German Shepherd killed kittens

**darkangel_071011** · 07-30-2012, 10:43 PM

My 4 year old female German Shepherd Sadie, ate two kittens as they were being born and killed the third kitten two days later. Why? Also the mother cat is now terrified of Sadie, what do I do?

**Karen** · 07-31-2012, 03:27 AM

You need to keep the dog away from the mother cat and any kittens. Some dogs have a strong prey drive that is very difficult to eliminate. The safest thing to do is keep the dog and cat separate, and get the cat mother spayed so she doesn't have more kittens. It may be difficult, but if you do not, you risk losing the remaining cat. If you can, confine the cat to one room, and do not let the dog in that room. You can then work with your cat, but you may consider finding her a new home once she is spayed, just to be safe.

**pomtzu** · 07-31-2012, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by moosmom

I STARTED posting and thought better of it. You would NOT like what I'd have to say. And this is a family website.

What Karen said is correct. Get the poor cat a good home and outta YOUR house!

Ditto - if this is a genuine story.

**Freedom** · 07-31-2012, 11:28 AM

I'm with Donna.

Rehome the mom cat, asap.

**happylabs** · 07-31-2012, 11:55 AM

This story needs to go to the Dog House!

No brainer here...separate the dog from the cat/kittens.

**luvofallhorses** · 07-31-2012, 09:08 PM

Has your dog ever been around cats??? You should have kept the mom cat and kittens seperated from your dog while they were being born in a safe place or it wouldn't have happened!! Rehome the mom cat if you have no way to keep her safe from your dog!

**happylabs** · 07-31-2012, 09:22 PM

I have a feeling this is someone trying to get our attention here. I'm not buying it.

**luvofallhorses** · 07-31-2012, 09:24 PM

I wouldn't doubt it if he/she is a troll.

**Karen** · 07-31-2012, 09:43 PM

Folks, not everyone knows about the prey drive in dogs. Think back, when did you first learn about it? Did you always know? I remember when my first dog Sheba - also a shepherd mix, by the way - killed my friend's pet, and that brought the lesson home to me. I was 4. My parents very carefully explained it to me, and to Bethie.

Do not accuse someone of being a troll, that way no matter what they will likely never come back, or come here for advice again if they truly were sincere.

**Jessika** · 07-31-2012, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by Karen

You need to keep the dog away from the mother cat and any kittens. Some dogs have a strong prey drive that is very difficult to eliminate. The safest thing to do is keep the dog and cat separate, and get the cat mother spayed so she doesn't have more kittens. It may be difficult, but if you do not, you risk losing the remaining cat. If you can, confine the cat to one room, and do not let the dog in that room. You can then work with your cat, but you may consider finding her a new home once she is spayed, just to be safe.

I second this.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda, it doesn't change what has happened. What the OP needs now is guidance and education on how to deal with the current situation at hand, not finger pointing. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar. Troll or not, someone, somewhere, may have this same question and take the advice in this thread.