I have a cat which is just over a year old now, and we have been thinking about getting a dog but the only problem is the cat. the cat is already quite a jumpy cat and get nervous pretty easily. is it possible it introduce a puppy to the cat and if so whats the best way of doing it.
2007-10-20 06:33:50 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
It all depends on the personalitlies of the animals and you should do some research into what breed of dog gets on well with cats, or consider an older dog who will be less skittish and excitable, and some will come with proven experience of getting on with cats. We got a 3 yr old westie when our cat was a year old. Before you even bring the dog home move the cats things to a safe place (a few days before so the cat doesn't see the dog as the cause of him getting moved. Upstairs is best, take ALL the cats bits- toys, food etc and put a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs so that the cat has a completely safe quiet place to go. We placed treats by the front door/ back door in our hand, so every time the cat came in the house, at first, it got a treat. I sat with my cat upp the stairs, my husband sat with the dog and we gave them treats as they moved closer to each other, until they were on the same step. We swapped roles frequently so that neither the cat or dog felt favoured by either one of us. We never ever forced the cat to go nearer the dog than he was comfortable and treated the dog for not barking. If was AWFUL at first, and required us to put a lot of time and attention in, at first the cat wouldn't come into the house, but after around 3/4 weeks we were able to move all the cats things back downstairs, and now they pretty much carry on as normal and I really enjoy having both animals together. IT can work, it needs a lot of planning, a lot of thought, and both your animals need a lot of your time and attention, and if you have no one else at home I do reccommend you get a friend with a lot of time on their hands to come and help at first, and their should be someone at home at all times. I was between jobs and I don't think it would have worked as well had I not been. Give the dog lots of walks to tire it out before you let it see the cat.
Good luck and feel free to email with any other questions,
2007-10-20 19:33:25 · answer #1 · answered by emily_jane2379 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your cat is already jumpy, getting a puppy may not be the best thing. However, some breeds of dogs are very "laid back", and get along w/cats really well. If you decided to do this, introduce your animals in a very quiet invironment, with at least 2 people in attendance.....one to hold the cat, and the other to hold the dog. Even better, if you can just have them in different rooms for a few days, so that they can hear/smell each other, it might be easier when you finally get them face to face. You'll just have to be the judge of whether your cat is going to be able to accept a puppy/dog. Some don't even accept children all that well!! Good luck...
2007-10-20 06:43:25 · answer #2 · answered by brutusmom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The suggestion of an obedience class is an excellent one. Read here https://tr.im/eNoWU
It will help your dog learn to behave around other dogs, and help keep your training moving forward as you'll want to be prepared for the next class. Also, a good instructor can be a wonderful resource, someone to help you with any questions or concerns about your dog. Leash training can take a LOT of time and patience, depending upon the dog. I'm not sure what you mean by 'horrible on a leash' but my basic suggestion is that you take a lot of yummy treats with you on walks. When your dog behaves well on the leash (not pulling) praise her and give her treats. Change direction a lot so that she learns to pay attention to YOU and where you are going. It's also helpful to teach a "Watch Me" command such that whenever your dog looks at you you praise her and give her a treat. About chewing, yes a Kong is a great chew toy. Some dogs also like Nylabone brand bones. I suggest also teaching a "Leave It" command. You use this when she shows interest in chewing on something she shouldn't. Then immediately give her something she is allowed to chew, such as the Kong stuffed with somethig yummy. This same command will be helpful on walks when she wants to sniff or eat something she shouldn't. Again, when she does leave the item alone, be sure to give lots of praise. I would look into an obedience class right away. I think that you'll find that a good obedience class can help enormously! Good luck and enjoy your new dog.
2016-07-19 13:00:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
having a furry friend of any variety will probably help your cat. My friends had a cat for a long time, years, and got a dog. At first, cat was skittish, but eventually warmed up and they are best friends. A puppy would be a great addition to your family.
2007-10-20 07:05:22 · answer #4 · answered by Leopardlady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We rescued our dog from a friend who was moving and could not take him along, a couple of days later the cat "Slapped" him around the face. He knows where his position is in the house (Under my feet normaly lol ) and Suki (Cat) is the boss. She can be a bit jumpy at times but they do get along.
2007-10-20 07:50:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I own 3 cats and a dog. It really depends on the personality of the animals. Do it slowly through a bathroom door. That worked for me. When you get the pup put him in the bathroom for awhile. That way the cat will not think he/she is the one being punished..
Or crate the dog and let the cat investigate fl
2007-10-20 06:39:03 · answer #6 · answered by Firelove 1 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Your cat sounds like my cat and we recently got a new kitten (about 7 weeks ago). It was something! My cat went absolutely mad, she's not the same anymore, scratching me, doesn't come on my lap, just sad, goes away for long periods sometimes. The kitten is lovely, but sometimes I regret I got it. Can't give it back now, it got attached to all of us now. May be you shouldn't get another animal? But that's just my opinion..
2007-10-20 11:43:24 · answer #7 · answered by J S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes but you have to be careful unless the dog snaps at the cat. I think that would help get a cat nice and friendly to a dog at a young age.
2007-10-20 07:01:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with one of the other answers. It depends on the cat. I introduced a dog to my cat (who sounds like yours) and it ran away. I was heartbroken and the guilt ate me up. Don't take the risk.
2007-10-20 09:49:07 · answer #9 · answered by pumpkinuk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
totally depends on the cat. Ours is nervy and jealous and sadly, we realise we will never be able to have a dog. You must remember, you made a commitment to that cat - and that cat's feelings must come before your own.
Which you seem to - hence your question of course.
2007-10-20 06:43:56 · answer #10 · answered by Madam Rosmerta 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋