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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / October 2006Introducing cats to dogs
I currently have two cats, and am thinking about adding a dog to the family. I've been reading up on how to do this properly, so that everyone gets along and the cats don't wind up as lunch, but everything I've been able to find concentrates on the dog side of the equation. So I know the danger signs to watch for there, and how to handle the dog so that I reinforce good behavior with the cats and discourage bad. But what I can't seem to find is anything about the cat side of the equation. How do I get resident cats to accept a dog, and are there any signs I should watch out for that would indicate that they just aren't going to get along with the dog? I know that they will probably be hissy for a while, but how long is too long, etc.? Rebecca >I currently have two cats, and am thinking about adding a dog to the > family. I've been reading up on how to do this properly, so that [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Rebecca I've had a mix of cats and dogs most of my life and for the most part everybody has at least tolerated each other. I guess the main thing is that I really worked with the dogs to make sure I was in control of the situation and that I could really "read" the dog. All of the cats learned to tolerate the dogs and some even to actively search the dog out. My current dog is very mellow and disinterested in the cats--I've never seen her be aggressive to the cats even though she doesn't care too much about them. When she was younger I always supervised her time with the cats and didn't leave them alone with her til I felt I could trust her. It also depends on the breed and/or temperament of the dog. Some have a much higher prey instinct than others and might never be trusted around cats. Also, a puppy can be easier to train than an older dog. I would try to work on some basic obedience with the dog before introducing him to the family, keep the cats in a separate room for a bit. Let them sniff each others stuff. Gradually introduce them, giving the dog treats for good behavior (as in lying down quietly around the cats). Always provide escape routes for the cats--a baby gate in the hallway, cat tree, access to another room where the dog is not allowed. Each cat will come to terms with the dog in their own time--some might warm up to the dog in a few days, some may take weeks to months and some might never feel comfortable with dogs. Cats can also do their own share of damage. I was taking care of my mother's Boston Terrier who is very respectful of cats-- one of my cats got him in the eye with a claw and he had quite a painful infection. Basically just take it slow and be patient. It's great when they finally start getting along! Have fun, Bonnie >>I currently have two cats, and am thinking about adding a dog to the >> family. I've been reading up on how to do this properly, so that [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] >Basically just take it slow and be patient. It's great when they finally >start getting along! See, that's the kind of advice I have already. My concern is that one of my cats, while getting along with her companion cat, is not at all shy about going up to strange cats that get into her territory and just whaling on them. So I am a little bit concerned that I could get a perfectly nice dog that's fine with cats, and have a demon cat that tries to terrorize it, which wouldn't be fair to the dog. She hasn't had much contact with dogs, and may be fine with them. But then again, she may not. So, nothing that I've found has told me how to figure out if the cat has problems with the dog, instead of the other way around. Rebecca >>>I currently have two cats, and am thinking about adding a dog to the >>> family. I've been reading up on how to do this properly, so that [quoted text clipped - 60 lines] > > Rebecca Maybe find a bit more robust breed instead of highly strung dogs....maybe a puppy the same size as the cat instead of smaller. I'm thinking boxer or spaniel type dog instead of terrier or poodle-ish dog. Friendly, positive natured dogs might be better than sensitive, introverted types, perhaps. Good luck!! >>>>I currently have two cats, and am thinking about adding a dog to the >>>> family. I've been reading up on how to do this properly, so that [quoted text clipped - 66 lines] >natured dogs might be better than sensitive, introverted types, perhaps. >Good luck!! Actually, I am thinking greyhound. We are generally a very laid-back household, and I think it will be a good fit, as long as the cats like the dog. Rebecca >>>>>I currently have two cats, and am thinking about adding a dog to the >>>>> family. I've been reading up on how to do this properly, so that [quoted text clipped - 82 lines] > > Rebecca Well, good luck then and I hope you enjoy your new family member!! >>>I currently have two cats, and am thinking about adding a dog to the >>> family. I've been reading up on how to do this properly, so that [quoted text clipped - 60 lines] > > Rebecca I'm not sure you will know until you try! Do you know of anybody with a cat friendly dog that you could borrow?! One of my cats was fairly aggressive to my dogs when we first got her--the dogs basically just ignored her and my larger dog would just raise her head out of harms way and go about her business. Now they more or less ignore each other. Also a cat may react differently to a dog than they would with another cat. I agree with the other poster--a larger (not giant!) dog would probably do better with cat terrorism than a tiny dog. Bonnie > See, that's the kind of advice I have already. My concern is that one > of my cats, while getting along with her companion cat, is not at all [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Rebecca Trim your cat's claws regularly. My dog and older cat actually wrestle in play, mouthing each other, etc. I've seen my cat's claws buried in my dog's skin (who doesn't seem to notice) and I have had to unhook her. I can't imagine the damage my cat could do to my dog if he intended to hurt her. Thankfully that's not the case, but I have become very adept at trimming kitty claws and that helps reduce the play fighting scars. Get a puppy. Preferably a small breed. The cats will train it for you....my terrier is in awe of my cat, as she trained her young!!! Jasmine (cat) loves my dog.....although the dog is quite scared of her, as she still thinks Jasmine is bigger than she is, like when she was a puppy. >I currently have two cats, and am thinking about adding a dog to the > family. I've been reading up on how to do this properly, so that [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Rebecca |
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