Posted by Martha Marnocha on October 03, 2005 at 09:56:50:
In Reply to: Re: Latest pet story posted by Shana Hudson McKinney on September 28, 2005 at 18:08:23:
I wanted to comment.....cats and dogs are inseparable from their ancestry and especially true with certain breeds of dogs. Prey is very important to them. Even "play" with dogs involves catching the prey/toy, shaking it violently, parading with their prey/toy and then lying down to shred it/eat it. Fortunately most dogs can differentiate between "prey" and humans. Some dogs have been bred to lessen their natural predatory instincts but most have retained them. Cats, of course, are highly efficient killers even though we give them names like Fluffy and Muffy.
What's the answer? Keep cats inside - it's healthier in the long run for the cat and the wildlife in your yard. Keep an eye on your dog or keep it leashed. Please rethink the condemnation of a dog/cat because it is doing what is natural and instinctual for it...and it should not necessarily translate this into aggressive behavior toward humans -- unless it is specifically taught this.
I'll get off my soapbox now. Thanks for considering my comments!