Red flags in cat and dog behaviour around each other

Our new PM Andy Burnham has a dog called Axel, and chief mouser Larry the cat lives at Number 10, so I wanted to speak about red flags in dog and cats. There is a lot of misinformation out there - and it can be easy for things to go wrong. I spoke to Paulette Edwards at BBC Radio Sheffield a little while ago about things to avoid and I have outlined more information below for things to be wary of when you are stepping into introductions after doing initial preparation.

Body language signs – red flags

Take a step back and do not continue if you see your dog doing anything such as the

below when when your cat is around/ the other side of the door.

• Scrambling

• Charging

• Lunging/snapping

• Frustration – lower threshold – chewing on items

• Inability to redirect

• Frantic movement

• Sniffing under the door

• Spinning

Red flags in a dog to cat relationship by Katenna Jones

One sided interest – both parties need to be interested. For a cat is not enjoyable unless

the play is mirrored. Even If a dog and cat are sleeping on a bed together it doesn’t mean

they are bonded – they are not touching – it’s just that they are sharing the space –

multiple separate sleeping options low and high are key for a cat to feel safer – with two

entry and exit points.

Growling and barking – growling can be a sign to repel something . Barking can be too

(even if it is high and shrill). Even if it is a playful bark we do not want to encourage it as

cats have incredible hearing and it can scare them.

Bouncing and pouncing at the gate /cat tree - we do not want a dog to learn that a cat is

play. Dogs can play quite roughly and bat a cat with their paw and this can hurt them. A

cat may freeze and then lash out if they don’t have somewhere to retreat to (up high) or

down low (but not where a dog can located them).

Difficulty redirecting distracting – we do not want a dog to become fixated so if there is

trouble distracting get further away from the trigger. Think about the food - is it really

high value – and can they not respond? - This is a big red flag.

Chasing - even if a cat is not moving/ in an attempt to get it to move – again,

neurochemically it can be fun for the dog and we do not want them to repeat this

behaviour as they can grab, chase and chew tails in their mouth and with teeth (even if

the motivation is play – this is not fun for cats and can scare them or hurt them).

Body language in cats –red flags

• Hissing and growling

• Cystitis – signs can be small amounts of urine

• Not using the litter tray (defecating or urinating outside – this can also be when a

cat is learning to use a tray)

• Pawing

• Hiding

• Weight loss

• Ring worm

• Ear issues

• Change in appetite

• Overgrooming

Some cats will run/hide/freeze and stay still or crouch when they are scared - cats

are stoic as a prey and predator species.

If you need help with your pets please reach out.