For people who grew up watching fun cartoon shows like Tom & Jerry, it’s hard to imagine that a real-life cat could attack a dog. It always seemed like the other way around. But as any pet owner knows, even the best-behaved dog and cat can sometimes have a dust-up. And in some cases, the attacker can be the feline. So, what should you do if a cat attacks your dog?
Well, first of all, remain calm. Panicking or screaming may only aggravate the whole situation for both your dog and you. Secondly, try to get the cat off your dog by gently pushing it away using a stick or other object.
Let’s take a closer at how you should proceed if your dog gets attacked by a cat, with the many different issues that might cause.
Dog Attacked by Cat – What Should You Do Right in the Moment?
Seeing your furry friend being attacked by a cat can be a scary experience. But it’s important to stay calm and intervene in the right way to prevent further injury to your dog—and yourself.
If you can, gently push the cat off your dog. As aforementioned, you can use a stick or any object for that. If the cat has a firm grip with its claws, you may need to pry them off your dog’s skin. But be very careful while doing so as you don’t want to hurt your dog.
Another way to pry off the cat is to grab it by the scruff of its neck and gently lift it away from your dog. This is similar to the way a mother cat would carry her kitten.
And if all else fails, you can also try to throw a bucket of water on the cat or spray it with a hose. But that’s more like a last resort.
What To Do Next?
Once you’ve managed to get the cat away from the dog, it’s time to assess the situation. First of all, check your dog for any injuries.
If the attack was relatively minor, you could keep an eye on your dog at home. But if your dog is seriously injured, it’s best to take him to the vet as soon as possible.
Additionally, keep an eye on your dog for the next few days, even if he seems fine. In some cases, injuries from a cat attack can take a while to show up. So, schedule a check-up with your vet just to be on the safe side.
Different Kinds of Injuries Caused by a Cat and How to Deal With Them
- Puncture Wounds
The most common injury caused by a cat attack is a puncture wound. These are typically deep, narrow wounds caused by the cat’s claws. And if not treated properly, they can become infected.
So, if your dog has a puncture wound, it’s important to clean and disinfect it right away. You can do this by using a mild antiseptic solution. You can also apply a bandage once the wound is clean to prevent infection.
If the puncture wound is more than a surface injury, visit the nearest vet.
- Bruising And Swelling
Another common injury caused by a cat attack is bruising and swelling. This usually occurs around the area of the puncture wound. But it can also happen if the cat scratches or bites your dog.
If you notice that your dog is bruised or swollen, you can apply a cold compress to the area. This will help to reduce the swelling. You can also give your dog anti-inflammatory medication if recommended by your vet.
- Lacerations
A laceration is a deep cut usually caused by the cat’s claws, and these wounds can be very serious and often require stitches. So, if your dog has a laceration, it’s important to take him to the vet immediately.
Your vet will clean and disinfect the wound and determine if stitches are necessary. If so, they will close up the wound, and your dog will likely need to stay overnight for observation.
- Sprains And Strains
A cat attack can sometimes result in a sprain or strain. It usually happens when your dog tries to escape from the cat and twists his body in an awkward way.
If you think your dog may have sprained or strained something, it’s best to take him to the vet.
Why Do Cats Attack Dogs?
There are a few different reasons why a cat may attack a dog. In some cases, the cat is simply acting out of instinct. Cats are natural predators, and their instinct is to chase and catch prey.
So, if a cat sees a small dog, it may instinctively want to chase and catch him. This is especially true if the cat is hungry.
Another reason a cat may attack a dog is that it feels threatened. Cats are very territorial creatures and don’t like it when their territory is invaded. So, if a dog enters the cat’s territory, the cat may feel the need to defend itself.
Finally, some cats may feel possessive of their human family members and become aggressive when a dog comes around. This is more likely to happen if the cat perceives the dog as a threat to its relationship with its human family.
How to Prevent Future Attacks
The best way to prevent your dog from being attacked by a cat is to keep him away from cats. But that’s not always possible or realistic, even more so if you have a multi-pet household. So, the next best thing is to train your dog to be calm and submissive around cats.
You can do this by enrolling him in an obedience class or training him at home. It’s also important to socialize your dog as much as possible. This will help him be less fearful and more comfortable around other animals.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your dog on a leash when you’re around cats. That way, you can control the situation if an attack does happen.
Final Words on Dog Attacked by Cat
Overall, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of cats attacking dogs and take steps to prevent it.
By keeping your dog away from cats, training him to be calm around them, and socializing him as much as possible, you can help reduce the risk of an attack.
Of course, no matter how well you prepare, there’s always a chance that a cat may attack your dog. If this happens, it’s important to seek medical attention for your dog right away. Doing so can help ensure that your four-legged friend makes a quick recovery.
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