Dogs and cats can absolutely live together peacefully, but if your dog keeps chasing your cat, it can create stress and tension in your home. This article explores why this happens and how to stop it for good. Let’s get started!

Why Dogs Chase Cats & How to Stop

Dogs have a natural prey drive

Many dogs are hardwired to chase smaller animals that move quickly. This instinct comes from their ancestry and is strongest in breeds developed for hunting or herding. Even if your dog loves your cat, the sight of sudden movement can still trigger the chase.

Chasing can be a game for your dog

Sometimes your dog isn’t trying to hurt the cat at all. They may simply think it’s fun. A bored dog with excess energy may use the cat as a moving toy, especially if the behavior gets a reaction from you or the cat.

How to stop your dog from chasing your cat

1. Control the environment: Use baby gates or leashes to prevent chasing while training is in progress.
2. Teach a solid “leave it” or “look at me” command: These cues help redirect your dog when they spot the cat.
3. Reward calm behavior: Every time your dog sees the cat and remains calm, give a treat or praise. Reinforce the behavior you want.
4. Increase exercise and mental stimulation: A tired dog is less likely to engage in unwanted chasing.
5. Do short, controlled introductions: Start with leashed interactions at a distance. Gradually reduce distance only if calm behavior is maintained.

These steps will help your dog learn not to chase your cat, but it’s important to understand that this behavior often stems from high prey drive, boredom, lack of impulse control, or inconsistent boundaries around other pets.

And until those root issues are addressed directly, you’ll continue to see problems in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

Things That Make Chasing Worse

Allowing off-leash access too soon

If you give your dog free access to the cat before they’ve learned how to behave, you’re setting them both up for failure. Supervised and structured interactions prevent bad habits from forming.

Unintentionally rewarding the chase

Sometimes we accidentally reinforce the behavior we don’t want. If your dog chases the cat and gets attention, or if you laugh or yell and they see that as a fun reaction, the behavior becomes more likely to repeat.

Expecting the cat to defend themselves

Some people assume the cat will eventually scratch or hiss and teach the dog a lesson. This is risky and can lead to injury or even worse chasing. Cats should never be expected to train your dog for you.

How to Help Your Cat Feel Safe

Give your cat high or separate spaces

Make sure your cat has access to vertical territory like cat trees or safe rooms the dog can’t enter. This gives them control over their space and reduces stress.

Don’t force interactions

Let your cat approach the dog on their terms. Forced exposure can make fear worse. Always allow your cat to retreat if they feel overwhelmed or unsure.

Use scent-swapping and calm exposure

Before reintroducing the animals physically, swap bedding or use scent cloths to help them get used to each other’s smell. Controlled, calm exposure goes a long way toward rebuilding trust.

Dog Chases Cat FAQs

Will my dog outgrow the habit of chasing?

Some puppies do become calmer as they mature, but if chasing is tied to prey drive or excitement, it likely won’t stop on its own. Training and management are still needed.

Can I ever leave them alone together?

Only if you’re completely confident that your dog will not chase, and your cat feels comfortable. Many choose to never leave dogs and cats together unsupervised, especially in high-prey drive breeds.

Is it okay if my cat teases the dog?

While some cats do intentionally provoke dogs, it’s still the human’s job to keep peace. Reward your dog for ignoring teasing, and give both pets outlets for play and stimulation elsewhere.

Conclusion

With patience, training, and clear guidance, you can help your dog and cat live together safely and even become great companions over time.

P.S. Be sure to pin this so you can refer back to the instructions!