jack russell/hating cat

Question
I love my jack russell 'Smore' We have one little problem the cat!! Our cat has been with us for almost 10 years to where smore has only been with the family for 1 year. The problem is when ever we pay attention to the cat who by the way has moved into the downstairs basement afraid that hes going to get eating by smore but everytime we are downstairs spending time with the cat smore runs up stairs and in front of our bedroom door poops!! EVERYTIME!!We have tried everything! I put him in his cage and let him know he did wrong but he seems not to care.. If you can help me with any suggestions please let me know!! Thanks Joni-

Answer
Joni -

I'm sure you realize that Smore is jealous.  It's also true that he has a natural instinct to hate and want to kill cats.  Cats are viewed as prey by most jacks.  Mine would kill cats if permitted near them.  He just can't help himself. They have been bred for centuries to be like that.

So, in Smore's mind, you are choosing a prey animal over him - just as if you were loving on a squirrel, rat, etc.  Obviously, it's quite insulting - hence the poop.

I encourage you to not get mad, but to just crate him - perhaps even with a kong full of peanut butter - when you go to visit the cat.  It's not worth getting mad about - or having to clean up a mess - when you can just avoid the problem and any confrontation.

Good luck !

-Beth