How can I bring home a new dog when I already have a cat?

Question

Hello all. I have a male cat that has been with my family and I for about 2 years. He's a very good cat. He doesn't bite, scratch or "terrorize" myself or my kids. We are looking at adopting a 1 year old terrier dog. The dog is bigger than the cat. I was told by the SPCA that this dog is good with cats and already house trained. I don't want to bring home this dog and have my house destroyed or my cat injured or the dog injured.
My cat is declawed and only goes outside for a few minuets at a time. He likes to be indoors.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Answer 1

There will probably be an adjustment period but they should get along fine. My cat and two dogs do. If you have a cat that has lived for awhile without feline companionship, a dog actually may be more readily accepted than another cat. The old adage of "fighting like cats and dogs" is usually a mistaken concept. In fact, it's trendy to have both species--nearly half of dog owners and nearly half of cat owners actually have both.
P.S.--Our cat is declawed on all 4's and good thing. There have been numerous occasions when the cat--for no particular reason--has taken a swipe at one of the dogs right across the face.

Answer 2

I was in this situation not to long ago... I have a 8 year old cat, Tiggers, (that never was introduced to dogs) and a 1 year old cat, Lucy. Lucy was very curious when we got our border collie lab mix puppie(10-15 lbs), Jeffery, and she would do the same thing as Dante. Tiggers was scared and hid for less than a week, only coming out when we were on walks and when the dog was in his crate. Tiggers got used to the idea of the dog marrading him every once in a while, but he stood his own ground. Tiggs doesnt really enjoy jeffery, but he is now positive that he is the owner of him! Lucy on the other hand, I caught sleeping in his crate(She is small enough to fit throught the bars) With him! They love each other(although she still gets irratated!) I honestly wouldnt worry about it... Especially with such a small dog! Jeffery is 70-80lbs now and Lucy is like 5 lbs(she is very small) and Tiggs is around 25lbs(VERY large) And they all get along... If the cats 'attack' your dog... they probably wont use claws... they may just thump him on the nose... And cats can hold their own ground! Good Luck!

Answer 3

I had a 10 year old cat when I brought home an 8 month old Lab mix. I was stern with him from the beginning. He lad to lay down when the cat come by, as so not to encourage any aggression. I've had the dog for nearly two years now, and there has never been any problem. They just do their own thing. Best wishes.

Answer 4

well i was in the same situation i got a cat when i had a older dog that was very calm and the cat was a kitten so it would play with the dogs long tail hairs and they where good together but few years later we had to put her down = ( and then about 3 years after that i got my puppy who is now 1and the cat would case the my dog now she cases the cat cause she remembers so as long as u do not have an aggressive cat its will probable be OK and if they do fight well eventually get over it slowly like mine

Answer 5

There shouldn't be a problem, once the cat is used to the dog being there. My family has had cats and dogs in the house together for quite a long time, without any trouble.

You will want to make sure to give your cat extra attention though, so he won't feel that his place is being usurped by an interloper.

Answer 6

Well I have a cat and a dog and at first they were kind of scared of each other, but they didnt fight and now they are really good together and play. But if the dog is a boy it might hump the cat if it is a girl. I KNOW BECAUSE MY DOG DOES THAT TO MY CAT.

Answer 7

Take your cat to the SPCA to meet the dog se how they interact before bringing the dog into your home. If all goes well then you can bring them home together

Answer 8

well ... terriers are pretty messy and maybe your dog will be pissing off all day! hahah, but that depends on time!!! maybe, after a while, your cat will accept the dog! just have to be patient! ... of course, you will have to watch your cat, primarily because he doesn't have claws and can't defend!!! also, you can put them in different places and put them together some hours each day while you watch'em!!!

Answer 9

The dog will know its place AND that the CAT is in charge.

Answer 10

put the cat in a cage and let the dog in and see how they get along and then introduce them slowly.