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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Any tips on getting a cat when you have a dog already?

5 replies

Romann · 18/07/2012 19:38

Hi everyone, we have a 2 1/2 year old golden retriever. DS2 would like a cat (and so would I!). I think our dog would be extremely excited to have another animal companion at home, and might be a bit overwhelming. I am wondering how to introduce a cat to him in such a way as to encourage him to be calm around it. And I'm also wondering whether it would be better to get a rescue cat with dog experience, or a kitten, who would be very adaptable. Another consideration is that dh and I both work full time. We have a nanny/housekeeper at home in the day. She loves animals, but I have to be realistic about how much responsibility I can expect her to take on as regards training (none really), and keeping the peace (a bit). Any advice very welcome! TIA

OP posts:
Marne · 18/07/2012 19:41

We got our cat 18 months ago, we introduced him to the dog slowlly and at first we introduced the cat in its box/cage, there was lots of hissing and growlling from the cat and the dog was just very excited, at first the cat hid upstairs (as the dog is not allowed upstairs) but after a week the cat came down and he is now best friends with the dog, our dog loves to mother the cat (will lick it and curl up with it).

notapizzaeater · 18/07/2012 19:43

Cats dont really need training tbh - show them the litter tray and food and away you go. We have a bouncy bearded collie and got a kitten 5 months ago - the shelter suggested a quick meet and leave them to it - the kitten can get out of the way quicker than the dog. We popped the carrier down with her in it and let the dog smell it for a few mind then opened the door. They settled down really quickly - only tip I have is keep the kitten food away from the dog ...... He slapped weight on till we realised !

BrianCoxhasSmellySox · 18/07/2012 19:46

I have a dog and 2 cats. Dog was here first, cat 1 came along when Dog was 3 yo and cat 2 came along last summer, Dog was 5yo.

Dog (half lab) was very excited when we brought kitten 1 home. Kitten didn't like her at all.

I kept them separate and introduced them for small periods of time, kitten in the cat carry box, dog sniffing and being intrigued. When they had done that a few times I would then hold kitten and tell Dog to sit and be calm. She could look but not move around (ie go nuts) around kitten.

Took a little while and I had to be vigilant while kitten was still v.v.v.little but ultimately, the minute the kitten was big/fast enough to take care of herself....well let's just say, I then had to look out for the dog's welfare ! Grin

Kitten 2, same again - but obviously dog not as exciteable this time round. Yet again, the dog is now bottom of the pecking order.

They all get on fabulously but cats rule the roost. Dog knows her place Smile What's really funny is, she never chases my cats but if she sees a cat in the street/in our garden, she is off like a shot - hates them!

I would recommend a kitten, then the dog is never really seen as a threat. Dog is young enough to be trained around kitten and by taking things slowly and giving them all their own space, there should be no problem.

(pics on profile of my beasts Grin )

Romann · 18/07/2012 20:48

Thank you - doesn't sound as complicated as I was thinking. They are very cute brian Smile

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BrianCoxhasSmellySox · 18/07/2012 20:54

Grin I think so, but I'm biased Wink

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