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We’ve all heard the old phrase “they fight like cats and dogs”. It seems that, ever since we’ve been cohabiting with both species, people have thought they hate each other.
Some dogs go wild when they see their feline cousins, while calm, collected cats can often lose their cool when a canine is near. But are they actually enemies? Do cats and dogs actually hate each other, or is it just natural animal interactions?
Here, we explore cat and dog behaviour, biology, and psychology to pinpoint if (and why) they drive each other crazy.
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Where did this idea come from?
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The idea that they both hate each other is a cultural one. The differences in behaviour between cats and dogs, as well as them both being our favourite companions, led to various historical and cultural depictions showing their differences.
Naturally, these differences were shown as conflicts, and the idea is less about hate and more about what cats and dogs represent. Even looking at simple ideas like “cat people” and “dog people” naturally leads to a playful “us versus them” concept.
The way cats and dogs were introduced into human life, too, led to opposition. Dogs were used for working and hunting, while cats enjoyed a more domestic life, dealing with pests and taking a more understated, but still important, role.
Do cats and dogs actually hate each other?
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So, let’s answer the key question: no, cats and dogs don’t naturally hate each other. Lots of cats and dogs happily live together, and it’s not uncommon to see them playing, napping together, and having peaceful lives.
Really, it comes down to early socialisation and training. Dogs who are socialised with cats early on will live peacefully with them, and the same goes for cats. But each individual cat and dog has their own personality - some will gel, some won’t.
Reasons dogs hate cats
So, while dogs don’t necessarily “hate” cats, some feline behaviours and canine instincts can cause anger or frustration.
Cat body language
A cat's body language can come across as aggressive or confrontational. For example, cats love to stare to show affection, but to dogs, this can look like a challenging, confrontational behaviour.
Instinct (prey drive)
Some dogs have a very strong prey drive, meaning they like to chase animals, especially smaller ones, that move quickly.
Cats are very nimble, so as they bounce around and climb quickly, dogs can end up chasing them.
Natural curiosity vs territorial instinct
Dogs are naturally curious - they follow their nose and check out new things. Cats, meanwhile, are naturally territorial, meaning when dogs enter their area without worry, it can cause cats to become defensive or scared. This leads to conflict as dogs feel threatened by a cat's aggression.
Reasons cats hate dogs
Body language conflicts
Body language is incredibly important for animals and, unfortunately, cats and dogs speak very different languages. For example, a dog’s wagging tail is universally seen as a sign of friendliness and fun. But cats can view it as a sign of aggression or agitation.
Another example is a dog’s ears. Dogs can flap their ears and pin them back when they’re scared, while cats see it as aggression.
Predictability vs chaos
Cats like space and predictability, while dogs can prefer novelty and affection. These clashing needs can lead to mutual aggression.
Stress responses
Cats can feel very stressed when dogs “invade” their space since they’re so territorial.
“Threatening” behaviour
Dogs can often act overly excited and boisterous, which cats see as threatening.
How to help cats and dogs get along
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Introduce them properly
If you’re introducing a dog into your feline home or vice versa, make sure you get those introductions down properly. It should be a gradual, calm introduction, and it’ll make sure both pets get off on the right paw.
Generally, it's a good idea to create "safe zones" for your pets, especially cats, to retire to and rest, and make sure to swap scents between both pets beforehand.
Our article on introducing cats and dogs can help with this, as well as our guide on introducing cats to each other.
Reduce stressors in your home
Make sure your home doesn’t cause any undue stress for your cat and dog, and make sure there’s space for both of them.
We recommend:
Creating safe spaces and respecting territory, like vertical spaces for cats to escape to (cat trees, high shelves for cats, etc).
Manage food and treats appropriately to reduce jealousy.
Separate feeding areas and water bowls.
Separate resting spots/beds for each animal
Train both of them regularly
Make sure you regularly engage both pets in positive reinforcement training, especially if there are persistent behavioural issues happening. It can keep them mentally engaged, and in some cases, behaviour training can reduce the chances of cats and dogs clashing.
But remember, if your cat, dog or both struggle with their behaviour that positive reinforcement training doesn’t rectify, you should chat to your vet or a behaviourist.
We don’t want to sound too alarmist as cat-dog interpersonal issues aren’t always a cause for concern, but we recommend chatting to a vet if you notice any of the following:
Injuries from conflict
Persistent aggression
Persistent fear
Urinating and pooping indoors or away from the litter box
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Understand the body language
It’s not just pets who misunderstand body language; it’s us, too. Make sure you know your way around each pet’s body language, and know when your pet is feeling aggressive, calm, excited or playful. Then, you can intervene with conflict before it happens by directing their attention away.
Is a cat or dog’s breed a factor?
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Yes, it is. Some dog breeds with a stronger prey drive and herding instincts may struggle to easily form a positive relationship with cats. Examples include:
Sighthounds (e.g., Greyhounds)
Some herding breeds, like Border Collies
Terriers (most types)
A cat’s breed has less of an impact, though, though more playful breeds, like American Shorthairs and Maine Coons, can enjoy more entertaining relationships with dogs.
But don’t panic too much; breed is just a small contributor.
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