CAT-TESTING
One of the most frequently asked questions at Greyhound Adoption Service (GAS) is how our greyhounds are cat-tested. Greyhound adoption agencies use various methods. GAS has live, feral cats living on the property. The cats live beyond the immediate kennel area where food and water are provided, and the cats come and go as they please. The cats do not belong to GAS. But GAS does round them up on an annual basis for shots and neutering. It is a most curious symbiotic relationship. The cats are well aware of the near proximity of the kennel. The cats are free to leave but there are usually 6 to 12 cats in residence at all times.
Initial
meeting
For cat-testing, the dogs are restrained, and the
cats
at liberty. The dogs are walked one at a time, outside the kennel
toward the area where the cats congregate. The cats can choose to
come to see the dogs or stay away. On sunny days we find the cats
most willing to visit with the greyhounds. Restrained on a lead,
the dog is led toward the cat area. Taking small steps and
stopping,
the dog is given the opportunity to notice the cats. The way the
dog behaves determines if the testing goes any further.
High
prey drive
A dog with a high prey drive will crouch down into a
stalking
position and focus single-mindedly on the cat. At this stage, an
attempt will be made to draw the dog's attention away from the
cat.
A high prey drive dog will not be thwarted from his focus on the
cat.
Often it is necessary to either scoot the cat away or to pull the dog
back
toward the kennel. This determination and focus on the cat is a
sure
sign that this dog cannot live with cats, or small critters of any kind.
Feline
friendly
A dog who can live with cats behaves quite
differently.
The dog upon seeing the cat may wag its tail, ignore the cat, approach
cautiously and sniff, bow into a play posture, or show some interest
but
is easily coaxed away. Murphy, a long haired black tom, is a
veteran
of cat testing. He will approach certain dogs from whom he
detects
no malice.
Nose
to nose with Murphy
The
Murphy Seal of Approval!
Afraid
of cats
Some greyhounds are even fearful of cats, and pull
away
from the direction of the felines. In either case, no harm comes
to the cats or the dogs.
Occasionally the testing is not clear-cut.
That
is why all dogs are given repeated tests. At Greyhound Adoption
Service,
anyone interested in adopting a cat safe greyhound, will be allowed to
view their potential dog in a repeat cat test.
Two
of the test crew
Greyhound Adoption Service does the best possible job of designating cat-safe dogs. Our method is a good one, but is not fool-proof. There are no quarantees. A word of caution. All adopters with cats are advised to follow special procedures when introducing their greyhound to a cat, and to do so with the dog wearing a muzzle. We are happy to loan you a muzzle, which can be returned when the introduction period is over. Greyhound - cat introductions should be done gradually and with great care. Marilyn will discuss this procedure with you before you take your greyhound home. Failure to follow these special guidelines can result in tragic consequences for your cat. If done right, not only is it possible for greyhounds to share a home with cats, many greyhounds and cats have become fast friends.
by Deborah Schildkraut
Click for more information on greyhounds
and cats.
