I have a small dog who is 6 years old, fairly sleepy and spends most of his days inside. I am considering getting a cat from the RSPCA or pound and bringing it into our home. I have a doggy-door so the cat would be able to go out but I would lock the cat in at night time. I would like to offer a poor stray cat a comfortable home and I think that my dog would not dislike having a cat around if they were introduced carefully. But I am still worried about a few things: Would my cat and dog tolerate eachother?, Would the cat be difficult to get in at night? Should I get a cat?
2007-02-11 23:43:49 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
yes you should get a cat. your dog is going to be OK when the new arrivel comes. it just needs to be done slowly and carefully with a lot of patience. try to get a large carrior and put the cat there. let the dog meet the cat inside the carrior.
the cat can meet the dog but they won't harm eachother. if they hiss or spit, its normal behaveour. the cat will be easy to get in at night.
the first thing you need to do is keep it in your home for a few weeks. then when your cat gets used to your home. then take it out for short periods of the day.
then when your cat gets used to everything, then your cat will know were its litter box is and were it sleeps and of course know were its food and home is! well i really think you should get a cat!
2007-02-12 01:38:48 · answer #1 · answered by Tanja V 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To get indoor cat and dog to get along, they would have to have been exposed to each other (or other dogs and cats) from birth. When I lived on a farm, we had a German shepherd that nursed our orphan kittens. The kittens allowed that dog to carry them around but as soon as the dog let them loose, they ran up a tree. The cats tolerated the dog but didn't really care for the dog. They were outdoor pet cats and the dog came in. Having a cat in at night can cause problems with an adopted cat. If it was used to being out at night, it will prowl around at night and may even bug the dog and or you during the night. Your cause is noble. Take your dog to the place with you and expose the 2 to each other to see if it's possible. That is the only sure way to tell if they Might get along. Good Luck in your decision.
2007-02-11 23:55:42 · answer #2 · answered by gigglings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I keep my cat indoors all the time to help be a responsible cat owner and i am scared someone will hurt her. Introducing the kitten would be fine as long as you watch them at first to make sure the dog doesn't hurt the kitten, if you get a fulll grown cat it may be a bit more difficult, i am going to get a puppy soon and i already have two cats so i'll be testing the waters soon. good luck.
2007-02-12 00:38:15 · answer #3 · answered by IzzieB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get a cat from the pound you shouldn't let it outside. It will run away becuase it is not used to its new territory. Cats who go outside have good chances of picking up a whole list of diseases. As long as your dog is not aggressive you shouldn't have a problem but there is always that chance that something could. Hope this helps, have you considered getting another dog?
2007-02-11 23:55:45 · answer #4 · answered by noneya10000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love cats and we had a shepherd and a cat that got on great! However, it really depends on your dog - he sounds placid, but until you bring the cat home, you can't be sure. If you go ahead, a fairly young kitten would be ideal. They will fit in more easily with you and your dog's routine! Cats are clever, and to get my two in I make sure that I get them in for dinner - they don't want to miss that! Once they're in, lock the cat door and everyone's safe. Cats are great - you'll love yours! And a rescued cat is extra special :)
2007-02-11 23:54:54 · answer #5 · answered by siobhan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your dog should be ok around a cat. If hes shown no violence towards cats before they should get along peacefully.
its good of you to get a stray cat but if your not near a road then its ok to let it out at night. its not going to go any where! cats stay where theres warmth and food and usually cats come in when theyre called but dont let it out too soon as it may go back to where you got it. leave it for a month or so before you let it out.
if you take in all this , then yes! you should get a cat!
hope this helped
Fae
2007-02-12 00:46:09 · answer #6 · answered by Sia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most strays do not like dogs because they've been chased by them...but there's a chance that your cat will adapt to your dog and they might get along fine..just make sure you get the kitty vaccinated before introducing it to the puppy, you don't wanna get the dog sick
2007-02-12 03:19:54 · answer #7 · answered by giggles for breakfast :) 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to do a gradual introduction. The SPCA will have information for you on how to do it.
Please don't let you cat outside!! There are too many dangers. There are other dogs in the neighborhood who don't like cats, there are cruel people who do mean things.
2007-02-12 00:53:30 · answer #8 · answered by Kamah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. If you have problems with the dog and cat adjusting to each other, there are pet websites that will give you techniques to help them adjust with one another.
2007-02-11 23:52:51 · answer #9 · answered by retrodragonfly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if your dog can get along with it if not then don't it can be risky and the poor cat will be totally frightend of your dog
GOOD LUCK :)
2007-02-12 00:15:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋