Calling cavalier owners for info ref introducing rescue cav to cat

[Willowisp]

Hoping to rescue an 18mth old cav very soon. Cav is apparently very calm & gentle & her ad said cat & child tested.

I've just found out that she's never actually lived with a cat, so I'm assuming this is based on her character assessment. the rescue has lots of cav owners so whilst (i think) i don't doubt them, I'm just concerned.

Obvious but true - it depends on the dog and the cat. I have a cavalier puppy, very sweet but young and bouncy, and 2 cats. One cat is brave and he has adapted easily to the puppy (stands up to her, doesn't take any nonsense, knows he can stay on high surfaces whilst she can't get up there). The other cat is a bit of a wuss and has more or less moved upstairs. I'm following the advice to try to teach the puppy to 'leave it' when a cat appears - offering a fun game or treat as an alternative, to teach puppy that there are more fun things to do than chase a cat. I haven't invested in Feliway but that is something recommended to help your cats chill out. ANother option - probably more for me with a bouncy pup - is to keep the dog on a house line which will enable you to intervene and stop the dog running at the cat. However, you don't know what your rescue will be like and she may not chase the cat - let's hope not. It's important that your cat has access to her food and water (and litter tray if used) without having to cross paths with the dog. Cats are very territorial and I've moved my cats' dishes to an area where puppy isn't allowed. And though it's a bit sad my cat has - hopefully temporarily - moved upstairs, at least she feels safe there and has lots of high up surfaces (i.e. my bed) where the puppy can't find her.

What colour is your cavalier? Mine is tricolour and we're really enjoying having her.

I have a 2.5 yo cav. Ever since he was a pup he's been desperate to get my parents' cat to play but seeing as she's been living dog free for the last 8 years and is now getting on she treats him with open disdain and he has been subjected to a few kitty-paw whacks on the nose. But he's never been mean or aggressive to her so I'd imagine the worst that will happen with your two is they won't be friends.

Generally on the cav front, if you haven't had one before, be prepared to be loved to death - I think mine would surgically attach himself to DH and me if he could! They are an amazing, gentle, fun breed with great personalities and a huge capacity for love. Good luck with her!

I do have feliway, I'd better search it out..

Good advice ref the lead & also read about trimming cats nails to take the sharp points off.

My cat (a rescue about 7.5 yrs) is such a homebody & I'd hate to have her nose pushed out. All the reading seems to suggest there won't be a problem...I'm just worrying. My alternative is a rescue pup (not cav) but they are crazy/mad & I'm preferring the option of cav & also being loved to death !

I'm worried about my cat either not coming in or moving upstairs, I'm worried about cav chasing her, everything really. We'll be doing dog training classes too, so yes, will pay attention to the leave it command.

Will pm her colour, don't want to jinx anything !

Glad your boy has a good life now, i was after an exbreeder but not a candidate due to having children & no other dogs.

Yes, just waiting for a home check.