How will my cat react? Advice?

Question

I would like to get a puppy when I move and get settled. However, we have no yard so it would be an inside dog (as well as my cat...). I have had my cat since she was a baby and she is now three years old. She is a very "one person" cat, loves me alone and tends to get jealous. Do you think it would be okay to bring a new animal into the home? Tips, etc would be great..thanks.

Answer 1

There's no way to say for sure how your cat will react -- most likely she will hate the puppy, but it shouldn't cause a big problem. I have 3 cats who were about 1, 3, and 10 years old when we got our puppy. The youngest cat is alright friends with the dog , but the other two cats don't really want anything to do with him. When we first got the puppy Auto our then 3 year old and the dominant cat was very stressed for a couple months. He was "ticked" off at us for bringing that dog into HIS house, eventually he got over it though and although he'll still hiss at the dogs (there's 2 now) when they get too close he's ok with them being there.

Based on my experience I'd say go ahead and get the puppy, but just be sure to give your cat extra attention during the transition period. The cat will establish her dominance -- she'll probably swipe at the puppy - but I'd refrain from yelling at her unless it's unprovoked. I think this is a good thing because she'll teach the dog early on that she isn't going to take crap from any dog.

"Cats own the house they live in. The cats know this; the people know this; it's the dog who needs to learn this." - Unknown

Answer 2

She's had you all to herself for 3 yrs now. She's not going to like it, but it can be done.

To avoid some problems, have someone else carry the pup in the door with you already inside and playing with her. May cut down on the jealousy factor.
Keep them physically seperated for a few days with a door then progress to a child's gate between them. This lets both sides get used to the scent and noise of each other. If she is curious and not wanting to attack- the gate may be best, she can cross over and get acquainted more at her speed with a handy escape route if the pup gets too rowdy for her. Make sure she isn't going to attack the pup. Can't blame her for some initial hostility--this is a stranger invading her home as far as she will be initially concerned. Verbally reprimand her if she goes after the pup and remove her from the area... go back to a solid door for a while.
It's cute, but don't let the pup play chase w her until they've met and accepted each other.
Make sure the pup doesn't take over her sleeping and eating spots. She needs to know you are not replacing her in your affections. This is a serious security issue for her.
Don't let the pup invade her private time in the litterbox or play in the litterbox at all! If you let the litterbox get invaded with or without her in it- the result may be a cat using other places to pee and poop. Also you get to deal w a poop eating puppy who wants to lick your face straight from a poop eating session- Gross!!
Do spends some time sitting and loving on her while the puppy roams the living room. She can watch from a safe position and get used to the pup that way. The extra attention she gets will assure her that she still matters to you. Hand out extra treats, she will start to associate puppy with more treats and loves for her.
Clip her nail tips to avoid any major scratches if there's any scuffles. Do expect some swats, hisses and growls- intervene if she goes to full attack with biting. Pup is going to need a few swats to be taught to respect the cat.

Answer 3

odds are good your cat is going to hate your dog....but hopefully I'm wrong and they're best friends. When my husband and I finally moved in together he had an 8yo cat and i had an almost 1yo cat. they hate each other and mine bullied his a bit. a few months later we got a puppy. his older cat is pretty much nowhere to be found these days, while my cat & the puppy get along well. Is your cat still playful b/c i think that will help alot

Answer 4

this could be a stressful issue. you fairly shouldn't get a small play finished cat or kitten, because it extremely is going to attempt to play and issue might initiate if the canines would not agree. in case you get an older cat that's no longer too play finished it will be greater useful, particularly if the cat is fairly shielding, which will coach the canines to stay away. despite the fact that it additionally relies upon on the canines. my canines has been around cats all her life and likes to play with them. previously each and every thing it extremely is going to look like scuffling with, regardless of if the canines barks it ought to nonetheless be play, purely be alarmed in case you pay attention cries from the two animal or it gets too tough. now your different canines it extremely is the boss might impact frankie. if frankie tries to flow after the cat and the cat is a chum to the different canines then the canines will safeguard the cat. the final component to do is to get a cat and tutor it to the canines previously each and every thing in small quantities till they're gentle mutually. additionally, tutor which you are the boss of your pets, particularly your canines. in case your canines is scuffling with than punish it, purchase a small canines kennel or service and coach the canines to flow in there whilst it misbehaves, it extremely is going to ultimately learn which you do no longer choose for any scuffling with interior the homestead. yet another enormous issue could be in the event that they share a feeder. ensure you separate them whilst they eat! in case you do no longer this might turn to be an fairly violent issue! one million greater notice of advice, ensure you canines would not sense jealous, if itcomes as much as you once you're keeping the cat it needs to be puppy and don't ignore approximately him, this might make him sense ignored. ensure you do a similar including your cat besides. properly i'm hoping this became waiting that can assist you! and im sorry if i wrote too lots :)

Answer 5

see if you can let the puppy and cat meet, to see if they get along. If you really want to get a dog, get a small one so the cat isn't too afraid.

Answer 6

amm i think if ur cat is friendly then yes if she is not then no .Be careful she might be jealous and run away !! idont know but u should be careful; if they will be friendly but u know my ant she had dog and cat in one house it was in Russia and in one apartment so i think everything will be good!!!!!