dog and cat question?

Question

Is it eaisier to have a dog for a few years and then get a new kitten or have a cat for a few years then get a new puppy?

Answer 1

It depends on the temperament of the animal. All animals are different and will respond differently to various situations. I had two dogs and brought in two cats at a later date. Each animal responded differently but all adapted over time. My dogs don't really care about the cats. They are just another person in the house. One cat runs away and just stares. The other cat jumps and attacks the dogs for play. Some animals temperaments will require no other pets in the home. It depends on your little guy or girl

FYI, it's always good to give the new guy his own space while he adapts to you and his new home. It's traumatic sometimes so giving him his own bedroom will help him stay calm. Slowly introduce the new one to the family and under your supervision. Your cat will hiss and claw at the other members but it's normal. Let him do it...as long as he's not hurting the other dog/cat. He's scared and learning his place in the home. Watch your dog carefully. Sniffing and wagging tails are good. Arched hair on back not so good. Always can ask vet.

Answer 2

It depends. It is easier for people to get a cat first, as you can go away for a few days if you leave out plenty of food & water, but with a dog you have to let them out every 8 hours - or have them boarded or a friend come over. But most dogs accept a kitten better than a cat will accept a puppy. Either way, if you start with a kitten, make sure to have friends with dogs visit periodically so the cat accepts dogs in it's house. If you get the pup first, expose it to friends or nieghbors cats often. That will help a lot when 'the other one' moves in. Good luck!

Answer 3

Puppies take a lot more effort and training. Kittens just need a litter box.

I have had cats then gotten a puppy and the cats were worn out by the puppy.

I had dogs and then gotten a kitten, the dogs learned to be gentle and put up Whit the kitten.

Either way, they all adjusted in the end and live well together.

Answer 4

I've done it both ways. It hasn't made a difference in my animals and how they gravitate to one another in the order I have gotten them, as much as I I handle them before, after and during the initial integration process.

All my animals are well loved, first and foremost. They all have a "place" to call their own and know certain command words that help them curb their instinctual habits. You can't predict an animals personality, but you can help aid them through the process.

Teach your dogs to love other animals without encouraging to "get" the neighbors cat or the squirrel running across the park. This helps in the long run. Teach your cats that they are safe and still a priority in your life, regardless of what new comer arrives.

I know it sounds a little hinky, but it's the only way I've found success. Equal time and love for all of them at all stages has been my number one milestone in a happy not animal fighting household.. (I have two adult cats, 1 13yo beagel and 1 9 mo lab/bull mix)

Answer 5

I have 3 dogs and 3 cats - and I can tell you it honestly weighs heavily on the personality of the animal.

If you raise your animals so that they are more social, then they should be more accepting of other animals that you may introduce into the family.

Most recently, my husband and I got a new puppy. His best friend in our home is our one year old Siamese lynx. They often play and cuddle together.

It's quite hard to say one way or the other because it really does depend on the personality of the pets. I would suggest seeking out good-natured pets/breeds if you plan on introducing other animals into the family.

For example, labs (for the most part ) are wonderful family pets.

Answer 6

it's best to get both at the same time, but if you're going to get one first, get the puppy... they adjust easier to bringing in a kitten than a cat will to bringing in a puppy.... cat's can get pretty pissed off when you introduce a new animal (especially something as lively as a puppy) and may react in ways you wont like (aka being destructive). there are lots of good articles online about introducing a new animal when you already have one.

Answer 7

Dog first (make sure it tolerates cats). Cats are much easier to introduce that to have something introduced to them. The best option is to bring them both at once, but either way will work. Just remember that a cat is very territorial and that it often doesn't tolerate a big mangy dog infringing upon it's space. It's more tolerant when the dog was there first.

Answer 8

either depending on where yer getting em from. Some dogs at animal shelters have lived with cats and dont mind them while the cat can be territorial and hurt your puppy.

There really is no good answer to this

Answer 9

Get both kitten and puppy there both young. Which mean they can get use to each other and become best of friends through out the years to come. That way they wouldn't chase each other or get into fights oftenly.

Answer 10

Is it possible to get both at once? Kittens are basically no maintenance, so it wouldnt' be any more work than just the puppy.