Why could a family dog kill kittens?

I have been extremely lucky in that I have never had a "one dog" or "one cat" household. When new kittens are around they just think dogs are part of our pack - and whatever dogs are around just think "well, there's another silly dog wannabe". Same with a new puppy. They come into a house with multi-critters and it's their place to try to fit in. My first border collie puppy tried to herd the cats ~ they taught the puppy very quickly that cats don't "do" being herded :rolleyes: Thank you powers that be. :D

Shiloh is agressive with the cats, more if he is confined someplace with them (Ive had to shoo all the critters into the garage for short periods). I do think sometimes the more cramped the quarters, even the most non-agressive prey driven dogs can hurt another animal, especially a cat. Also, Ive noticed with Shiloh that he gets a lot more snippy with the cats if theyre antagonising him (batting at his ears etc) and kittens are prone to doing this as they don't know yet that a dog can hurt them. I supervise Shiloh around Pandora for this exact reason.


Were the kittens "runts" or weaker than the others in some way? Dogs pick up on this too and will sometimes view weak cats as a prey item (at least this has been my experence)

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Originally Posted by 4theloveofzoe

To be honest with you, I think it's for the best.

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It's for the best that the dog killed the kittens? :/ I hope I read that wrong, if that's what you were getting at that is jacked up!

The animals should not have to suffer because of collecting issues with your XSIL. That's really gross, IMHO, and she needs to adopt out at least half of her animals to loving homes! I would not trust my mushy little BC with our full-grown cat, much less a huge dog with newborn kittens. x( I don't blame the dog at all, that is cruelty.

While mine have never killed kittens or cats, I have seen them come close for two reasons:

1)The cat ran, and they kicked into "prey drive" instinct (and this is after living with this particular cat their whole lives :eek: )

2) Star lOVES cats and was playing with my son's kitten, who also adored her. But Star got a little too rough and I thought she would accidently kill the kitten while trying to have fun - so no more kitten playtimes.

Is it possible the lab was trying to play with the kittens?

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Originally Posted by Jessika

Well I have a two bedroom apartment too, mine pretty small (or decent sized anyway) but I have seen some BIG two bedroom apartments, so I suppose a more accurate depiction of how big the place is is square footage, not just bedrooms alone.

Anyway. Dogs are prey driven. Small animals (kittens included) can and will be seen as prey to some dogs, especially hunting dogs such as Labs. They have prey drive and have been know to hunt, stalk, and even kill small animals. Not on purpose, not because they are "mean", not because they are "aggressive", but just because that is how they were born and bred. She should NEVER have trusted the dog alone with the tiny kittens.



HAha the worst my two will do to my kitty is try to herd him around the house

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Mine too lol since they are hearders my Border Collie i find worse she even try's too herd me around sometimes!!!

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Originally Posted by bckrazy

It's for the best that the dog killed the kittens? :/ I hope I read that wrong, if that's what you were getting at that is jacked up!

The animals should not have to suffer because of collecting issues with your XSIL. That's really gross, IMHO, and she needs to adopt out at least half of her animals to loving homes! I would not trust my mushy little BC with our full-grown cat, much less a huge dog with newborn kittens. x( I don't blame the dog at all, that is cruelty.

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I agree.

I did not see that "it's for the best"i dont know how any animal lover could think that way.Poor little babies!!!

I think she said "it's for the best", because of the situation. No, no animal should suffer. And, I think you'll find that she agrees with that, and, wasn't saying she was glad they suffered. It's a cliche used when someone or something is in a bad situation, whether it be a sick person or an ailing pet, or animals in deplorable situations. Just my two cents.

And, it does sound like straight forward prey drive. That's a crappy situation all around. And, a question for you, what the heck do the kids there have to do with you adopting a kitten or two? It's not up to them. Again, my two cents. :)

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Originally Posted by finn's mom

I think she said "it's for the best", because of the situation. No, no animal should suffer. And, I think you'll find that she agrees with that, and, wasn't saying she was glad they suffered. It's a cliche used when someone or something is in a bad situation, whether it be a sick person or an ailing pet, or animals in deplorable situations. Just my two cents.

And, it does sound like straight forward prey drive. That's a crappy situation all around. And, a question for you, what the heck do the kids there have to do with you adopting a kitten or two? It's not up to them. Again, my two cents. :)

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Thank you for correcting their "wrong and rude thoughts"

The kids rule the household.

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Originally Posted by 4theloveofzoe

Thank you for correcting their "wrong and rude thoughts"

The kids rule the household.

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You're welcome. And, that sucks. :/ And, it sucks that you're leaving, too. But, I also understand. Offering my two cents again (what is it now, six cents? ;)), I think you should stick around and just pm the people who are offering to help, and, not being as judgemental. You know who your friends are, as do I. Do what I do, and, stick with them. And, I wish you the very best of luck.