I have 2 little female dogs - a chihuahua and a terrier mix. I'm thinking of getting a cat. Should I get ...

Question

a male or a female? Or doesn't that matter with a dog/cat relationship? Do you advise a kitten, or a bit older kitten/cat who might adapt better to joining our family and having 2 new doggy "sisters"? Any helpful techniques on how to blend a new kitten or young cat into a household with 2 dogs already in place would be great. Also, any idea how the dogs will react? Although I'm a big pet lover, I've never had this possible scenario before, so I truly appreciate any tips, help, suggestions, etc. Thanks in advance, everyone !!

Answer 1

You could have a problem. A lot of terriers look at smaller non-dog animals as prey, they've been bred for a long time to kill rats so they have an instinct that could get a kitten killed very quickly in your home. An older cat won't be too agreeable being attacked either, and fighting back could get the terrier roused even higher. Chihuahuas can go either way, I've heard some are great with cats, and some want to kill any they see. The two dogs in combination would be too much of a danger zone for me to think about bringing a cat into the mix without a LOT of heavy thinking and at least some protection for the cat in some way, in the house.

Answer 2

If you can find an adult cat that has lived with dogs before and knows how to get along with them, that would be your best bet. Som cats are great at getting along with dogs and some just aren't. By the time a cat is an adult, you'll have a lot better idea of what you're getting into.

Look for a cat that is mellow, easy-going, and difficult to startle. A skittish cat is a lot more likely to run away from the dogs, which is what sets off their prey instinct and will get a chase going. Once a chase starts, the end is much more likely to be tragic. If the cat never runs, the dogs rarely have much more interest beyond curiosity. Mine usually just sniff my cat and lick him a couple of times. He gives them a disgusted look, but that's the end of it. :)

I don't think it will make a lick of difference whether the cat is male or female, just whether it has the personality to tough it out with those dogs or not.

Once you decide on a cat, make the introductions slow and very supervised. Break it up if any of the pets get too excited. Try making introductions when everybody is calm, preferably tired, not hungry, and not the minute you walk in the door.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You should get a kitten, but not a small one. It doesn't really matter about sex. They may not bond for some time, but can become friends. We have 12 cats and 3 dogs along with other animals. They don't fight much.

Answer 4

Get a kitten, they usually bond with dogs well if the dogs are already there. The dogs might react well, might not, depends on the dog. Make sure you stay with the dogs and kitten until you know for sure that the dogs won't hurt the kitten.

Answer 5

"i comprehend socialization at a youthful age makes a large difference to in spite of if or no longer they tolerate different dogs and people later in existence." this is a large attitude to have for chihuahua's are independant, territorial and many times basically socialized to on the spot kin. i comprehend 4 chi's finished, 2 stay down the block and terrorize all and sundry and run at my dogs as quickly as I walk by employing, they have even tried to chew me. another hates people or different dogs in her backyard yet warms up greater directly and the forth attended doggie daycare from a domestic dog and have been given used to all sorts of folk and dogs and that i might say he's the terrific little chi i've got ever met. when you hit upon one you like, take your dogs to fulfill the chi additionally, no longer on your materials. A impartial territory is terrific. stable luck.

Answer 6

I'd say tat you could get a cat, a bit older then a kitten, and ender does not matter.

Answer 7

No since dogs and cats don't get along