MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. Mommy’s still workin’ on gettin’ those forms put together fur everypawdy from last weeks posty. She’s tryin’ to figger out how bestest to save them so everypawdy can save/download and make changes to them to fit your unique circumstances. Anyways, we’ll let ya’ll know when we get them done. It was really nice to know a lot of you already have plans in place fur your furry family members should anythin’ happen to you. Let’s get the business stuffs outta the way and get on with today’s posty. Remember, you can always ketch up on any post you may have missed or want to read again, by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. And you can submit your own questions or topic suggestions by commenting on our posts or sendin’ us a purrivate e-mail via our Contact page. Purr the new GDPR, we have a new purrivacy banner on that page. But, let me tell ya’, we respect each and every one of you and would never, and me means never ever sell your infurmation to anypawdy.

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

Today’s post will be more relevant for dogs than cats, but with more and more cats becoming the pet of choice with people we expect things to change. We were asked a while back, “How do you handle when your cat/dog is attacked by another that’s off leash/free roaming?” “Is there a way to avoid a confrontation?” Obviously, the best way to avoid a confrontation, is for everybody to obey the laws and keep their cat or dog leashed and under their control while out in public; whether on a walk, hanging in the yard or park, or anywhere else peeps and animals gather. Unfortunately, there’s always some idiot that doesn’t want to comply. And yes, we truly mean Idiot. We also find that when it comes to leashing, cat peeps are among the worst. It’s really embarrassing for us; so cat peeps listen up…If you take kitty out into public, be sure to harness and leash us before putting us into our carrier or stroller. The law applies to kitties and woofies the same. We’ve already posted harness and leash Training Tips and Techniques here and here, so we won’t go thru that again.

Raena in “Heel” position

Heel Training:

You should also Train kitty or woofie to Heel beside you when anyone or any animal approaches. This will help you maintain control over your own animal without looking like prey to the approaching animal. Heel means that your kitty/woofie sits calmly at your side. To Train your kitty/woofie to Heel, call them to your side and ask them to sit and stay. Remember to Reward them every time they succeed. If possible incorporate another cat/dog in the training and have kitty/woofie Heel while the other animal approaches. The only time you should allow your kitty/doggy to meet and greet another animal in public is when they are both leashed and under control of their handler. You know your animal and know the warning signs of aggression. If both animals are leashed, it is much easier to separate them before an attack can occur.

Unleashed woofie doesn’t “look” aggressive, but you can’t be sure.

Steps to take when out and being approached by unknown animal:

So, you’ve done everything right. You’re out for a nice stroll with kitty/doggy and see an unleashed animal in the distance coming your way, what do you do now? Tighten your leash hold to make sure your pet is completely under your control. If kitty or woofie is small enough to pick up, do so. The best way to avoid conflict is not to be there. Don’t make yourself prey. Turn away from the approaching animal and go another way. However, Do Not Run, you immediately become prey when you run. If avoiding the animal isn’t an option, Heel kitty/woofie and evaluate the situation. You may have to use that pepper spray you’re carrying. In this situation, and this situation only, we recommend carrying a spray bottle or squirt gun to use to startle the advancing animal. If the animal is actually accompanied by a human, yell out to them to get their animal under control. Be prepared for “Idiot” to say something like, “He won’t bite, he’s just being friendly/wants to play.” Keep your animal under control and get your pepper spray/water bottle/squirt gun ready. You are obeying the law and have the legal right to defend/protect yourself, your animal and anyone else in the vicinity. Now is a good time to take a photo of the approaching animal and any human that may be associated with him/her. The photo will help you find the animal and it’s owner in the future if need be. Remember to stay calm. We animals feed off our handlers’ emotions. If you’re feeling stressed, we’re going to get stressed; if you’re calm, we’ll stay calm.

If you’re at the VET’s office or a Pet store or some other animal friendly place and feel threatened by another animal, ask the owner of said animal to tighten their leash and control of their animal. You may also want to ask the staff to speak with the owner of said animal. If at the VET’s office you can ask to wait in a room so that you and Fluffy/Fido can be separated from the “aggressor” and Idiot. You can also leave and return later when hopefully that particular animal is gone. Remember, the best way to avoid conflict/attacks is not to be there. 

Attack is immanent.

The Confrontation and what to do:

You’ve done everything you could to avoid this confrontation, but the unleashed animal attacks anyways. If the animal isn’t accompanied by a human, we suggest not waiting to find out, and assume the approaching animal is dangerous. We suggest spraying the animal before it gets close enough to attack in the first place. If “Idiot” refuses to get their animal under control tell them you will spray their animal if he/she comes any closer, and follow thru. Do Not put your hands or face between the animals. Use your pepper spray/squirt gun/water spray bottle to break up the fight. Yell, stomp your feet and/or clap your hands to try to startle the animals. Hopefully, onlookers will come to help. If you plan to be in a secluded area, you should always have a second person with you to help in the event of an attack. Sometimes no matter what you do, an attack is immanent. As soon as the attack is over and the animals have been separated, check Fluffy/Fido for injuries and get to your VET. Remember to take photos of both animals and any injuries. Be sure to get at least one good clear photo of the attacking animal. Report the attack to the authorities and locate the owner of the attacking animal. Legally, they are responsible for any damages due to their negligence (ie; not keeping their animal leashed, confined and/or under their control). 

I’s leashed up with mine’s harness on and all legal.

The Legalities:

Attacks are never fun and can be avoided more often than not when we all follow the law. But remember, as long as your animal is leashed and under your control, the law is on your side. While you could care less during an attack, the end result is that the unleashed animal’s owner is liable financially for any damages suffered due to the attack. They are liable for any VET bills, doctor’s bills, lost wages, and other damages depending on your local government’s laws. Make Them Pay. Sometimes the only way “Idiots” learn is when it costs them. We will also add that while the thought of hurting any animal makes mommy cringe, she says to use anything at your disposal to stop an attack, such as a cane, stick, flashlight or whatever else you might have on hand. Again, legally, you’re in the right. While that knowledge won’t help your conscience, you don’t want your fur baby to be mortally injured. Mommy says when it comes to protecting us, she’s a momma lioness and would kill to keep us safe. 

Me’s obeyin’ the leash laws and purrtectin’ me’s self by bein’

strapped into me’s stroller.

Well we hope this has helped a bit. We truly wish everypawdy obeyed the laws so there weren’t any attacks in the furst place. An animal who has been attacked can offen become fearful or aggressive themselves. We have written Tips fur helping kitty/doggy with fear/aggression here and here. Be sure to get your questions or topic suggestions in by leaving a comment or sendin’ us an e-mail. And don’t furget to check out the other topics we’ve already covered on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu. We’re also joinin’ the Feline Furiday blog hop. 

Till the next time………………………………………….Be Blest!!! 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle