To those who have dogs AND cats...

[PingPongPony]

I've always liked cats but am more of a dog person. I currently have a mini poodle, she got attacked by a cat when she was very young so does bark at them, but i just have to say her name and she stops it, she doesnt go after them or anything. Last week and this week coming up i've been working at vets, someone brought in an abandonned kitten and i really want to take it home. My family are all ok with it the only problem i have is my dog, wether or not she will get used to it etc. So have any of you successfully intergrated cats into your family when you have had the dog/s already? Any tips and experiences will be appriciated

 

[Star_Chaser]

yes. But usually when the cat is the first in residence ours is old so knows how to sort the dogs out quickly to establish whose boss. I feed all my pups in a crate to start off with to help introduce the cat who I feed on top. Food to divert attention but leaving both safe and secure.

Your problem is going to be that you won't be able to keep them on their own for a little while in safety and that the kitten won't be able to go out for a few weeks to establish a home environment so you'll need to plan carefully how your going to manage your home especially night times when your all asleep.

If your lucky dog will just avoid the cat altogether. No barking, chasing, growling etc at cat reward good behaviour. Use a house lead just in case.

 

[Domirati]

We got 2 cats a year ago. My Labradors chase cats but adore these. I kept the kittens in the puppy cage for a few weeks so they got used to them. Then had dogs on a long lead when first let them out. They all sleep together now but still chase other cats.

 

[Skippys Mum]

Another vote for crating the kitten till everyone gets to know one another. It works well and they usually end up pretty pally!

 

[Always Henesy]

Yes

My 2 dogs hate cats and will chase them/eat them etc.
However when we got our 2 cats as kittens we kept them seperate until the kittens were bigger than a mouthful () and then just let them meet. My massive LabxPoodle got swiped a couple of times and my curtains suffered as they were used as a rapid escape route.
However, the dogs absolutely adore our one surviving cat (one was very sadly killed on the road) and groom her, snuggle up with her and welcome her home with waggy tails and genuine affection.

However - God help any other cats that stray into our garden

 

[CAYLA]

Yep....all the time in order to rehome them with cats and obs my own 5 million dogs and cats.
As suggested large crate for kitten, so that they can be left together when you leave in a safe manor and the dog gets used to the presence of the kitten without the kitten being in the dogs space, a huge crate would be fine for a kitten big enough for toys and a scratch post and hammocks. When you are there (as you do already) use a vocal reprimand to remind the do no over selous behaviour is acceptable and occupy the kitten so it does not go to the dog to be occupied. Let the dog see the kitten in sleepy mode often as a positive association, and when kitten and dog are together always give the dog the freedom to leave the area if they wish.

Nver raise the interest of the kitten in the dogs eyes e.g "oh, whats this jessss, a little kitty", said with kitten held out towards the dog" or "look at this", said whilst pointing at kitten on the back of the chair!

 

[Littlelegs]

Mine had only ever met farm cats, but tbh wasn't fussed when I took him to friends houses with cats. When we got our kitten, she came from a house with a dog, so was used to them. Day we got her I arranged it so the dog had been out racing round all day & had settled down for a sleep. We put the carrier down & made a fuss of him same as ever when we come in. Kitten walked out of carrier, they had a quick sniff of each other, then he went back to sleep, she went exploring the house. He has accidently knocked her over a few times when he hasn't seen her but never been that interested. And she's learnt its best to keep a distance when he's excited. At first I did keep them separate when I wasn't about just to be safe. Dog is not that typical though, the cat regularly brings her friends home, & even they have realised the dog is harmless. Not unusual for a random cat to walk in the house past him.

 

[Montyforever]

Cats and dogs both learn quite quickly. My cat was beating up my dog from day one (cat trying to attack long greyhound nose/legs was quite funny really!)
But one day they got stuck in a room together (clumsy dog knocked the door shut ) and because Barney panicked and had a bit of a screech and a run around in a small space the cat has learnt to respect him a lot more and only wallops him if he tries to smell her now she wasn't hurt by him but saw what he's capable off I think and learnt to give him a bit of respect.