“I have a almost 4 year old male neutered Yorkie who recently (last several months) has become very aggressive to our 13 year old cat.  As a puppy, he would bark and pester the cat but never tried to hurt her.  As he got older he would chase her off the bed sometimes but again not in an aggressive way and not continue to chase her once she was off the bed.  We now keep the cat in the family room downstairs and keep a gate at the door so she can feel safe.  When the weather is nice the cat likes to go outside, yesterday they were in the front yard and everything seemed fine, they greeted each other and wandered around the yard.  They were both on the porch when suddenly he looked at her and set into her like he had never seen her before and she was his worst enemy.  He chased her around the yard and under the bushes, it was several minutes before we could catch him and let her back in the house.  We have three other dogs who get along peacefully with the cat.  The cat has always been very loving to the dogs.  Two of the dogs are older, larger male and female and one is a young female Rat Terrier we got several months ago.  The Yorkie and the Rat Terrier get along very well and he doesn’t show any aggression towards her.  He seems to enjoy having something closer to his size to play with, he also plays well with the other two dogs.  The Yorkie doesn’t really like small children, sometimes he will allow them to pet him but most times he barks aggressively at them.  He is fine with older children and adults.  He likes to go to Canine Cafe at the SPCA and behaves very well. “ - Linda Maroney

Response from Richmond SPCA Behavior Helpline Manager Marie Tripton

Thanks for posting, Linda, I’m glad to hear you’re concerned about your dog’s chasing behavior.  Even though it has not resulted in serious damage, it quickly can.  Many of us know that animals or people running can trigger chasing behavior in dogs, which is why we always tell children to “be like a tree” if they come across an unknown dog.  Unfortunately, we have no real way of teaching cats how to freeze if they come across a dog.  Here are a few things you can try instead.  First and foremost, limit your cat’s running distance and provide her with lots of hiding places by keeping her indoors.  Next, teach your dog to behave calmly around your cat.  You may even want to get your dog and cat re-acquainted by following the tips in our February 7 post “Cats and Dogs. Can They Really Get Along?“  Keep in mind that even though barking, pestering and chasing the cat may not physically harm her, it is still a very unpleasant situation for your cat.  Ideally the cat and dog will not be loose in the house together until they are able to behave calmly around each other at all times when supervised.  Make sure to keep your dog on leash, behind a gate or behind a closed door until you are sure he will not chase, pester or bark at the cat.  Use this transition time to help your dog learn to lie quietly at your feet, come immediately when called, or walk calmly on leash past the cat.  Be sure to reward lots of his positive behavior, so he doesn’t end up only getting your attention when he makes a mistake.
For assistance resolving behavior problems specific to your pet household, feel free to contact the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline, 643-SPCA, or e-mail .

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