I have a lovely, gentle old dog (collie/lab cross, on the small side). I'd like to get a cat. He's fine with cats and gets on with next doors. Do I need to get a specific gender, or breed of cat. Would a male/male mix be a bad idea? How do I go about introducing them to each other? Could there be any dominance issues or are they likely to be able to rub along together.
2006-11-19 00:53:01 · 7 answers · asked by Moomin 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'd imagine that the breed or sex of the cat wouldn't really matter as long as the cat was already used to dogs.
If it were me introducing them, I'd probably put them in separate rooms at first & transfer blankets between them (smelling of each other) & spend a lot of time smoothing down one, going to the other room, smoothing down the other - also to transfer scent. Then, I'd probably hold one while letting the other into the room ... if that was possible & see how it went from there. Might be a few hisses from the cat at first ... or they might get on fine straight away, it just depends on the cat.
I've one dog & several cats - I'm not really sure just who is dominant to whom. They seem to get along well - sometimes even sharing the same bowl of food - which is not really ideal. There are silly five minutes where they chase each other up & down stairs - but really they get on very well.
One female cat always grooms the dog. The dog adopted another one as a youngster & treated him like her puppy. They always sleep together. I wouldn't think that a male/male mix would cause any problems.
Hopefully, you will have no trouble with them.
2006-11-19 01:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by Solow 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wont make any difference what cat or its sex. The two are different species so neither will fight for dominance as two dogs would. The cat or preferably kitten needs to be introduced slowly and carefully and should have a safe place to retreat to if needed. Always start the introduction with the cat in either a crate or carrier and let the two animals get used to each others scent. Most kittens settle very well with a dog! Most dogs like playing with them and never hurt them! If there is any dominance shown it will be from the cat. I see it every day when my kitten decides to sleep in the dogs bed and said dog sits outside the bed looking sorry for herself!
2006-11-19 02:58:14 · answer #2 · answered by willowGSD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This really should't be a problem. Rescue cats are good, young or old. I always put the new member in a carrier in an area that I can watch as well as the dog can get used to the cat. I do this on and off for several days they are usually used to each other by smell etc. then I watch them together . Sure you may have a bit of reluctance or hissing they get over it don't worry. Good luck
2006-11-19 01:11:04 · answer #3 · answered by rural diva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try local rescue centres, even if you end up with a kitten firstly you're helping give the animal a home and secondly the kitten will learn to be friendly with him.
Also the rescue centre can give you advice whilst you're there and are always a port of call for any further advice in the future.
Good luck!
2006-11-19 02:07:59 · answer #4 · answered by lizzybean 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sex of the cat would not matter i would get a young one or a rescue that has lived with dogs,as your dog likes cats it should not be a problem but don't leave them alone together till you are sure they get on
2006-11-19 00:58:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
id probaly get the similar cat as next doors the same gender and breed.
2006-11-19 02:27:06 · answer #6 · answered by RUTH M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they'll be fine. Introduce them and watch them. Chances are that they'll get along fine.
2006-11-19 00:55:14 · answer #7 · answered by Jer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋