Dogs and cats together

[Hedwards]

So i'm getting closer to moving out of mine and my ex's house, and into a really lovely little cottage. i'm definitely going to be getting myself a dog, however i already have a cat (although i'm fairly certain shes a dog trapped in a cat's body!!) can anyone give me some tips on intorducing them to each other (i know i'm planning ahead - but after a really crappy time with my ex its my light at the end of the tunnel!) My cat isnt generally bothered by dogs, in fact she sits on our fence winding next doors dogs up on a regular basis, and obviously i will be making sure the dog i get is ok with cats (i'll be getting a rescue of some description and not a puppy). But if anyone can give some tips i'd be really grateful.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I can't give tips, sorry, my dogs have been here for a year and a half and they still want to eat our cats, for mine, I think it is just 'in' them.
I think a dog reared with or used to cats would be best - most good rescues test dogs to see how they react with cats, kids, livestock etc and they should be able to advise!

 

[Oneofthepack]

Most rescue dogs will be 'cat tested' before rehoming so it should be fine, just give the cat an escape route so it doesn't feel trapped and to stop the dog having unlimited access to it. If you're getting a pup the same thing applies really. I'd just let them get on with it, most cats can stand up to a dog and they find their own way.

We've had dogs and cats together all my life and it's never been a problem until now, with 4 lurchers and one partially disabled cat

 

[Hedwards]

Thanks Both, will definitely be very specific about getting a dog used to cats. I think my cat will be ok given time (although she does get chased by the rabbit - rubbish cat!). i cant wait to have a little friend to take out for walkies!!

 

[camilla4]

Completely agree with Oneofthepack - so long as the cat can get away (up is fine!), theyll sort themselves out. Cats are more than capable of dealing with boisterous dogs and they will get used to each other more quickly than you think so long as you stay calm! Chances are any dog bouncing a cat will get a smack on the nose from Kitty's paw and will soon learn that this is not a fluffy toy

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

My new lab is just finding out (the hard way

!) that the house is really the cats kingdom

!! I have left the windows open etc so the cat can come and go as he pleases - now its starting to get a bit colder he is try to repossess the house and reassert his authority over everyone - My spaniel is scared of him anyway despite pretending otherwise!

- so whilst it gets a bit noisy at times all its going to take is a couple of hisses and swipe of a paw and the cat will be back in charge and I will have no room left on the sofa or bed............

 

[reddie]

Our cat was always king of the house. The cat only had to walk in the lounge and the dog(setter) would give up her place infront of the fire immediately. in the garden it was different matter, the dog would always chase the cat.

 

[mtj]

invest in some baby gates.

this way you cn ensure that the dog only has limited access to certain parts of the home until you are all confident together.

we had them up for about 2 mths when we got the gsdx (then 5 mths old).

 

[mrsbloggett]

Ensure if you are planning a rescue dog that the re-homing kennels know you have a cat. Although most charities will assess the dog for cat-friendliness it is no guarentee and extreme caution needs to be carried out when introducing cat & dog.

I have two retired greyhounds and they were both cat tested before they came home, and although both appeared to be okay, our older hound would still like our cat for supper given the chance. (thankfully the younger hound is okay with the cat.) 18months on I still have to have my wits about me and my babygates are still in place to give the cat some safe zones in the house.