Inspired by Lucky4me's cat question

[MerryPoppins]

I have a neutered male cat named Cricket. He is three years old and a real sweetie. We think that he actually thinks he is a dog, since he is never around cats and he grew up with our dogs.

Here is the problem. He is larger than my smallest dog, Holly. She is very timid and shy while Cricket is outgoing (to say the least). They actually like each other a lot and sometimes even play together. BUT, Cricket loves to terrorize Holly at times. He hides and jumps out at her. He grabs her and rolls her over on the floor when she isn't expecting it. He knows the dogs ring a bell when they want to go out, so he rings it to make them come running and zap! He also knows that when we call them they will come, so he hides when we call them. He is just a devil.

I have a couple of water pistols. I've been using them to squirt him when he does this to her. It helps. He's even learned to react to "I'm getting the gun", but if I don't follow up with a squirt he goes right back to his old ways.

Sometimes Holly shakes when I ask her if she wants to go outside. She knows that if she comes to me he might jump her. Any other ideas of how I could discourage this behavior? I don't think he is trying to be mean. He does the same things to our other dog, but she just blows him off. If only Holly could learn to do that. Sigh.

Any ideas?

 

[Rajah]

I think what you're getting into here is a difference in how the animals play. Sounds to me like your kitty is just trying to play with the puppies, but as cats instead of as dogs. Cats and dogs play differently.

Have you thought of getting another *cat* for Cricket to play with?

Again, there are a lot of good posts on Think Like A Cat on ivillage.com about getting cats and dogs to get along. (again, I can post this on think like a cat if you'd like)

Good luck!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

With 2 indoor dogs and 1 outdoor one, and a lizard in addition to Cricket the last thing WE need is another cat. On the other hand, he may need one to play with. You make a valid point. The thing about that that worries me is would both of them gang up on poor Holly? I just don't think she could handle that. I mean, she loves Cricket, but he scares her to death.

I'd love it if you would post the question for me on Think Like a Cat. I'd love to find an answer without getting another kitty if possible, but I'd be willing to consider an addition if that is the little guy needs.

Thanks for thinking about this for me. Holly thanks you, too.

 

[Lucky4me]

Do you want George?? It could be arranged.

 

[MerryPoppins]

LOL! That is a possibility.