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BIRDS AND THE BEESWhy do some dogs chase cats, while others don't?
Simon Harrison, Laramie, Wyoming USA
Dogs have a natural instinct to chase anything small that runs. Domestic dog breeds have been bred for different qualities and in some the natural instinct to chase is much more marked than others, and it can be developed either by human training or by the example of other dogs. Also some dogs are encouraged by their owners to chase cats, either from malice against cats or because they think this normal dog behaviour. The myth that cats and dogs hate one another is very lasting, but I have had several dogs which adored cats.
Susan Deal, Sheffield, UK
The others have learnt better. Cats have sharp claws, and know how to use them.
Brian Robinson, Brentwood, UK
A sight worth seeing is a cat chasing a dog. My late cat Oscar was fearless of dogs with a particular hatred for Alsatians and would advance slowly on them, growling, hackles raised and maintaining total eye contact until the mutt turned and fled. I saw him do it twice, and the second dog, a young Alsatian bitch who had come down the path with the paper-girl, was so terrified by the experience that thereafter she would stay warily on the opposite side of the road from the house as the paper was delivered.
