Cat initiated chase

I've been training Becca since I got her to not herd/chase the cat. I was WAY paranoid about it in the beginning. In the past few weeks however the cat has begun initiating a chase game. I have Becca's tunnel in the kitchen. The cat will start her wild woman routine and run into the tunnel often running around Becca. She'll come out and entice Becca to chase her into the tunnel. Then they frap together through the house. The both seem to enjoy it.

The problem is now Becca will run and pounce at the cat trying to make her run. The cat pretty much ignores her. I love that they will play together, but worry that things may get too rough on Becca's part. The cat has shown nothing but patience. She isn't declawed, but has never slapped Becca in malice. (She isn't above scaring Becca by reaching down from above and goosing her.)

Do I let the games continue?

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Permalink Reply by Tomahawk and Fences on September 10, 2012 at 9:36pm

Our calico Maddie does the exact same thing. She even pounces on our corgis and starts a wrestling match with them. I figure that as long as I watch them and correct the dogs for any rough behavior it's alright to let them play. Our other cat on the other hand has nothing to do with the dogs. Whenever she is in the hallway chilling, Tomahawk won't pass by her for fear of his life. I guess he knows that if he messes with her, he will get a slap to the snout.

I love watching dogs and cats getting along ( or at least knowing the boundaries), it makes the house feel like one happy family lol.

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Permalink Reply by Lawren and Teddy on September 10, 2012 at 9:46pm

My rule is if the cats started it, to allow it but to watch to make sure that it doesn't get out of hand. If Teddy tries to start it and the cats want nothing to do with it, I redirect Teddy. I also correct when Teddy ignores the cats back off signals. I praise him when he listens to them. He does a pretty good job. I also restrict his roaming range at night and when I'm at work so the cats have a place to go to when they've had enough and need to get away.

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Permalink Reply by Beth on September 10, 2012 at 10:13pm

I allow chase games if the cat initiates. I allow a dog to ask to play once, but not to harass the cat.

Really I have to say the cat only plays with Jack; Maddie has never quite figured out cat language and the cat and Maddie tolerate each other and Maddie sometimes gets cracked in the head.

If during chasing, though, the dogs' eyes turn from playful sparkle to a harder glint, I stop the game.

There are two things to be mindful of: I have heard of more than one occasion when an owner came home to find a dead cat, in a house where the cat and dog seemed to get along beautifully together. Anyone who has watched her Corgi grab a soft toy and give the death shake knows that Corgis do have a pretty strong prey drive. And two, you have probably seen my recent posts about our trip to the emergency vet with a scratched cornea. Cats who are a bit annoyed bat the nose. Cats who are truly ticked off do tend to go for the eyes. Mine were not playing (or even interacting) when the accident happened, but it is something to be mindful of. Dogs have fast reflexes, but cats are faster.

It's a judgement call. Personally I feel the risks are lower if the dog and cat are buddies. But I always thought Maddie would be the one to get nailed, if anyone did, and I was wrong. So I guess my answer is a cautious "let them play, BUT..."

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Permalink Reply by Marcie on September 11, 2012 at 5:54pm

The cat has been nothing but patient with Becca thus far. I still have cat safe zones in the house. High spots in each room and two rooms are gated and cat only. I think I will play it by ear. The cat seems to be in control of the game now if the power shifts, then back to basics.