My sister's friend is currently taking care of an abandoned Jack Russell Terrier that she can't keep. We are planning on adopting him, but here's the problem: we have two cats. We have no idea how old he is, but do you think it is possible that we could keep him in the house and he will get along with our cats? We are planning on keeping him next weekend to see how it works, but I wanted to get opinions from people who have JRTs. I already love this dog, and I want to keep him. Could I train him to keep him away from the cats? We brought him in the house temporarily and he tried to chase one of the cats. Our cats are pretty mean, so if he tries messing with them they might smack him and he'll stop. What do you guys think? Any tips?
2007-06-17 12:24:50 · 17 answers · asked by In_Love 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
When he was chasing one of my cats, he didn't seem aggressive at all. He seemed playful and excited.
2007-06-17 12:38:55 · update #1
A Jack is a very high prey driven dog... just know what you are getting into here.
They are super quick and know how to put the lights out on a snake in nothing flat... so = don't blame the dog if and when the cat gives him a scratch he eliminates the cat... It could happen so have your eyes open for this.
On the other hand.. they could become great friends and make up games to play ... actually it all depends on the temporment of your Jack Russell.
Good Luck
H.O.T. Dog
Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's
Member U.S.A- MSSV - A.W.D.F
2007-06-24 21:11:31 · answer #1 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well as always cats and dogs will fight. My brother and sister in law have two Jack Russell Terriers and two cats. They all live together but the dogs were brought up with the cats from the time the dogs were puppies and the cats were kittens. My JRT who is deaf does mess with my dad's cats that much. They are feisty cats and have no hesitation in trying to take her out if she gets too close. My advice is give a trail run. They will fight a bit because of territory issues. Try to get a kennel for the dog so the dog knows that is his safe spot. Have one for the cats that the dog can't get to. If they start to fight correct them. For all we know they will get along fine and be the best of buddies plotting against you when you aren't home!! Kidding. Give it sometime. JRT's are very active dogs. Make sure you take him out as much as you can and play with him and let him run and work off the energy that they are full of!
2007-06-21 08:00:35 · answer #2 · answered by kate_z80 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I must say ANY new animals you put in a house together are going to bother each other for a bit. I don't think you will have to train him to stay away from the cats, I'd bet my life the cats will teach him everything he needs to know about their boundaries. He may have a bit of a bloody nose from time to time, but I bet he will have been asking for it. Cats are good at taking it and breaking it. Anyone I know that has cats that has added a dog went through the initial headache of the dog going nuts for the cat, and Jack Russels are not the calmest of the dog breed, but I assure you, the dog will learn his limits,the cats will realize they are stuck with him and before you know it you'll be posting pictures of the cats with the dog using them as a pillow. By the way,I want a copy of that pic when you get it okay? Get the dog,be ready for some MAD cats and give the cats a bit of TLC when the dog is out of the room so they know he hasn't REPLACED them and after the initial shock and newness wears off, you will be amazed. My cat was 12 yrs old when we got a puppy and when she died at 25 yrs old, the dog was licking her and she was soaking wet,he was trying to wake her! He mourned for weeks it was so sad...they HATED each other at first though.
Good Luck!
2007-06-24 22:20:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a Jack russell and a cat and they actually keep each other in good company. they play very well together. You have to keep in mind that all cats and dogs are different and even though mine get along yours might not, your idea of trying it out for a week is your best bet. the only friction you may have this weekend however is that 3 days is not alot of time for the pets to get to know each other their is often a battle for territory when pets are first introduced to each other. If you to get the jrt remeber lots of exercise, they are full of energy.
2007-06-17 12:29:57 · answer #4 · answered by gregg 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 jack russels and only one of them is majorly agressive towards my cat. But the only reason for that is because he wasnt raised around cats from when he was a puppy. If you don't know how old the dog is then you should check and see if he has any gray hair around his face. If he does this is an obvious sign of older age and probably shouldn't be kept around the cat. he might try and kill it. But if it seems like a smaller dog (or puppy) then maybe you should try one night with the cat and the puppy together. But if the dog automaticaly goes after the cat and seems to be agressive instead of wanting to merley play with the cat, then you shouldnt keep the two together.
Hope I helped!!
2007-06-17 12:34:39 · answer #5 · answered by im amanda and nothing more! 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
JRTs were bred to hunt mice and rats - its their nature. However, I would just let him chase the cats. Cats will usually let a dog know who's boss. My 70 lb dog would literally RUN from my parents lil cat. All the cat had to do was swat at her nose a few times and now she will not go near him.
2007-06-23 21:56:54 · answer #6 · answered by Boxer_gal25 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes You can train him although JRT'S are really hyper and love to play so you'll have to split all the love with him too. Also train your cats not to be so aggressive cuz if they to that to the JRT he might get agressive back and he will want to chew them up
2007-06-25 11:38:06 · answer #7 · answered by angela l 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a rat terrier and he and my cat are best friends. They didn't grow up together, my dog came later and he was a rescue. It took them a little while (maybe two weeks) and then they started to play together. They quickly learn that the cats can really hurt them if they want to.
2007-06-25 10:16:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the dog gets smacked, he gets smacked, and hopefully he will learn to leave the cats alone. I'm surprised...most of the time terriers see a cat and run after it and rip its throat out.
Sorry, my cat was killed by my neighbors terrier, and the owner was so shocked, but that is what they were bred to do! Terriers kill things like a border collie chases things-it is just natural for them.
2007-06-17 20:18:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
my jrt is very anxious to chase cats. But just to play with. However, they can play hard and hurt the cats. especially if they are not used to a cat.
2007-06-25 07:07:58 · answer #10 · answered by Brenda T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋