Puppy vs Cat

Hi Guys,

I am getting really concerned about Pru's behaviour towards our 1 year old cat Alf. They have always been interested in each other and played but we tend to separate them as soon as it gets rough in any way. Recently I have noticed that when Alf is in the house Pru simply won't leave him alone, she'll chase him onto a chair and snap at his feet and tail. We always shout "no cats" and move her away and if she continues to annoy Alf we put her in her pen. We've been trying to keep her away from him and let him enjoy his time in the house as much as possible but then typically he'll stalk her whilst she's chewing something and a little fight will break out.

Well today Pru chased after Alf and grabbed him by the ear and made him screech. We separated them immediately and shouted "no cats" at her. We checked Alf over and he's got a little cut on his ear, clearly made by one of her teeth.

I am ever so upset about this and I really don't know what else I can do, she seems to ignore my no cats warnings and its like she zones out when she see's him and just doesn't listen. I always said that if she ever drew blood on Alf she'd be gone. I really don't want to have to give her up. I need some advice please.

I'm afraid I've never had cats so not much help, we have this   

http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/introducing_dogs_and_cats

How old is Pru now? Do you think she could trying to rough play as she would her siblings?

flowerbud wrote:How old is Pru now? Do you think she could trying to rough play as she would her siblings?

She's 12 weeks old. I'm not sure, I guess so as she stands over Alf and sometimes mouths his scruff. We usually break it up pretty quickly.

She is still very young, I think it's most likely to be that rather than anything nasty. However, obviously Alf is not a pup and you are right to stop it when things get out of hand. You may find she learns when Alf swipes at her, don't want her injured by a claw either though. Keep supervising them, as I say Pru is still a baby.

Thanks Flowerbud. I needed a bit of reassurance to be honest. Alf is terrible, his swipes are pretty pitiful!

You are welcome, we all need reassurances and other opinions at times, I'm always asking for it too

my cat was 6months old when we got gizzy at 7 weeks - both nipped at each other and we worried - spec when gizzy started grabbing jd by the scruff in the garden and run around with him like a toy -- yet gizzy NEVER drew blood and jd always went back to him - 4 yrs on - gizzy and jessie j chase jd over the fence when he runs (prey instinct) - but whenever jd comes home the 1st thing he does is greet the dogs by mieowing/rubbing - then sleeping next to them - play may seem rough but if no blood is drawn and the cat can have a safe area then just give them time to understand how rough to be

My cat is a beast,and loki always barks and tries to get near him, but my cat chases him and swipes him, and he soon runs, ahah...he tries to push his luck but Charlie doesn't have any of it.

Lula will bark at Tigger if he sits on the couch but he just ignores her and we tell her no. Last week he hiss at her and she went sulking in her crate. Lula wants to play with him but he having none of it and she knows better than to try and pounce on him. Tigger not shy of swiping if he thinks she over stepping the mark.
You could buy a cat scratching post that have a platform on the top. it would give the cat somewhere high up and safe from the dog if things got a little out of hand.