A puppy with older cats?

[WildFlowerBees]

I don’t know if this is a good idea or a really bad one. Our cats are a bonded pair both now 15, one has kidney disease and dh and I are concerned about the other if/when he leaves us.

Not a conversation either of us wants to have we adore our owners. Dh raised the idea of getting a dog, we have always wanted one and now he’s retired there’s time however we always said we’d prefer a rescue but dh asked if perhaps we should consider a puppy instead to make the transition easier.

I just don’t know, we never want either of our cats to feel stressed and it concerns us that bringing another animal into the house might make them unhappy. On the flip side if we had a dog and all got along we’re thinking it might make any transition from 2 cats to 1 more bearable for the one left behind.

I’m hoping both live very long lives so are we being irresponsible for considering adding a family member has anyone done the same thing?

I know it’s daft but I’m really concerned about boy cat leaving us and girl cat being stressed. I can’t imagine being without either of them.

Don't get a puppy. This is not fair on your cats. Even cats that have lived with dogs their whole lives struggle with puppies - it's not fair on geriatric cats who have their own health conditions. You owe them a peaceful old age.

We absolutely do want them to enjoy a peaceful old age. I think you’re right and we should put the idea to one side for now. Thank you.

I agree with Wildflower, when we got our puppy our brother and sister cats were only 3 years old. They spent about 6-8 months hiding upstairs and running through to eat or the cat flap. They all get on wonderfully now, (so cute to see them give the dog head bumps) but don't think it would be fair on 15 year olds, sorry.