Both cats are not used to dogs at all. If we go ahead should we get a puppy or an adult dog? Are there any breeds that are more suitable than others?
2006-09-19 03:09:34 · 25 answers · asked by amj1670 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I see that you have 2 options, adopt a dog that was raised with cats and isn't bothered by them, or get a puppy younger then 14 weeks so it can be raised with the cats. Trust me, I know this from experience. But if your cats are not declawed, be careful, they can swat a dog and gets its eyes. Just supervise them for the first few months so the dog or puppy does not corner the cats and scare them. And always make sure the cats have a safe place to escape to. Good luck and have patience. I have 3 dogs and 2 cats and it took a while with each of them.
2006-09-19 03:50:20 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll just tell you about my experience with this, not sure how universally true it is. We had two cats, one was a very outgoing cat, not shy very playful. One was VERY shy, hid under the bed when we had company, took a long time to even warm up to me and my wife but when she did she became very sweet. Then we got a beagle puppy. The dog couldn't have cared less about the cats. She didn't bother them in any way and she was a great puppy. The outgoing cat did fine. But the shy cat NEVER got used to the dog. Even after years. She started peeing everywhere including on our bed, I guess as some sort of rebellion and she never came out anymore. Eventually we gave her away to a gay couple without a dog. I still feel bad about it sometimes and wonder how she's doing. So, I'm not saying this will happen to you but if you have a real skiddish cat, I think I'd at least be prepared this could happen.
2006-09-19 10:14:30 · answer #2 · answered by Poppies_rule 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would think a young dog would be the best choice. and as far as the cat's go, they will put the dog in it's place right away.
we had a two year old cat and then brought a puppy home. the cat pawed the dog a few times as a warning, but eventually the cat would lay on the dogs back when the dog was resting. they still chased each other but as with anything or anyone after a while they will be so used to each other they won't even notice the other one. good luck.
2006-09-19 10:21:42 · answer #3 · answered by KAREN A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes by all means try but make sure that the dog is a very young puppy. That way the dog has no idea what a cat is. And the cats can either ignore or bully the dog until they get used to each other.
2006-09-19 10:18:17 · answer #4 · answered by JWA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but it would be best to get a puppy. Or if gettin an adult dog try and avoid terriors or make sure that the dog has been socialised around cats. Give the dog treats when it leaves the cats alone, but the cats will probably sort the puppy out themselves, my cat did!
2006-09-19 11:24:51 · answer #5 · answered by Suzanne M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bad idea an adult dog being introduced to cats they just dont mix well at all, if a puppy of no more than 6 Morten's then you stand a chance of mixing well cats are extremely Territorial and would not take it lightly a strange animal in there surroundings the younger the dog the easier it is for cats to adjust especially if one is a female
2006-09-19 19:30:47 · answer #6 · answered by a1ways_de1_lorri_2004 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I introduced my Great Dane to a new girlfriends cats and they grew to love one another... but that's a Dane! Different breeds will act differently and don't take the advice about rescueing a mixed breed because they are more "calm"... that person obviously has no clue!
A puppy is the best way to go. The cats won't be intimidated by the pup but will strike if the pup bothers them... thus the learning curve of the pup will increase drastically, lol. The pup also has NO preconceived notions about eating kitties or being aggressive to them. Just PLEASE research the breed you want to get in regards to personality traits.
2006-09-19 11:52:53 · answer #7 · answered by MadMaxx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have a cat too, with two Jack Russells. I think it is better to introduce apuppy into the family of cats, rather than an older dog; that may already have 'anti-cat- social problems'. Remember, its the cats that are the boss, and mine either teasingly "lingers around" or quickly runs away, and the cat gets away quicker than my dogs! Choose puppys. It is a new start for them both.
2006-09-19 11:19:49 · answer #8 · answered by a.mcgurrell@btinternet.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Mom Got a Lab/Rot Mix an it took a few months , but after he Got his butt Kicked 2-3 times by the Cats , he learned!! Now there actually good friends , the cats can sit on him , ride on his back , an he looks out for them !!
Doggies can be taught !!!
Getting a Shelter Dog , is a good idea , there so dang happy to have a home , an not be killed , there calm , an relaxed !
2006-09-19 10:19:45 · answer #9 · answered by lilredhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rescue a dog from the shelter and most dogs will get along with cats. Cats will have a problem at first but they get over it.
2006-09-19 10:18:25 · answer #10 · answered by kitkat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋