Is Cringer Too Friendly?

My cats are all Siamese and (I don't know if this is typical of the breed) they just love everyone. Even Angel, who was abused and neglected, does...though it takes her a little longer to warm up to someone. They even love dogs!

However, I sometimes worry about Cringer. For example, not too long ago she ran up to our friends' new Rottie. Now thank goodness this dog likes cats...but what if he didn't? Should I discourage Cringer from being so friendly?

How to do that? I think Cringer just great! Not let her run to bad dogs. Can not teach that. Must do your self.

Originally Posted by vinceneilsgirl

My cats are all Siamese and (I don't know if this is typical of the breed) they just love everyone. Even Angel, who was abused and neglected, does...though it takes her a little longer to warm up to someone. They even love dogs!

However, I sometimes worry about Cringer. For example, not too long ago she ran up to our friends' new Rottie. Now thank goodness this dog likes cats...but what if he didn't? Should I discourage Cringer from being so friendly?

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I can understand ur concern about this!

First, let me ask u a few questions-

Are ur cats all indoor only, indoor/outdor or outdoor only?

If ur cats does go outside, are they supervised (on leash? U or others around to watch her? or do they roam?).

Answers to these will help in determining how to address this I think.. After I hear back from u, I will try to help. I'm sure others who are very experienced with this will also reply.

They are indoor only. The only ones who will go outside are Angel and Cringer, and that's only if Zach or I is with them.

Originally Posted by vinceneilsgirl

They are indoor only. The only ones who will go outside are Angel and Cringer, and that's only if Zach or I is with them.

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HMMMM... I'm not sure what kind of advice I can give about this besides keeping the cats indoor all the time and/or allowing cats out ONLY on leashes so if a dog do try to attack, then u can use the leash to grab cat and get out of harm's way.

I will pm some of other cat experts and ask them to reply to this so they can help u more.. Hang in there!
Pamela

Hmmm...

I'd say it's great that they're so friendly, and I wouldn't discourage such trust, but would say that they probably need to be protected.

I would definitely advise extreme caution with any dogs that you aren't absolutely positive are gentle with cats. I love dogs and have 3 of them (all good with cats), but it's important to keep in mind that even a small dog can kill or seriously injure a cat in the blink of an eye (think about tiny rat terriers, and dachshunds, bred to kill badgers). They have very strong jaws, and can move incredibly quickly if they're stimulated to hunt or attack.

If they're not at all afraid of dogs & will even run right up to a Rottie, than it's probably better to keep them entirely indoors, except when you can be right there with them, & close enough to grab the cat & move to a safe place if a dog comes by (it's not unknown for a dog to jump at an animal in a person's arms, either).

If someone is visiting your house with a dog, put the cats up unless they assure you that the dog is cat-safe. If the dog owner says the dog is OK with cats, have the owner keep the dog leashed while you both observe the interactions between the animals until you feel comfortable. Watch both animals carefully for any signs of tension. Some dogs might be fine with their own cats, but view strange cats as prey. Another thing to be aware of if you're visiting someone with dogs (or vice-versa) is to pick up the food dishes - some otherwise friendly dogs may behave possessively around food.

My cat Felixia isn't afraid of dogs at all either, so if I take her out in the yard, I do it on a leash & stand right there with her to pick her up & go inside if I see a dog coming.

Hope this helps