Can a cat and a new dog get along??

Question

I have had a cat for about 3 years and we are interested in getting a dog. My cat thinks hes the boss and has never been around another animal. Is there anyway anyone knows of to introduce him slowly or how they can live together without them attacking eah other

Answer 1

My cat is the boss and I bring new dogs in every week. I do rescue and the cat accepts the dogs better than he accepts the cats.

Answer 2

It will depend on the dog. If you get a rowdy dog, the cat will likely freak out and hide all the time. You will need to introduce them VERY slowly. The dog will need to live in a separate room for at least a week so that the two animals can get used to the new smells. You can then start introducing them slowly over the course of two weeks. NEVER leave them alone together until you know they can get along. I did this when I got my second cat after having the first for a year and the two are inseparable now.

Answer 3

Yes, they can! My cat is mean to everyone except the dog! They didn't get along at first but now they are best friends. The cat was about 8 when I got my puppy. The dog is a Pomeranian so I'm sure she believes that she is a cat as well. My cat became like a mother, cleaning the dog and playing with her. Your cat will teach the dog a few lessons (bats to the nose) and the dog will learn who is boss. Good luck and stay optimistic, once they get to know each other you won't be able to separate them.

Answer 4

Before you bring new doggie to the house bring something of his and put it under kitty's bowl of food, he will get used to the smell first. Then bring puppy home in a cage, don't let puppy out of there let the cat get used to him. Feed them fairly close to each other until you can safely feed them together. Give the cat all of your preference and treat him like a king.

They say cats have no feelings but cats get extremely jelaous of their people, make sure to give your cat the signs that he is the "favorite" or he will try to run away when he sees his space invaded and you ignoring him for the new "thing".

Dogs are hyper most of the time, buy kitty a 6 feet tall tree so he can put distance between him and "the thing" if he needs to. The main point in your success is introduce them slowly and give your cat some preferencial treatment like if your cat is allowed in your bed don't let the dog sleep there, close the door for doggie. Eventually your cat won't care but right now you need to be careful, believe it or not your cat is watching!!!.

Search the net for more advice.

Answer 5

It may take them a while but eventually they should. If it is a puppy your cat will feel less threatened and it may not take as long. I would keep them seperated at first your cat will smell the different animal in the house. After a couple of days let them see each other and make sure you stay in the room with them at all times that way you can prevent any confrontation that is to drastic. It has worked in the past for me and hopefully it will help you too. I think it all depends on the personality of each pet. Good luck

Answer 6

I had a cat before I got my two pups and they all get along very well. The cat and the dogs know that the cat rules the roost so there are no problems even though the cat weighs nine pounds and the pups have a combined weight of 310 pounds. If you get an older dog there may be problems.

Answer 7

My cat was five years old when we got our Lab. Not only was she an only pet, but very feisty (mean to everyone but me)

When the dog first got there, she was hissing and running off. This went on for about a month. During this time, I made sure to give her just as much attention as our new dog and also moved her food to a more private area where the dog couldn't bug her.

After doing this, we now have a new kitten in the mix and they all play AND drink out of the same bowl.

They'll get along, just give it time and patience.

Answer 8

I had the reverse situation. I had a dog first, picked up a stray cat. kept the cat in my bedroom till they dog got used to the smell. He just parked himself at the door. I let them hang out a little bit at a time until they were comfortable. Of course, the cat is totally the alpha dog here. My animals are both male and get along great.

Answer 9

Hi, well we had a cat and decided to get a puppy also...
At first our cat was like " whats this? This doesn't look like another cat...." However in a short amount of time, our cat and dog have become very good pals. I'm happy to say they are still doing good at about 14 years of age.
Good luck!

Answer 10

No, because if a cat and a dog has been around each other for a long time, they'll get along. But if a dog or cat hasn't been around the other. They won't.