How to stop your dog chasing or attacking cats

Dogs naturally have strong hunting and chasing instincts; in the wild, these kept them fed and safe. Though domestic dogs no longer need to hunt for food, their prey drive remains deeply ingrained. This often means smaller animals, particularly cats, can trigger a dog’s instinct to chase, which is inappropriate and unsafe in a home setting.

Thankfully, while you might not completely remove a dog’s natural instincts, you can train and modify their behaviour to peacefully coexist with cats. With care, your dog may even learn to see cats as companions rather than prey.

Below, discover expert-backed strategies to prevent your dog from chasing or attacking cats responsibly and effectively.

Breeds most likely to chase cats and why

All dogs possess prey drive to some degree, but some breeds are more prone to chasing cats because they were selectively bred for hunting, scenting, or herding.

Terriers, sighthounds like whippets, greyhounds, and lurchers, herding dogs such as the Border Collie, and sled dogs like the Siberian Husky often have a high prey drive. These breeds have ancestral instincts to chase or control prey, making training more challenging but still achievable with patience.

Ensure cat safety before training

Before beginning training, protect your cat from potential harm. Keep your dog securely contained in a well-fenced garden or on a lead during walks to prevent unsupervised encounters. Secure environments reduce stress for both animals and prevent accidents while training is underway.

Ways to reduce your dog's prey drive

• Neutering or spaying: This reduces hormone-driven behaviours, including aggression and chasing tendencies.

• Solid command training: Reliable obedience, particularly recall and "leave it" commands, is essential. Practice continuously to ensure your dog responds promptly even when distracted by cats.

• Feed and exercise your dog adequately: A well-fed and exercised dog is less motivated by hunger or boredom to chase prey.

• Use distraction and redirection: Immediately divert your dog's attention from cats with firm commands and rewards for compliance.

How to socialise your dog with cats properly

Introducing dogs to cats at a young age increases the chance they learn to coexist calmly. If your dog hasn’t met cats before, start with controlled introductions where both can see each other at a safe distance, ideally with barriers such as baby gates or leashes.

Encourage positive associations by rewarding calm behaviour around cats. Ensure cats have safe retreat spaces such as high shelves or cat trees where they feel secure and can escape if desired. A confident, assertive cat that sets boundaries can teach your dog respectful interaction.

Never leave your dog and cat unsupervised until you are completely confident in their behaviour. Over time, many dogs and cats form strong bonds or a respectful peace.

Expert tips for success and common challenges

• Avoid physical punishment — it can increase anxiety and worsen chasing.

• Be consistent and patient — modifying natural instincts takes time and ongoing effort.

• Use positive reinforcement to reward calm, non-chasing behaviour.

• Manage the environment carefully, limiting unsupervised access and potential triggers.

• Consider calming aids such as pheromone diffusers to reduce stress for both pets.

When and how to seek professional help

If your dog’s chasing behaviour is intense or dangerous despite training, consulting a qualified behaviourist or vet is wise. They can design a tailored plan that may include behaviour modification techniques or recommend medical options to manage prey drive.

Early intervention leads to better outcomes and a safer home for both your dog and cat.

Conclusion

Preventing your dog from chasing or attacking cats relies on a combination of management, training, and environment control. Understanding breed tendencies, ensuring safety, reducing prey drive, and socialising carefully can foster peaceful coexistence. Approach this with patience, consistency, and kindness—the reward is a harmonious home where both pets feel secure and valued.

For puppies or new dogs, consider adopting from reputable breeders or rescue centres that support early socialisation with other pets from the start.