Will my cat get along with my dogs?

Question

I have a golden retriever and he is really friendly so he wont be a problem but I have a little dog whos 8 y/o and is very very territorial with any animal. She thinks she's like the boss or "pack leader." The kitten I'm getting is from a breeder who has dogs so they're used to dogs in the house but my dog worries me. How could I make it so they won't go into each others throats.

Answer 1

Read these articles on introducing cats & dogs:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2130&S=1&SourceID=47
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattodogintroductions

If you aren't already, you'll need to work with your dog to teach her 'Nothing In Life Is Free', to make sure that she recognizes you as the pack leader. http://www.nomorehomelesspets.org/behavior/dog/nilif.htm

You can also use treats to help your dog associate the new kitten with good things. ONLY do this if your dog is reasonably well-behaved and you don't think she's so food possessive that she'll lash out at the kitten for being nearby when she's getting treats.

Keep a treat bag on your person (you can get bags designed for this at most pet supply stores) and whenever the kitten gets near the dog, give the dog a treat just for being there. Keep giving the dog tiny bits of treats until the kitten begins to walk away - stop giving the treats when the kitten walks away. Do this every time the kitten comes near the dog. Soon she'll make the connection that kitten nearby = treats. You can gradually cut it down to where you just give a single treat when the kitten approaches, and then give them intermittently. It worked well for my dog who got nervous and possessive of her bed when my cats would come up and try to take over her bed. Now she'll let them have her bed if they want it, because I give her treats & pets for being tolerant.

If you have any concerns about the way your dog behaves around the kitten, contact a professional behaviorist - call your local shelter for a recommendation (anyone can call himself a 'behaviorist', so get a recommendation from a reliable source first!).

Also, NEVER leave the kitten & dog home alone unsupervised together, even after they've become used to each other - better safe than sorry. Put your dog in the yard, kennel her, or put the cats in a different room with a closed door between the cats & dog.

Answer 2

I assume the dog in question is not vicious, only territorial and grumpy. They will adjust to each other.
If possible, get something with the kitten's scent on it before you get the kitten, and bring it into the house before the kitten arrives. And, when you do bring the kitten home, make sure the dog gets more attention and treats than usual. Try to make it so that the arrival of the kitten is a happy time for the dog.
If you think it is necessary, you can, in the beginning, separate them when you are not there to supervise; but try not to do this more than needed. They need to get used to each other.
The playful kitten may annoy the dog, but the dog will realize that this is a "puppy," not an enemy, and retaliation will not be serious. The kitten will be able to escape to a high place if necessary, too.
Don't be too alarmed if the dog chases the cat, unless she seems too aggressive. Chasing is fun for a dog, and cats often enjoy being chased and getting away.

Answer 3

I brought two cats into my household. And I have had very little problems with them and my german shepherd. Once in awhile she would growl when they came near her while eating but she never showed her teeth. My dog hasn't been fixed and I find she treats them like the puppies shes never had. She licks them and sleeps on the same bed with them. I found bringing in my kitten Hugo was harder because Mojo hates all other cats but after a month of turmoil she settled down as well. Best of Luck!

Answer 4

I've been in a household where dogs and cats lived together, without excess trouble. The dogs were taught not to chase the cats, and the cats usually ignored the dog- except for one particular dog that one of the cats just adored.

Just handle it like any other introduction: let them smell eachother for a while before you let them meet face to face.

Good luck!

Answer 5

dogs and cats who get along, are usually raised from birth together, if they arn't their instincts will usually kick in. They might get used to each other eventually, but it might take a really long time. I know my grandma has a cat, and she just got a dog, and the dog and the cat don'tr get together at all. But you can always try. They might not be the best of friends, but i could work.
Good Luck!

Answer 6

i had a imilar situation. a little bossy dog who i thought wouldnt get along with my cat. but it turns out they are now best friends. it was actually better because the dog being a small breed like yours is the same size as the cat. she still let the cat know she was in charge but it was osmeone on her own level who would play. pet them both at the same time and let them smell each other. it will take a few days but they will warm up and love each other. mine sleep together now! its adorable!

Answer 7

Yea it relies upon on the canine or cats physique of recommendations. My canine does not get alongside with the different animal no count what. My chum has 2 cats and a canine and while they have been kittens they might sleep on his back.

Answer 8

you first have to try puting the cat near the dog and see if they dont fight if they fight put the cat in a room or in a place were he wont scape.open the dor a little,little bit and then wait mabey they will not fight. that is what I did with my cat and my dog.(THE CAT SHOULD BE A BABY BECAUSE THEN IT WONT WORK)

Answer 9

it is possible! it might take a while, my parents used to have a labrador approx 3 or 4 years old.

one day they brought a kitten home, it took time but the labrador got used to the idea there is a new sherif in town ;-)

Answer 10

there is no guarantee of what is going to happen, but you might as well try and introduce them first and analyze their behavior together. If they do not interact well, then you can possibly train the dog, if possible, or try to keep them in separate rooms.