A Cat is Not a Squirrel

We have many, many squirrels in our yard and Emme pays no attention to them. They race over the grass, up and down the trees, make squirrel noises and generally are a nuisance. Emme could care less. She will often sit on the back of the couch and watch outside but she never makes a bark, a growl or any indication of attention to squirrels. Even when she is out on the porch with the glass doors open and only the screens between her and the squirrels, she pays them no mind.

That is not the case with cats. Although there are not many cats roaming our neighborhood, whenever Emme does see one, she watches it closely, begins her rolling growl, and sometimes barks. How does she know that a cat is not a squirrel? They are both about the same size, have four legs, one tail, and run around outside. Emme has never been up close to either animal. How can she tell the difference between a squirrel and a cat and why are squirrels okay in her yard, but cats are a different matter?