What Do Cats Think of Dogs?

While cats are known to stay cool, calm, and collected in most situations, they tend to get skittish and even aggressive around dogs.

But is there a particular reason cats behave differently around dogs?

And what do our feline friends think of their canine counterparts?

What Do Cats Think of Dogs?

Cats usually think of dogs as predators. When a cat sees a dog, it instinctively acts as if a predator is present.

Most cats will run away when a dog tries to approach them.

At the same time, cats and dogs can get along great. It’s natural for a cat to be wary and alert around dogs.

This article will look at what might be going on in a cat’s head when it sees a dog.

Related Post: Why Are Cats Afraid of Dogs?

1. Most Cats Are Instinctive Loners

While technology or science can’t tell us exactly what cats are thinking, some behavioral differences between cats and dogs can give us an insight into their relationship.

By observing a cat’s behaviors and reactions, you can roughly gauge what they think when encountering a dog.

The main difference between cats and dogs dates back to thousands of years ago, when the ancestors of these household pets were first domesticated.

The house cat descended from a wildcat called Felis Silvestris, which translates to ‘cat of the woods.’

The ancestors of domestic cats were loners and would spend most of their time in the wild on their own.

On the other hand, dogs are descended from wolves, who are pack animals and form strong social bonds with their peers.

While some cats will tolerate dogs, even household cats can be put off by a dog’s goofiness and unbound energy.

Cats prefer to be alone for long periods, and even if they befriend a dog, they tend to keep their distance most of the time.

NOTE – Do dogs know cats are not dogs? Click the link to find out.

2. Most Cats Think of Dogs as Potential Predators

While cats are carnivorous predators, they are small compared to most dogs and risk being hunted.

As such, cats tend to run when scared or feeling threatened, sometimes even when their owner approaches them.

Dogs typically love chasing fast-moving objects, their predatory instinct kicks in, and they give chase.

So when a cat encounters a dog, it may run away, which motivates the dog to pursue it.

Cats and dogs have a well-established prey-predator relationship thanks to these behaviors.

And while we can’t speculate precisely on what thoughts a cat has, it’s clear from their behavior that many cats think dogs are dangerous predators to be avoided at all costs.

NOTE – You might also want to read this post answering the question: what do dogs think of cats?

3. Some Cats Are Aggressive Towards Dogs

Cats were probably domesticated around a thousand years after the first dog made friends with humankind.

However, most people regard cats as semi-domesticated as they are much more independent than dogs.

Their lack of complete domestication is why teaching a cat to accept a dog can be challenging.

Most people who both cats and dogs will tell you that the cat usually rules the house and tends to be aggressive towards their dog.

If you watch a dog approaching a cat, you will see the cat puff itself up as a sign of anger and aggression.

They may even hiss and spit at the dog while raising one paw as a warning.

Unfortunately, sometimes cats exhibit this behavior even when a dog approaches them in a non-threatening or friendly manner.

This aggressive behavior can be linked to the predator-prey mentality again.

While dogs are in little danger from most cats (except for a few scratches at best), cats can be significantly injured by a dog.

As such, they tend to keep their distance and stay alert around dogs.

NOTE – You might like to read this post asking the question: Why are dogs afraid of cats?

How To Socialize Your Cat

If you’re wondering whether your cat can get along with a dog, you’re not alone!

Many pet lovers want their pet dog and cat to get along harmoniously.

However, before they can be friends with a dog, cats need some time to adjust and socialize with their canine acquaintances.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you want your dog and cat to get along.

Related: Do Dogs Think in Barks?

It is Easiest With Kittens and Puppies

Ideally, it’s best to bring home a puppy and a kitten simultaneously because, at that age, they will naturally learn to adjust to each others’ behaviors.

While they may not grow to be best friends (although it’s a possibility), growing up together will allow them to get used to their different behaviors and at least tolerate having each other in the same house.

If you can’t manage that, consider bringing home a puppy after having had a cat for a few years.

Puppies are rarely a danger to an adult cat, and quite often, the cat will set the rules of engagement between both species, allowing you to step back and watch their relationship develop on its own.

If the cat thinks it’s the boss and the dog agrees, then this is usually the best dynamic for peace and tranquility between the two species.

Set Boundaries and Reduce Them Slowly

If you’re teaching your dog to get used to your cat, first separate the two with a gate or barrier and allow them to grow used to each other’s presence.

You can even use a leash to restrain the dog around your cat and observe its behavior.

If your cat displays signs of aggression, move the dog away to avoid it getting scratched.

However, if your cat seems relaxed and even curious, allow it to explore the dog in its own time.

When a cat feels safe around the dog, it will approach and sniff the dog to check it out.

In this manner, both species will learn and adapt to each other’s presence.

Final Thoughts on What Cats Think About Dogs

Cats often think of dogs as predators due to the dog’s bigger size and the fact that they often chase down cats.

However, cats also assume that dogs are goofy, which is evident in how they avoid dogs even when the latter only wants affection.

There are also instances of cats cleaning up a dog’s ‘bathroom mess’ by covering it with dirt.

Owners have even reported cats smacking the dog with a paw as a reprimand once the mess is covered.

While their relationship is complicated, cats and dogs can coexist in the same household.