As strange as this sounds, it is a fairly common occurrence in households that have both dogs and cats living together. Since a cat's meal is not totally digested, the ***** may give off a strong odor, an odor that may be appealing to your dog. Totally disgusting to us, the fact is that dogs find this to be a "tasty treat". 

Why do they do that? 

Many dog owners' first question is, "Is this caused by a nutritional deficiency." In a very few cases this may be to supplement a dietary deficiency. Although, in most cases it is found to be a habit of well nourished dogs and they seem to just like the taste.

Will it harm my dog?

Dog owners' next concern is usually, "Will it harm my dog." Although, it is felt that this behavior is certainly not a healthy one for your dog, most often it will not cause severe harm. You may want to have your dog checked by your veterinarian for intestinal parasites and if you are using "clumping" litter to assure that there are no intestinal blockages. If you notice any unusual symptoms or a change in eating or bowel patterns, consult your veterinarian and advise him of this discovered habit. In some cases, a cat will abandon using a litter box if a dog intrudes. To some pet owners this can be as serious a problem as the dog eating the cat *****.

How do I stop this behavior?

The best way to stop this behavior is to prevent access to the cat litter box by the dog. If your dog is larger in size than the cat, an easy solution is a cat litter box with a cover and an opening small enough for the cat to enter but that will not allow the dog access. Many pet stores carry this type of cat litter box. Another solution is to use a dog gate or a baby gate at the doorway to the room in which the cat litter box is keep preventing the dog access to that room. Position the gate off the floor enough that the cat can get under but the dog cannot. Another option is to put a chain on the doorknob attached to the doorframe in a length that allows the cat to enter but bars the dog's entry. In the case of a small dog, you may have to position the cat litter box in a place above the floor where the dog cannot reach.

In Conclusion:

Having your dog eating cat ***** may be a "tasty treat" for him but is a disgusting and unhealthy behavior. Your cat may also feel that this invades their privacy. The best thing to do is to prevent your dog's access to the litter box. There are many other more suitable treats available for your dog to enjoy! Life without a Pet is a dull life indeed !!

By: Sharon Kraft

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