Why does my dog "stalk" my cat?

Question

I have a 1 1/2 year old german shepherd, unneutered male. He follows this fixed female cat of mine around the house and just stares at her nonstop. He will just stop what he's doing and follow her, he never acts aggressive or anything, he never goes up to her, though she comes and rolls on her back and rubs on his face and such. She's kind of a fraidy cat and usually sort of stays away from scary situations, but she isn't super upset by his following her. He just walks around the house, she will lay right next to him, but it's just a little weird how he acts toward her. Anyone know what this behavior may mean?

Answer 1

He's Definately herding the cat. Shepherds that have a strong herding instinct will herd anything including other household pets. Especially if the other pet is less dominant within the pack structure. Yes I know that sounds weird. But yes the dog does see your other pets as pack members. Even if it's a cat. Most people believe that cats and dogs are natural enemies. When the truth of the matter is dogs are preditory animal and when a dog sees a cat or a smaller animal i.e squrrel , Rabbit ect they go into what we call a prey mode and start to chase and attack it. With your dog's situation he's been socialized with cats within your pack so in the dogs mind he sees your cat as simply a member of his pack. So what is happening is he is doing what most dogs will do when they have a strong herding drive. The cat moves and he watches and follows. Not to be aggressive but kinda as a guardian. Dogs with strong herding drive will follow and herd what they consider weaker pack members around because that is what a true hearding dog will do to a flock of sheep or a heard of cattle in order to protect the flock or herd. He's not being aggressive so don't worry. Thats why the cat will go up to him and show affection towards him. It's a little more than affection that the cat is doing. The cat by rubbing against the dog the cat is exchanging animal scents with the dog. REASON? The cat is not only claiming the dog as territory but he also is getting the dogs scent on him by rubbing up on the dog as a way to tell other larger animals that he has a big protector so to speak. This is one of the reasons why your other dogs and cats are less enclined to torment or pick on theis scaredy cay as you call him. The cat knows that he is the less dominant animal around your house so he has allowed this dog to become it's body guard in a way. Actually it's kinda cool.

Answer 2

If I were you I'd get your dog another activity. Bored dogs will find games to play around the house. Sometimes that means chewing, sometimes that means destroying, and in your case, I think it might be stalking. It may never go beyond stalking, but you never know. Dogs have a natural instinct to hunt, stalk and chase smaller animals. GSDs are incredibly intelligent, and often very object driven (hence why they are great schutzhund dogs). If you happen to have a dog that displays either of those traits, he may just need another outlet for it than the cat. A good training program that gives him a job and diverting him while he's stalking her, will most likely help.

Answer 3

My boxer stalks my cat as well. I think it entertains her. The cat is always getting into trouble and the dog is fascinated. I think, especially if you only have one of each, it's a comfort thing for them to have each other (kind of like a pack which is natural for dogs). My dog is constantly getting on top of my cat and licking her (it's weird to see), but the cat doesn't seem to mind. I think it's just a natural animal reaction to want to be with others and show affection.

Answer 4

Taken directly from wikipedia <3: The Feliformia ("cat-like" carnivores, also Feloidea) are a suborder within the order Carnivora and includes cats (large and small), hyenas, mongooses, civets and related taxa. So they are probably closely related to cats.

Answer 5

It depends on how long you've had the cat. It may be a protective thing like he's trying to watch her and make sure nothing happens, or he might be trying to make sure she's not invading his territory. More info would help.

Answer 6

A german shepherd is a herding dog. Do you think he is trying to herd your cat? My mothers shepherd used to herd my son when he was small.

Answer 7

Dog and cat are natural enemies

Answer 8

Are you sure he's stalking her, or is he herding her? You dog may have a strong herding instinct and be doing that.

Answer 9

I think this is so sweet. He loves her and she tolerates him. he may even think shes's his mom if she lived with you first. so he watches her and wonders why he doesn't look like her. Not kidding.

Answer 10

True love.

Answer 11

BECAUSE HE HAS NOTHING TO DO, HE IS BORED AND TRYING TO KEEP HIMSELF BUSY.

Answer 12

why do you "stalk" your dog.