Oh no How frightening for you and Mark and poor Emerson From my personal experience, having had kitties and doggies co-habitating for years, in a battle, the kitty usually wins. Have Marigold and Emerson ever shown any aggression before toward the other? Emerson may have innocently approached Marigold and she responded defensively. Definitely the ear infection/not feeling well, may have affected her response. It sounds as though she may be trying to re-enforce her role in the house heirarchy to the "newcomer." I'd keep them separated for a bit, if that's possible, then monitor their interactions, to see how they respond to each other. I've usually found that a dog will at all costs avoid a kitty he fears and usually, the kitty will choose to ignore him/her. Poor Emerson. I hope he's over his trauma soon.