Border Terrier puppy and cat

[Jayne05]

Hi, we lost our cocker spaniel last year and have decided to get another dog. We’re seriously considering a BT puppy, but I’m concerned about how well it’s likely to live happily with our cat. She lived well alongside our cocker who was introduced to her as a puppy as this one will be. Most info I’ve seen says as long as the dog is brought up with the cat there won’t be a problem but I’ve got that little doubt I’m making a mistake. In all respects a BT is the perfect dog for us and won’t consider another cocker for personal reasons, nothing to do with the breed. Anyone with (hopefully) success stories? Thank you

We have a puppy and a cat, their both fine with each other. I think puppy's just adapt.

Yup. Have a family member who got a BT as a puppy and it was v respectful towards the senior cat. Any other non-family cat however.... may as well be a squirrel.

Thank you, that’s a relief. She got on well with our spaniel and think she actually misses him a bit. We’ll obviously introduce the two slowly as we did all those years ago but I just had visions of it all going horribly wrong, but then I am a huge worrier! Thanks again x

My old bt sadly died recently but he was a lifelong cat hater. No idea if this would have improved if he was around one as a pup but it was absolutely instinctual. He never bothered about squirrels and lots of other animals but cats...? Real life Tom and Jerry!

Sorry to hear about your ddog mum. Hmm, I suppose it’s a chance we take with any breed. Oh god, I was so sure as long as he was a pup we’d be ok but...I don’t know 🙁

Speak to the breeder. Go for the least drivey pup in the litter. Honestly it should be fine. Any time he chases the cat correct him. Reward with treats for sitting nicely near the cat.

Thanks Smumzo. I’m just so conflicted. Our cats old and keeps herself to herself but never took much notice of our cocker. They will be kept separate and introduced gradually. I wish someone could tell me what to do lol! 😭

Sorry, I know you’ve given me great advice, what I really meant was, I wish I had a crystal ball to see everything will go ok. What you said about rewards makes good sense, thank you x

If you're on FB join the group Dog Training Advice and Support. There's a really good guide on keeping dogs (particularly those with high prey drives) alongside cats in the 'Files' section of the group called 'Dogs and Cats/Small Furries' which is well worth reading.

Thanks borderline, have sent a request to join x