This upcoming weekend is supposed to be a taste of winter, but the weekend that just passed, especially Saturday, was beautiful. There were repairmen working on the outside of my apartment building, and they brought along their immense dog. I met this fellow - he looks to be part great Dane and part pit bull - outside and he is very friendly. And when he saw my cats, he wanted to be friends with them, too.
The beasts were not sure what to make of him. He danced and twirled and rolled, trying to get the cats to come and play. His tail wagged the whole time. I’m sure if he could have met them ‘in person’, as it were, he would have had a wonderful time. I’m not so certain about my lot.
Only Cammie had an adverse reaction, hissing and making huffing and puffing sounds. But she was near a window that was open an inch, and could smell the dog, while the others could not. When I heard the princess, I hastened over to make sure she was all right. She kept close to me, but calmed down. I think even she would have become accustomed to such an amiable canine; well, probably better and swifter than she would with any cat.
Later, the dog came back and looked in my bedroom window. By then, all the cats were in the sitting room; even Josie venturing from her usual haunt in the bedroom. The dog looked through the window, at me, at the empty cat-trees, whined and looked very disappointed. But he found his pals a few minutes later.
I am convinced that most cats and dogs get along better together than do many cats with each other. The dog is of course of a different species, and therefore outside of a feline household hierarchy. And anyway, the only thing threatening about this big fellow is his size. Inside, he’s still a puppy.
Yikes! This reminds me to volunteering at the cat rescue's permanent set up at a box pet store, where people with dogs would often allow their mutt to bark or put their paws up on the plexiglass. The people always said, "My dog loves cats!", but they never, EVER thought about how the cats would react to having a monster jump at them! People would get really offended when I/we told them to get their dog outta there, like we didn't' believe them. But they NEVER, ever noticed the bushed up tails and freaked out cats left in their wake. I was called names and all kinds problems ensued when you told these dog people that they needed to back off. Man, oh man...
ReplyDeleteThe exact same thing happens when I am 'showing off' cats at a local pet-supply store. The people say exactly the same thing. I explained that while their dog may love cats, my cat doesn't love dogs so close, especially when she is trapped in a cage.
DeleteWith this fellow outside the apartment, I was ready to run out and tell the repairmen to keep their dog back, but I saw that my lot were fine with him, except for Cammie, and she had a whole apartment to retreat into. But even she calmed considerably after I stayed with her. Believe me, if that big guy had caused trouble, I would have been on it.
I used to volunteer with an adoption center located in a pet shop, and I've had the same experience as you guys. People love their dogs, (and I love dogs too), but they fail to realize that not every person, (or cat) appreciates their canine.
ReplyDeleteYou would think it'd be common sense, though.
DeleteCommon sense is not common, John!
DeleteI have seen people letting their dog terrorize the cats and kittens in stores saying the same thing. Too many times. It's all about them and their wishes; never other people or animals.
ReplyDeleteThat's typical of too many people, really.
DeleteGlad the cats were not too disturbed by the energetic visitor. I'm sure they realized you would keep them safe.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how many posts I've caught up on...I must check in more frequently!
Eileen
Even Cammie was angry more than scared. Hissing is her first response to everything new.
DeleteI think your cats knew they could enjoy the antics of this sweet pup safely from their own home without worry. Although what they made of his need for their attention was another matter. Well we know what Cammie thought. People with dogs - and people with small children- often fail to appreciate that their loved pet or child is a strange and unpredictable alien to a cat who needs time and a safe distance to make sense of this new creature.
ReplyDeleteWhile noises scare the beasts, nothing visual bothers them much. Well, other cats do, but my lot aren't scared - just offended that other cats are near their territory. They know nothing gets into the apartment without my permission.
DeleteI accidentally deleted your second comment. I'm sorry. Why do they put 'delete' and 'publish' so close together?
DeleteThat dog certainly was very handsome and very friendly. The previous comments are well put, though in this case I don't think that was (much of) an issue for your crew.
ReplyDeleteI also suspect you're right in that a cat and dog likely would get on better together than two unrelated cats. After all, it would only take a swipe or two at the dog's nose for the cat to put the canine in its place. :-D
I am always on the look-out for anything that may cause my cats stress. After I watched the dog with Cammie for a few minutes, she was fine. Then bored. I think the others found him an interesting animal to watch.
DeleteWhat is it with dog people? Like many of you, I've seen folks let their dogs terrorize cats and kittens and think it's funny! That is simply the limit!
ReplyDeleteThis fellow, though, may end up providing some entertainment for your family. Is the glass on your windows sturdy just in case something would trigger the dog to jump up against the window? ( Have seen this occur at big box adoption sites also)
I think my cats did find the dog a bit of a diversion; that’s why I didn’t go out and ask that he be kept back. Even Came, after I assured her that the stranger was harmless, had no problem with him, and was, in fact, uninterested after a few minutes.
Deletenothin ta due with thiz post guys but: We gotta hand frum copee N paste heer two day …coz we canna sneek round on line… like we want… sew we R stopping bye ta say…. happee howl o ween…. N heerz ta treetz outta pumpkinz wazoo ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys. I hope your Hallowe'en was a good one. And just a reminder: the catfather is smiling.
DeleteWhat a wonderful puppy! But I think your cats wasn't so happy to see him haha! :D
ReplyDeleteMy 2 cats are also afraid of dogs :) Amaya would run away if she saw a dog, but Purka... haha! Once I went to the vet office and some dachshund (who's living with cats) wanted to sniff her. She was so angry, she started hitting him throw the transporter cage! The dog was confused :D
Next time when I went to the vet office and Purka was sitting on my laps, because there was no more people with their pets, suddenly some couple with a big dog came. I took Purka to the cage very fast, so the couple ensured me, that their dog won't hurt my cat. I will never forget their faces, when I told them that I'm not afraid about what their dog do, I'm afraid more what my aggressive cat can do to the dog! haha! :D
sorry for the typo, dict is always "correcting" everything :(
ReplyDeleteCute doggy. Cuter kitties. :) There's still a few hours to enter our Kitty Kick Stix give away. It's open to Canadians as well as US residents. The link to that give away is also included in our today's posty. Fanks fur da birthday wishes. Big hugs fur all.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Raena