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Dogs chase cats because they are natural predators. That is, before their domestication took place about ten thousand years ago, canines were acting upon survival instincts to chase and catch smaller creatures to eat. The survival instincts are also known as the "prey drive." While prey drive can be modified by training, the natural instinct that makes dogs chase cats is still triggered by movement.
When you throw a chew toy for your pet puppy, the puppy is essentially sent into cruise control mode when it rushes to chase, catch, and thrash the toy about in its mouth in order to "kill" its toy. This is because dogs are naturally programmed to chase moving animals. Similarly, dogs chase cats because the cat is moving around the household and in doing so, triggers the dog's prey drive. This is dangerous for pet owners though, because some medium to large sized dogs can potentially kill cats if they can catch them. Most of the time however, well fed dogs chase cats for the fun of it, although rough play can cause injuries to both animals.
Through selective breeding, people have been able to modify the prey drive, in order to breed dogs for performing certain functions. For example, border collies have been bred to herd sheep instead of mauling them in response to their movement. In dogs used by police to sniff out narcotics, the prey drive has been redirected toward objects instead of animals. The success of a catch and kill for dogs gives them an adrenaline high, reinforcing the behavior. Thus, to retrain the "dogs chase cats" instinct requires a massive investment of time, dedication, and management technique.
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∙ 7y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoAwswer This is mainly a myth. I own a dog and 4 cats.The dog has never chased any and one cat even fancies the dog. It could be the dog just hasn't grown up properly with them, though. Such as when you get a rescue dog, and hasn't had good experience with humans, it doesn't automatically love the new owner and hate the cats or animals nearby.
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∙ 12y agocat's do have sharp Claus but mostly it is dogs that chase
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThat's really a question that can never be answered truthfully. Ive heard it's because of some gland in their eyes? Im not really sure.
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Why do cats run away from dogs?
Not all dogs chase cats, but there are several reasons why a dog would chase a cat. Cats that are let outside usually roam, as they have quite large territories. Dogs, that perceive the house they live in as their territory, might chase off a cat if the dog feels like its territory is being threatened. Some dogs have a higher "chase" drive than others, and will just chase animals smaller than themselves for no other reason than to chase it. These reasons do not mean that dogs hate cats. Dogs and cats living in the same household are often very friendly towards each other.
Do dogs chase cats?
Actually, most dogs don't. Out of the dogs that I've been through (2) they haven't chased one of our cats. If the dog cats irritated by the cat, it might chase it. Otherwise, the dog and cat can become pretty good friends.
Is a dog chasing a cat kinetic?
dogs chase cats because cats run. and because dogs are territorial and cats are curious. Its just like the Romeo and Juliette the two familys the Montaques and Capulets have been fighting forever
Why do dog chase their tails?
Just about every dog owner has observed the family pet engage in the activity of tail chasing. Dogs chasing their tails is certainly not an unusual phenomenon, but the behavior often baffles the owners and in some cases seems to be so common that the activity borders on being an obsession. Various experts on dogs suggest a number of reasons why dogs chase their tails..
What sort of animal is used to chase rabbits out of there burrow?
Dogs are used a lot. Cats could be used, too.
Do cats chase dogs or dogs chase them?
Both. Depending on the dog and cat, dogs can chase cats, but some feisty or territorial cats are more than capable in chasing away a dog.
Do Puli dogs chase cats?
Any dog breed can chase cats.
Are Shih Tzus a common breed that chase cats?
All dogs chase cats.
Do cats like too chase dogs or cats .?
they actually like to chase mice
Do some dogs chase rats like cats do?
Dogs will chase things that run, that is instinct.
Do cats go after dogs or do dogs go after cats?
Dogs sometimes chase after cats because it is their nature. They are descendants of wolves. But, the cat will protect itself and might scratch the dog. Sometimes the cat will fight back and it might not end well for the dog.
Do dogs really like to chase cats?
no, dogs just chase just bout anything that moves
Why do cats run away from dogs?
Not all dogs chase cats, but there are several reasons why a dog would chase a cat. Cats that are let outside usually roam, as they have quite large territories. Dogs, that perceive the house they live in as their territory, might chase off a cat if the dog feels like its territory is being threatened. Some dogs have a higher "chase" drive than others, and will just chase animals smaller than themselves for no other reason than to chase it. These reasons do not mean that dogs hate cats. Dogs and cats living in the same household are often very friendly towards each other.
Why do dogs chase lizards?
The same reason they chase cats and squirrels and mice. Dogs are predators. Predators chase things to kill and eat.
Why do dogs chace cats around?
dogs chase cats around because they are two different types of animals!
Do dogs chase cats?
Actually, most dogs don't. Out of the dogs that I've been through (2) they haven't chased one of our cats. If the dog cats irritated by the cat, it might chase it. Otherwise, the dog and cat can become pretty good friends.
What eats a cat other than a dog?
dogs don't eat cats. they chase cats.
