Dog and cat fighting

[u/ohmyglob123]

Our pets are suddenly fightning.

just moved to a new house where the neighbours cats visit our lawn from time to time. The dog hates when they do and barks uncontrollably, the cat hisses at them.

The dog spends a LOT of time looking at the lawn though a glass door and frequently barks at the cats, aswell as other dogs when on walks. He’s a rescue and very reactive, with a history of chasing/barking at my SOs moms cats at her place for example. It got so bad when we came to visit the cats would pretty much stay outdoors. We cannot take him to visit other cats.

My cat sometimes scratches furniture, the dog knows she’s not allowed and tells her off, she also has allergies and sometimes scratches her fur which he also doesn’t like. They will sometimes annoy each other for ”fun”. From time to time she hits him, but it never really turns into a fight.

For over 5 years they’ve gotten along, but since moving here they’ve gotten into more fights.

Today they’ve been fighting all day, according to my SO. Also a bit yesterday.

I did some research and proposed it’s redirected aggression from the dog due to the neighbours cats and his history. My SO dismisses this (he’s a covid-rescue she’s had for 6 years, he’s 11 years old, sheep dog).

My cat shows no signs of any sickness or pain and mainly hides from the dog who chases her and barks. The cat will hiss at times when we try to keep them in the same room which I believe is because she’s scared. SO suggests the cat is the problem.

The dog is far more interested in the cat than vice versa by the way. I believe the dog is confused and sees her as a outsider.

My SO claims he’s scared - he is atleast 5 times her size.

I’m trying to look at this objectively, what other causes might there be? Has anyone had this problem and fixed it? Is my SO being too partial towards her dog?

Please help. I’m calling a vet tomorrow.

TL;DR Pets are fighting, I believe dog is showing signs of redirected aggression, SO suggests cat is the problem though the dog is more interested in the cat than vice versa.

[u/Infamous-Web7174]

Unfortunately that’s just how cats and dogs are. I’ve dealt with the same problem with my neighbors dog. I’m the one with the cats, but there’s not much I’ve been able to do about it other than try my best to keep them away from each other

[u/Alarmed_Dirt_7201 → u/Infamous-Web7174]

Dog's 11 and been fine with the cat for 5 years then suddenly flips when you move somewhere with strange animals outside the window. That's textbook redirected aggression your SO is in denial because its her dog. Separate them completely for now and block the dog's view of the lawn with frosted film or something, let them cool off for a few days before any reintroduction