senses of smell by swapping items like blankets with the other’s scent.

Poor home organization

While family dinners are recommended for humans, you’re better off keeping a dog and cat separate during feeding time. A cat may feel territorial or threatened if a dog eats too close and vice versa. Similarly, keep a cat’s litter box in an area only they can access if possible, or train the dog to steer clear.

Two people holding up a dog and a cat
Alexander Grey / Pexels

Can dogs and cats get along?

Yes, dogs and cats can get along. The idea that the two are natural rivals is debatable, but the two animals can often be friendly or at least live safely in the same home. These tips can help you buck the idea that dogs and cats don’t mix.

  1. Ask questions. If you have a cat in the home and want a dog, ask the breeder, shelter staff, or current pup owner whether the breed and specific canine get along with kitties. Shelters often cat-test a dog.
  2. Introduce slowly. Keep the two animals in separate rooms and do a scent swap using items like bedding with the other’s smell. After a few days, have the two meet through a gate. Keep the dog on a leash several yards from the gate. Watch body language and treat for calm behavior. When the two consistently interact calmly, you can remove the gate. Still, keep the dog on a leash and repeat. Eventually, you can graduate to supervised off-leash interactions but should wait a few weeks to start leaving the two out and about without you home (you’ll want to start with short intervals of unsupervised interactions, too).
  3. Get help. Whether you introduced the two too quickly or are experiencing hiccups, help is available. A vet can refer you to an animal behaviorist who can help you smooth out the relationship between a dog and a cat.
Two dogs and a cat together in a bed
Alexandra Bilham / Pexels

Final thoughts

Dogs and cats aren’t always best friends — at least not right away. Why do cats hate dogs? Fears of limited resources like food, territoriality, a desire to be left alone, and poor experiences with dogs may factor into a specific cat’s dislike of dogs. Humans can help the two animals get along. Slow introductions and separate spaces are tried-and-often-true recommendations from professionals. If you need further assistance, an animal behaviorist can help. Your vet can usually provide a referral. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
These fluffy dog breeds make the best cuddlers
Fluff comes in all shapes and sizes, as do these fluffiest dog breeds
Two Pekingese dogs sit in the grass

If you're a true dog lover, the sight of any pup -- big or small -- will instantly put a smile on your face. But there's no denying that something about a fluffy dog sets the cuteness meter through the roof. Maybe it's their soft fur or the way their mane billows in the breeze, but whatever it is, it's easy to see why so many people love cuddling up to a real-life teddy bear.
That being said, it's important to remember that owning a fluffy dog can be a lot of work. Not only will you be taking care of their basic needs, like food, water, and potty breaks, but you'll also be taking care of regular dog grooming. This could include daily brushing and detangling, but you'll likely need to visit a groomer every several weeks, too. But that work is so worth it for your four-legged friend.
Check out these adorable fluffy dog breeds if you're ready to add a whole lot of fluffy puppy love to your home.

Poodle and poodle mix

Read more
What is littermate syndrome? Why this puppy bond can be a problem
Why you want to avoid littermate syndrome (and what to do if you didn't)
Golden retriever puppies

What's better than bringing one puppy home? Two — or so you might think. Welcoming two puppies at the same time can seem adorable in theory, especially if they're from the same litter. The two puppies already knew one another and were perhaps born within seconds of one another. Siblings growing up together, what could be more fun?

However, most animal behavioral experts recommend against getting two puppies on the same day (or within six months). They're not trying to rain on your puppy parade. Instead, experts warn against the possibility of littermate syndrome. What is littermate syndrome, and why can it be so stressful? Let's discuss. We'll also work through ways to treat littermate syndrome if your pets already have the issue.
What is littermate syndrome?

Read more
The best medium-sized dog breeds for your family
These dogs are the perfect size — and temperament — for families with kids
An English springer spaniel's side profile standing next to tall grass

Whether you're a veteran dog owner or are new to the canine world, it can be immensely helpful to do your research before adopting the dog of your dreams. After all, step one is to figure out what your ideal four-legged friend might be like.
Will they cuddle up with you at the end of the day, or will they sleep in a dog bed all their own? Would you like a high-energy friend or a canine buddy that can binge-watch your favorite Netflix show at all hours of the day with you? Perhaps even more importantly, what size dog can you handle in your home?
Medium-sized dogs are a perfect fit for those who may want the activity of a larger dog without the massive size. Many families prefer mid-sized canines because they're large enough to play with children without getting hurt, but they're not too large to spook or knock over a child (most of the time, anyway). There can be many reasons why a medium-sized dog breed is your perfect fit, but how do you know what breed to look into? Let us help you decide.

Medium-sized dogs for families with children

Read more