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Original poster

Introducing puppy to adult cats

15 replies

nurserysearch111111 · 16/01/2022 20:14

Hi,

We have two Siamese cats both aged 7. They are indoor only and have never lived with a dog. Would it be unfair of us to get a puppy? I have always wanted a dog but don’t want to upset my cats. The house is big enough for the cats to escape the dog if needed and they will sleep in separate areas at night. What are your thoughts please??

Thanks

OP posts:
ClariceQuiff · 16/01/2022 20:23

I did this many years ago. I chose a small breed not known for a strong prey drive, and by luck the breeder had cats so the pups grew up around them in their early years.

The introductions need to be gradual and careful, with the pup restrained in case he is tempted to chase. My cats soon showed him who was boss and he happily accepted his place at the bottom of the hierarchy.

In my experience it was easier to introduce the pup to my adult cats than it was introducing a new cat to an existing cat. In the long term the cats and dog virtually ignored each other, apart from the dog liking to sniff their bums from time to time.

As you've said you plan, the cats always had dog-free space in the house if they wanted it.

ClariceQuiff · 16/01/2022 20:24

^early years - should have said 'early weeks' - pup came to us at 10 weeks old.

Nandocushion · 16/01/2022 21:09

Your cats will absolutely be upset even with dog-free space in the house. Some cats grow to live with it, but others are always unhappy and stressed in their own homes. I wouldn't do this.

Original poster
nurserysearch111111 · 17/01/2022 14:02

Nando so you think a definite no go?

OP posts:
Stickytreacle · 17/01/2022 14:14

I have both cats and dogs that all get along well, the cats will often head bump the dogs and are happy to curl up with them, so it is doable. However puppies are boisterous and playful, regardless of breed and in your position I would only consider an older dog that had lived happily with cats, there is still a risk that the cats won't settle which can lead to inappropriate toileting etc through stress. You would also need an area without dog access using child gates or similar. In your position I think the sensible thing would be to wait until you no longer have the cats, which I realise could be a decade away. I do get disheartened seeing all the cats up for removing because their owners have a new dog though.

Stickytreacle · 17/01/2022 14:15

Rehoming not removing 🙄

Original poster
nurserysearch111111 · 17/01/2022 14:20

Okay I think it’s out of the question then. Wouldn’t want to do anything that could upset cats long term and most certainly would never even consider rehoming them

OP posts:
Stickytreacle · 17/01/2022 23:31

Ah that's good to hear, you're obviously an excellent cat parent! Smile

AwkwardPaws27 · 18/01/2022 00:01

Do you have any friends/family with a very calm dog you could test the waters with? My nan visited for an hour with her very chilled whippet (on short lead throughout).
Male cat puffed himself up and made a right fuss; female cat sat on the back of the sofa above the dog and cocked her head as if to say "that's a funny looking cat" but seemed unperturbed.
We'd never have got a dog with male cat as he was clearly unhappy, but we got our dog a year after he passed away. Female cat was not keen on bouncy puppy but has the whole upstairs to herself (we use a stairgate) & is ok now he's calmed down a lot.
We also adopted a younger cat & he gets on so well with the dog. They regularly share a bed.

Shmithecat2 · 18/01/2022 00:05

My dm got 2 lurcher puppies with 2 adult cats already in the household. The pups were terrified/in love with the cats, and that's never changed in 8 years. They'll try to entice the now 14yo cats to play. They're usually met with a claw free swipe. There's never been an issue considering the natural lurcher prey drive. It can definitely work!

Shmithecat2 · 18/01/2022 00:09

This was the usual scene in the evening. Cat on the dog bed, dogs on the floor as they wouldn't disturb him 😂

supperlover · 18/01/2022 01:20

My DIL has just got a puppy despite having three adult cats. They kept them away from each other at first but fed cats outside the room the puppy was in. Then allowed cats into same room when dog asleep so they could get used to her. They've now got to stage of them being in same room with dog on a lead. It seems to be working. Think DIL did a lot of research on strategy. Cats seem to be accepting dog at the moment.

Fluffycloudland77 · 19/01/2022 07:17

With a Siamese I think your risking a rebellion. Last thing anyone needs is two passed off meezers.

eurochick · 19/01/2022 07:25

When I was a child we got a puppy when we had an adult cat. The cat grew to tolerate the dog and definitely ruled the roost despite the dog growing to be many times her size.

The cats need somewhere dog free to escape to and the introductions should be gradual. It can work - there are many successful cat and dog households.

Roselilly36 · 19/01/2022 07:29

I had two adult cats, when we got our puppy, they were a little unsure at first, but they absolutely loved him, they would cuddle up together in the dogs bed. We later added another kitten, dog was so funny when they first meet each other, I don’t think he knew he was a cat, as he was little. They got on famously too. We lost our wonderful dog, many years ago now, but have so many lovely memories. He truly adored our cats.

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