We know that cats and dogs don’t generally get along, and that’s where the phrase “They’re fighting like cats and dogs” comes from. But what happens when, to your surprise, you see Fido mounting your feline? You might get a fright, and if your cat isn’t sterilized, the thought of your dog impregnating your cat may cross your mind. It all comes down to anatomy and DNA, so I’m here to dispel the myths and break down whether a dog can make a cat pregnant.
Is It Possible for a Dog to Get a Cat Pregnant?
You might have heard stories about hybrid puppies, or “dittens,” the cross of a dog and a kitten, but these are all untrue. You only have to look at the genetics of these pets to understand why. A cat has 38 chromosomes, while a dog has 78 chromosomes. A pup cannot get a cat pregnant because they have completely different genetics. While dogs and cats have similar DNA, that does not mean that these domestic animals can breed.
Simply put, interbreeding can’t happen between different species because of a preventative mechanism known as reproductive isolation. This barrier stops the formation of an embryo. In addition to pregnancy being impossible, our feline and canine companions have distinct reproductive organs. It would be an immense physical challenge for a dog to actually impregnate a cat because of the differences in anatomical structures between these species. When you see your dog pouncing on your cat, don’t be concerned about breeding. It’s a bad habit or possible health issue that is causing your dog to become preoccupied with this behavior.
Why is My Dog Mounting My Cat?
Whether excitement or dominance, some dogs get into the bad habit of mounting everything they come across. From your leg to your furniture, this type of chronic humping behavior is frustrating and seems to have no end. But when your cat becomes the target, you may think that your dog could get your cat pregnant. Despite the confusion, mounting is different from mating. When a dog mounts a feline, it could be due to stimulation during play, hormones, or a bad habit. Oftentimes, unneutered animals experience pleasure when mounting, reinforcing this rather awkward behavior.
It’s important to understand that your dog cannot mate with or impregnate your cat, even if you notice their humping activity. But it’s up to you to determine why it’s happening and to put an end to it if it becomes excessive. Mounting and humping are not particularly pleasant for your cat, and depending on the size of your canine companion, they could physically injure your feline. Establishing boundaries during play can help you protect your feline from a rambunctious dog.
How to Stop Your Dog from Mounting Your Cat
If you notice that Fido is getting a little bit too frisky with your cat, it’s time to put an end to it. There’s no need for a dog to continuously mount and hump a cat, so discovering the cause of this annoying behavior is the first step. An intact male dog driven by hormones should be neutered to stop this type of sexual behavior. When you notice him climbing on top of your cat, use a firm voice or clap to distract him. Don’t give them a treat or toy in the hopes of distracting him, because you’re only reinforcing the mounting. Only praise your pet if they quit the
Take a closer look at how much exercise and mental stimulation your dog gets throughout the day. Are your dogs bored with pent-up energy, and your cat becomes the target of their frustrations or affections? You can easily resolve a problem of pent-up energy with daily walks, visits to the dog park, and the introduction of interactive toys for dogs. Lastly, always monitor your pets’ activity. Intervene when behaviors get too rough, and if you notice that your cat is getting hurt, physically separate them until you make a plan.
Why Two Different Species Cannot Interbreed
We know that reproductive isolation prevents pregnancy in two different species, but why does this happen? It’s thanks to two types of barriers: prezygotic and postzygotic. The prezygotic barrier reduces the likelihood of different animals coming together to breed. Examples include differences in breeding cycles or incompatible reproductive structures that are known as mechanical isolation, which we see in dogs and cats.
Postzygotic restrictions usually result from a hybrid pairing affecting the reproduction of healthy adults. It’s best understood by looking at the pairing of horses and donkeys that produce mules that are generally sterile as adults. But horses and donkeys belong to the same family, whereas dogs and cats belong to different animal families and cannot breed.
Final Thoughts
A dog can chase a cat to no end but when you notice the occasional romp, the thought of Fido impregnating your feline is concerning. Dogs that constantly mount and hump cats could be excited, dominant, or showing signs of sexual behavior that should be nipped in the bud. It’s certainly not fun for cats and depending on the size and relentlessness of your dog, their humping could injure your cat. Injuries can range from a sprain to a fracture, and they’re preventable with a consistent approach to controlling humping and mounting.
The best step you can take is to have your pets spayed and neutered. The heat cycle of a cat occurs from spring to fall, which increases the risk of them falling pregnant with another cat, of course! Their behaviors change making it harder to keep them under control. Felines can have up to four litters per year, and they’re pretty good escape artists, so don’t think that locking them up is the answer. You can speak to your vet about the options available to you, but ultimately, it’s up to you to intervene for your pets’ well-being.
