Compatibility between cats and dogs-How to?

Question

I have 5 adult cats and I would like to have a dog. I know that many people do this, however what is the best way for me to introduce a dog in the family? Does the dog need to be a puppy?

Answer 1

Boba Fett is way off base. It's not impossible for a dog or puppy to peacefully cohabitate with your cats. People do it all the time. Puppies are ok, and a lot of cats accept them quicker because they know they're just defenseless babies. However, if a puppy starts really harrassing the cats (trying to play) the cats might lash out and SERIOUSLY injure the puppy.

Getting an adult dog is not impossible, you just have to make sure you get one that's good with cats. Most shelters temperment test animals before adopting them out, and if they even show curiosity towards cats, they recommend a no-cat home. The shelter staff will be able to help match you to a dog to fit your lifestyle.

As far as introducing, here are a few articles :
http://www.sfgsrescue.org/articles/cat.htm

http://www.leerburg.com/dog-cat.htm

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Cat.html

Answer 2

First of all, make sure that the dog you are about to get is good with cats. It does not need to be a puppy. It would probably be better if it was an adult dog that could stick up for itself somewhat. When you go to introduce the dog to the cats, make sure that the cats don't feel trapped or threatened by the dog. Make sure it's not a confined place where they feel like they can't escape. There will be a lot of hissing and growling etc, but in time everybody will learn that there is no danger and everybody will be happy. Remember not to leave the cats and dog together unattended until you know for sure that they are comfortable with each other and no ones gonna get hurt. It's going to take a lot of time and a lot of patience. Good Luck!

Answer 3

i had my cat since she was a kitten and she had never really been around dogs..i had gotten a dog like a year after that and the dog was a bit older..not really a puppy but not an adult...at first they didnt get along but eventually my cat came around..my dog was very curious at first but eventually got the hint that when she wanted to play they would play...i guess it all depends on the animal...you should try to see if you could have a friend bring a dog over or something and see how the cats react to it first before adopting a puppy...if they are fine then id say go for it...

Answer 4

I would recommend getting a young puppy that the cats can mold to the way they want it to be. Try for one that is a bit submissive so that if they do smack the puppy, he's not going to think they are playing or get mad and attack them. Or adopt an adult dog that is already good with cats. Many local shelters have owner surrender dogs who have a history of living in harmony with other pets. Check it out.
www.petfinder.com

Answer 5

The best way to make sure a dog gets along with cats is to introduce it as a puppy to a protective mother cat (with claws intact) and let it get swiped on the nose once. It will be respective of cats for the rest of its life.

Answer 6

It would probably work better if you brought in a puppy vs a dog, unless you know the dog's history is a positive one with cats. I would especially suggest using a dog crate over a period of weeks before allowing the dog loose in the house with the cats. There is specific info on how to acclimate cats to dogs and v/v at this site. There are pictures and there is plenty of info here.
Good Luck on your venture.

http://www.leerburg.com/dog-cat.htm

Answer 7

I have 8 cats that out lived 2 dogs, one was a puppy and one was full grown . When I introuced my first dog she was a puppy, I let her go in the house and each cat took turns approching her, some hid for couple hours. after bout 3 days they were fast friends, at play and eating together.
Our second dog was adopted at age 8 We did the same thing, let her go and the animals did their thing, It's 2 years now and they're great friends I would suggest you just let it go and let them adjust in their own way, just be around for maybe severe fights during feeding. Please do'nt cage the dog while your gone, It's not fair to all the animals and the dog may feel it's being punished.

Answer 8

i'd pick in preserving with how a lot time you've for the animals. I owned 2 cats once, and nevertheless have a canines with me and a cat staying with yet another friend. The cats were a lot a lot less complicated, even with having a variety of of intense priced continual well being topics. With the canines, he has to bypass outdoors and takes extra time to stroll, a number of cases an afternoon. also, he's extra intense priced because even as I paintings, I take him to doggie daycare. it truly relies upon on what you're looking for. i'd first come to a call what species and then seem on the breeds. If the animal you get is youthful, it might want to adapt ok finally to the different animals.

Answer 9

the cats most likely won't like the dog, and will run away when it tries to play with them.

eventually, the dog will start chasing the cats like it is a game.

i don't think there is much hope of your cats and puppy getting along.

the best way to have cats and dogs coexist is to raise them together. if you get kittens at the same time you get a small puppy, and they live and nap together, they will be friends. otherwise, they will probably not be.


one example of a new dog being introduced to cats- we once got a half chihuahua and tried to put it in the backyard with our full grown cats. when it tried to play with the cats, they scratched at it because they didn't think it was playing.

Answer 10

It would probably be best as a puppy so you can train it to not chase the cats- or so the cats can train it so themselves.

Of course, I've known dogs who adored cats. Alternately you could try to find such a dog at the local SPCA.

Good luck!