Do you have both a cat and dog? Have you noticed that your cat completely ignores your dog, despite multiple attempts from your dog? In this article, discover what is behind this strange behavior and learn how to better understand each of their temperaments.
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A personality difference
While both pets are adorable, cats and dogs have very different personalities. For instance, cats are often more introverted than dogs. While they can still be playful and joyful when they want to, they also need moments of calm. This means not being obligated to interact with humans and other animals. This can be more or less intense in felines. In general, cats need to their own space and do not appreciate intrusions. If your cat is like this, they might be ignoring your overly energetic dog because they are not in the mood to play.
The solitary personality that characterizes most cats can also explain this. The wild cats that domestic felines descended from hunted alone. They limit their territory and defend it against other animals. On the other hand, wild dogs usually live in packs. This can be seen, for example, in wolves and coyotes, who live in groups and have a strong sense of socialization.
These habits developed in the wild for centuries and are transmitted genetically despite the domestication of cats and dogs. Therefore, this could explain why a cat can ignore a dog. It is also likely that yout cat simply needs time to get used to the presence of the dog. This solitary personality means that cats often need a longer adaptation period to accept the presence of their new housemate, whether they are a dog or another type of pet.
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Past experiences that marked your cat can explain why your cat ignores your dog
If your cat ignores your dog, it is highly likely that your cat went through past experiences that left bad memories. According to numerous studies, cats have an excellent episodic memory, allowing them to remember certain events that have had a major impact on them.
Before meeting you, they could have encountered an overexcited dog that didn’t understand the limits of their personal space. A dog could have attacked your cat, which may have anchored in them a fear of these animals. Rather than take a risk by putting themselves into a new stressful confrontation, your cat can simply choose to completely ignore the dog. By reacting in this way, they know that the dog will end up getting bored with them and go elsewhere.
Health issues
Health issues can also explain why your cat ignores your dog. As a human, you would surely not be willing to play with an energetic person when you are sick. The same principle applies to animals.
If your cat has joint problems or other health concerns, they will prefer to conserve their energy and avoid any activity likely to aggravate their condition. In these conditions, they’ll simply ignore their canine housemate to curb their ardor.
Outside of the fact of preserving their energy and avoiding intensifying their pain, this behavior can also be due to emotional and psychological issues. Their recurrent problems negatively impact their mood and push them to isolate themselves more than usual.
If your cat is suffering from an illness that affects their senses (sight, hearing, smell), it could be reason why your cat ignores your dog. In these particular cases, the cat does not ignore the dog on purpose. They do not notice their presence. If your cat suddenly starts to develop an indifference towards your dog, it could be time to go to the vet.
Aging, one of the main reasons that could explain why your cat ignores your dog
Like humans, cats often become less active with age. They, therefore, appreciate moments of peace and quiet. As a result, a cat that’s getting older is more likely to seek out peaceful places to rest. And how will they react if a young dog bursting in with energy is in the same space as them? The feline will totally ignore them, as if they were invisible, in order to preserve their serenity.
In addition to the search for tranquility, senior cats can also suffer from diverse health problems related to aging. We can, for example, notice arthritis that considerably lowers their agility and makes their movements more painful, which limits their desire to engage in physical activities. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s very difficult for a feline to dodge a rambunctious puppy when every move they make causes pain or discomfort to their joints.
Age should be taken into account
Another valid argument is that the senses of an aging cat can considerably decline. If your cat is really old, their sight and hearing may not be what it used to be when they were young. They might not notice your dog even though they are playing around them. With the decline of their senses, your cat can believe that the sounds coming from your dog are far. This can explain the absence of a reaction from your cat despite the presence of your dog.
We can lastly mention the wisdom that comes with age. After many years living together, your cat knows that there is nothing new to expect from interactions with the dog. Your cat might have learned that fighting over a toy can quickly turn into a fight or unpleasant situation. Your cat can ignore your dog to avoid getting into trouble.
Take care of the areas that your cat tries to find peace and calm in, so that they can get away when they need to be alone. Give them access to areas where they can climb up high. This will allow them to observe your dog and not risk any disturbances.
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