I want to adopt a dog from a shelter. I have a cat who was very territorial with another cat that I adopted and I had to return the new cat. Will she be the same with a dog if the dog is supposed to be "good w/ cats?" I really would love to have a dog and would never want to have to return it if it didn't work out.
2007-11-05 01:46:40 · 5 answers · asked by kw524 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Many cats and dogs live happily together.Cats and dogs have a different psychology and body language, but some people believe that dog-to-cat introductions are often easier than cat-to-cat. Dogs are pack animals and will take their cue from you as the Alpha figure in how to treat the cat. So if you gradually introduce a dog to your cat, they will accept her as part of the family pack. Cats on the other hand are more concerned about territory than their place in the pecking order. So long as she feels she is in control of territory, she won't care if the dog considers her the lowest ranking member of the family pack. Animals rely much more heavily on their sense of smell than we do, so it's important to confine the dog to a separate room or puppy pen initially, so that your cat gets to "meet" them by smell before you attempt any face to face introductions. Once the dog has the "communal" scent of your home, your cat will feel more relaxed with them. The web articles below have lots of advice on introducing cats and dogs.
http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattodogintroductions
A Feliway plug-in may help, as they emit pheromones that help reassure cats and give them a sense of well being. Reward her when she is well behaved around the dog, so that she associates him with good things. Don't punish her if she has a hostile reaction to him at first, otherwise she may just resent him. Take things slowly and let her dictate how fast the introductions move.
Good luck.
2007-11-05 02:03:23 · answer #1 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I would see if there's a way you can introduce your cat to a friends/family dog before doing to the pound to get one of your own. One of my cats is very friendly with other cats and with people but absolutely petrified of dogs. Maybe see if they could visit with their dog and see how you get on.
Bear in mind though, even if that goes well, it doesn't necessarily mean that your cat will get on with ALL dogs. Also the dog you get might not be particularly friendly to cats!!
2007-11-05 01:55:07 · answer #2 · answered by inkedgrrrl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very iffy proposition. Since your kitty seems to like being an only cat, I doubt that she will like having to share you with a dog.
Of course, she might decide that she likes having a dog around if the dog will let her be the boss. But you'll have to think a lot.
Good luck.
2007-11-05 02:17:06 · answer #3 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a freind to bring a dog round to see how your cat is,some just want to be only pet
2007-11-05 04:59:58 · answer #4 · answered by sky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
introduce them first. they may get along and most shelters will allow you to do so. good luck.
2007-11-09 01:36:39 · answer #5 · answered by jennah_z 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋