My boyfriend and i just bought a new townhouse and I am exctied that I will be able to get my very own cat when we move in next month. However, My sister is going to be living with us for a while and she just bought a teacup chihuahua. Now I am afraid to get a cat when thats what i really want. Do you think a cat would think a chihuahua was a mouse and try to attack him? Do you think it would be best to get a kitten instead of a cat thats already full grown? Do you think that the chihuahua will try to attack a kitten? I dont know this stuff because i never had a dog before so someone who has been in a similar situation please help me out!
2007-11-10 10:14:22 · 17 answers · asked by Sara 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dogs and cats can get along perfectly if they are introduced properly. I would recommend putting one in a crate and letting the other observe it. Never allow any aggression on either part, especially on the part of the dog towards the kitten.
2007-11-10 10:17:54 · answer #1 · answered by KC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
congrats on being a to-be cat owner:) consider a shelter or rescue cat!
I would not worry about the cat killing the chi, but if the chi is aggressive toward the cat, the dog can get swatted.
If it were me (I rescue both) I would take the dog to a friend's house, on leash, that has a cat. Do not take the dog off the leash. Do not yourself act nervous or anticipatory. See how the dog reacts. If the dog is tempted to chase the cat or is overly excited, the new cat might have to wait until the chi/sister leave.
I would NEVER put a kitten with a dog that is unknown about cats. Dogs, even small ones, can kill a kitten with little effort.
If the dog turns out to be okay with the chi, get an adult cat. There are many adult cats raised with dogs that may be easily adaptable, and knowing this is best for all involved. Craigslist.com in your area might be a good source for knowing the history of an adult cat and whether or not the cat is used to dogs.
Best wishes to you, and I advise some good reading on cat nutrition and behavior prior to getting a cat.
There is a great book on cat behavior and training called Cats on the Counter by Dr. Larry Lachman PhD. I highly recommend it. Not a lot of good books out there on cat behavior, but this is one.
2007-11-10 10:24:42 · answer #2 · answered by cany 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a chihuahua and a cat. They get along great! Since your getting a puppy it will want to play play play! I would be more concerned with the older cat getting annoyed by the puppy being so playful. Make sure the cats have a high place they can get to if they need a break from the active chihuahua!
2016-05-29 03:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a full grown cat and a got a chihuahua when i was younger...my cat was old so didn't really like to play much with the hyperactive puppy. But i currently have a kitten and a small puppy lap dog and they play all the time and get a long...the dog and kitten cuddle up to each other when its naptime also. my advice is to adopt a kitten from the humane society and you will be just fine.
2007-11-10 10:19:26 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The noble thing to do would be to get a full grown cat. The fun thing would be to get a kitten. Go ahead and get that cat because it's been my experience that when you mix cats and dogs together, they eventually learn to get along and some have even become quite friendly with each other. Good luck!
2007-11-10 10:20:19 · answer #5 · answered by sky64 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 4 lb teacup chihuahua and a 30 lb cat.I have had the cat for 7 years.I got Little Roo in May of this year and they get along fine. BIG Baby Girl won't play with her but they know who the boss is in the house, BIG Baby GIrl. I have them both sitting next to me and they sit together in the sun shine by the door. So, yes it is possible for them to get along.
2007-11-10 11:48:19 · answer #6 · answered by Dr Doolittle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 chihuahuas and a cat. They are all 3 the best of friends. They'll take naps cuddled up together in one big pile. If you get a kitten, they should do fine together.
2007-11-10 11:11:32 · answer #7 · answered by Fang Pu Ren 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had chihuahua for about 12 years he got on fine with the my cat.
If the dog and cat are young they will learn to live with each other you just have keep your eye in them for a while
my little chihuahua was called squirt i had him since he 6 weeks old till he was killed at 12 years freak accident.i have 6 girls when they were eating dinner one night he was sitting under the kitchen table my 3 year old fell off the chair and landed on his head he was killed instantly....he was such a tuff boy for his size he would Chase the biggest dogs
may you RIP SQUIRT
2007-11-10 10:36:51 · answer #8 · answered by Big Kisses :-) 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the litter of chihuahua pups my sister has likes to sleep with the kittens. Teh pups are often in a playpen wehn they are not being loose and being watched and the kittens climb in to be with them.
an older cat you would have to watch. i have an outside one that would go after my sisters 21/2 pound chi and attempt to kill it.
2007-11-10 11:54:27 · answer #9 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the cat and the dog. From what you said, and knowing chis, I BET an adult cat (at least 1-2 yr old) will be your best bet. Go to a local rescue and see who they have that is dog-tolerant/dog-friendly.
You'll be getting a cat (what you want), while saving a life, and giving the chi a friend. Good luck!
2007-11-10 10:24:06 · answer #10 · answered by tina in fla 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋