I have a very lovable, protective cat who will be 3 years in April. She has not been spayed or declawed ( I dont plan on declawing her, I have read it hurts the animal and can change their behavior and if she ever got out in the wild I would want her to protect herself) I had a dog all my life who passed away 3 and a half years ago. I want a dog so bad and have wanted a dog since my dog passed away. I dont think my cat would get along with a dog if I got a dog and I would be so afraid my cat would claw the new dogs eyes (This happend to my shih tzu and a local neighborhood cat, he was blind for life in one eye) I couldnt stand of giving up my cat to a shelter it really hurts my heart. I love animals so much I believe in keeping them no matter what.
I live in a 1000sq ft apartment alone. What is to consider here? Is it possible? Please advise! I know dogs are a very big reponsibility and very dependable and Id be a very good owner! :)
2006-12-25 14:05:10 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
My apartments allow one cat (My cat weighs 8lbs) and one dog (up to 20lbs). I would want a Maltese toy which is about 6-9 lbs. I am very responsible, I own my own home based business and I am a very big animal lover. My cat has lived with another cat for almost her whole 3 years of life but my roommate just moved and took her cat. My cat and my roommates cat got along. They played and cleaned each other they were pals. I love animals and would love to have a dog to take on walks and out to the park and just to have another "furry kid" :)
2006-12-25 14:31:01 · update #1
How could a dog resist such a loving home? Plus at 1000sq ft its nice and roomy for them both. Of course your cat would adjust to a dog! Protective or not, shes your good friend and takes her behavior ques from you. The trick is to adapt slowly and with a solid goal of peace. It works it really does. Grown dogs are more likely set in their ways where a puppy is very submissive and will let the cat alone until both have forgotten each others newness.
Since you got your lovely cat just 6 months after your dear dog passed, your very connected to her. Its time to step up and expand your family with a pup. I would strongly recommend a small breed from a well reputed breeder, to ensure the healthiest baby you can get. You would never give up either once you have met,so something mellow by nature would delight both you and your feline friend.
Oh..and Thanks for not mutilating your cats' paws! I wish all pets had more people like you.
2006-12-25 15:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by Zair 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local ASPCA. They will help you find just the right dog for your space and one that will get along with cats. On top of that you will be rescuing a dog from a bad situation. And don't think that The ASPCA only have useless animals. The dog from Frazier was rescued, as well as Wishbone. A lot of the big screen animals are rescuees. You can get full blooded animals, sometimes with papers. Yes you will have to pass thier guidelines and a possible home visit, but it is not very expensive considdering everything. And they also offer many other services. You may even get your cat spayed cheaper by getting a dog from them. They can also advise you on how to introduce the cat to the dog. It's worth a try, even a first place to start. If they find you have enough space, and feel your cat will adapt, you'll get your dog, you'll feel good for rescuing an animal, you'll get a dog that you know is healthy, and you'll make one lucky dog very happy....... If you go through a different avenue, just make sure it will actually be good for all 3 of you. Good luck
2006-12-25 14:45:51 · answer #2 · answered by hudson_floridamale 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well first of all you need to find out the rules for your apartment. Many do not allow dogs. And many that do have restrictions on how big they can be.
That said it is very possible.
Cats and dogs co-exist peacefully in many households. I have had several dogs and cats living together throughout my life. I know some have issues but for the most part they can be peaceful and even friends.
You know your cat and know her temperment. Even if she has never been exposed to a dog you kind of know her personality and how she would probably act.
It might take a little time but chances are they will get along as long as your cat is easy going and loving!
Good luck
2006-12-25 14:14:16 · answer #3 · answered by foolnomore2games 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your cat is young enough that, as long as you introduce them properly, there's a good chance that she and the new dog will get along. Definitely invest in a roomy "kennel" -- a cage, of sorts -- for the dog, for a couple of reasons. One is that, it will keep the dog confined for periods of time while the cat gets used to it. Another is that dogs feel safer with their own "cave" while you're out of the apartment. Another is that it will protect the apartment while you're gone, especially as you learn just how housetrained the dog is. If you have a dog in an apartment, be prepared to walk it four times a day--when I first go my dog I was in an apt, and that was the hardest part. At that time I had a 16-year-old cat, too old to change her ways, and she never warmed up to the dog. However, she's since passed, and I now have new cats who are best friends with the dog, so it is possible.
2006-12-25 17:24:09 · answer #4 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would not declawing and legally they cannot require you to do so. Tell them that this is a show cat and cannot be declawed but you are very willing to put on the SoftPaws nail caps on the cat. Declawed cats do far more damage in peeing on carpets and floors in an apartment then by a few scratches on the door! Maybe start looking to move too!
2016-05-23 06:42:42 · answer #5 · answered by Kerry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cat and dog living under one roof is quite likely. Some cats take longer though adjusting to their dog housemate than others. So don't think the two will get along right of way.
2006-12-25 14:34:17 · answer #6 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes it is, bu choose a mild race not a rotweilwer or a dobermann, but even then chances are that if you bring the dug since puppy he will get used to the cat and vice versa and will respect the cat,, this has happened in a family with 9 cats and 2 dogs, a dalmatian and a hound
2006-12-25 14:33:40 · answer #7 · answered by carla s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most apartments have a weight limit for animals and some don't aloud animals (loud) I would try getting a ankle bitter, the dog that Pairs Hilton has, named tinker bell....( I think its Pairs Hilton that has the dog)
These dogs have very big egos and most likely won't get beat up...that's the best advise i can get in less i say to pick dog or cat....
2006-12-25 14:18:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You are not responsible enough to have the pet you already have. Do not get a dog.
Spend your money on getting your cat spayed!
2006-12-25 14:19:10 · answer #9 · answered by Lisa A 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ask a neighbor who has lived their longer than you!!
2006-12-27 01:19:12 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Hollister♥ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋