Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am new to being the fur-parent of a feline. I have alway had dog, because I was made to believe I was allergic to cats.

At any rate, I don't know if this is normal, and what to do about it....

My family consists of 2 humans, one 60 pound dog (Sammy) of 7 years, one 30 pound dog Mickey) of 9 months, and one 10 pound cat (Astro) of 11 years.

Astro has been attacking Mickey. At first it was only when Mickey would run by him, playing with Sammy. He never has attacked Sammy (good for him, because Sammy doesn't care for cats).

As of last night, Astro began biting poor Mickey's ears while he was trying to sleep. It wasn't a love bite, it was an attack!

I don't know what to do about it. Mickey was scared out of him little mind! I got Astro off him and tried to calm him down. As soon as he saw Mickey was afraid, he went right back in for the kill. (My husband thinks Astro has been watching too much Animal Planet).

Does anyone have an idea what to do? I have given him a physical exam, and he seems completely normal. Good (very good) appetite, all other functions are a go...

We adopted him from another family because he was doing this to their beloved chiuahuah, and I hated seeing him being abused because of it.

At first, everything was WONDERFUL, but now, it is changing so fast, I'm worried. If Astro turns on Sammy, well... that could be VERY bad.
Thanks for any and all help you can offer.

For some reason, Astro thinks that he needs to attack the dog. This could be due to anxiety on his part, or maybe just a way of wanting to show dominance. He may never attach Sammy since Sammy is obviously the alpha dog.

I wish I could tell you more, but this is an odd situation. Since Astro seems to be vicious, then he may need a home where he's the only cat.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thank you for your advise. I do appreciate it, and I will ask them about the meds.

Although it is distressing for Mickey and the entire family, I wouldn't dream of sending him to yet another home. He is an old kitty, and I really do love him. Mickey still plays with him, and acts like nothing happened. Poor puppy's ears are sore, but he still loves that kitty.

I may try punishing him by locking him in the bathroom that has his litter box when he does that, but I don't know if that is a way to train cats. It works with dogs though!

Thanks again! Your advise is very appreciated!

Isolating the cat in a "time out" situation like you described is very good and it usually works with cats! The trick is to be calm when you put him in the room - no eye contact, scolding or even talking. Just a scoop up and gentle deposit into the time out zone!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

My dog Mya (5 yrs old)and I live with my bf and his family. BF has a cat Moxie she is 2 yrs old. His parents have two cats, Buddy (8)and Patches(9). When Mya runs around in the house Buddy freaks out and attacks her. He is declawed in the front so he jumps in the air sticks his back feet out and kicks Mya in the face. It is the weirdest thing. We believe he is trying to protect Moxie. Because if Mya is just laying on the floor, he will go over and groom her face.
He hasn't attacked Mya in the last 5 or 6 months. But when he did attack her we used to lock him in a bedroom for a couple of hours.
Good Luck,
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

That is so intresting. Astro is declawed also. I wonder if that has anything to do with it.

Thanks for the advise!

The de-clawing could be very much to blame for the aggression. This happens in cats who have been declawed. This is all the more reason to do what you can to help reassure Astro that the dog is not a threat. Hopefully the Comfort Zone plug ins can help the situation along with time. You are to be congratulated for giving Astro a home as an adult cat and for being committed to his well-being.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thanks.
I hate to see any animal being neglected or abused. Especially when he is just being what he has been for 10 years!

But he is my first, so I'm still learning. Thanks again for your advise!