The signals and behaviors that cats and dogs use to communicate are different and can lead to signals of aggression, fear, dominance, friendship or territoriality being misinterpreted by the other species.Dogs have a natural instinct to chase small prey that flee, an instinct which applies towards cats.Most cats will flee from a dog, while others will take actions such as hissing, arching their backs and swiping at the dog.After being scratched by a cat, some dogs can become fearful of cats.

If appropriately socialized, cats and dogs may have relationships that are not antagonistic,and dogs raised with cats may prefer the presence of cats to other dogs.Even cats and dogs that have gotten along together in the same household may revert to aggressive reactions due to external stimuli, illness or play that escalates.

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