Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

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

Original poster

Introducing rescue dog to our cats

40 replies

DaysofHoney · 05/03/2024 10:09

Hello all,

We will be bringing home a rescue dog on Sunday.

We have two cats (also rescued over a year ago) and I’m looking for any tips on introducing them to each other. I know we need to go slowly, but any practical advice would be much appreciated.

We are new to dog ownership. He is a saluki mix type dog, almost a year old. He will have a crate upstairs on the landing outside our room, and the cats will sleep downstairs.

In the first few days I plan to have dog in the lounge which can be closed off, with access to the garden via French doors. I’ve been told to allow cats the opportunity to smell the dog through the doors etc, before letting them sniff around his crate etc.

How long should we leave it before they can “meet” face to face? Presumably dog should be on a lead for this? For how long etc?? When will we know they’ve accepted each other?

totally new to this so any help very welcome!

OP posts:
FunLurker · 05/03/2024 10:33

Has the dog meet cats before and has the cats meet dogs before. They might all get on, they might tolerate each other or they can all hate each other noone knows. Take it very slow and keep food out of the way. Let the pup settle in for a good few days, week. Then slowly start letting them have a sniff if they want, keep dog on a short lead and make sure no food or toys are around. Swap blankets from their crates, beds. Will you be keeping crate up on the landing? If so just be careful as animals will have to cross on stairs or at least downstairs. My dog doesn't get on with one of my cats, they tolerate each other but on the whole they avoid each other. If cat is on stairs the dog will chase the cat out of the way, which is dangerous. The cat has loads of places he can go, including boxes on the wall but still lays on the stairs.

FunLurker · 05/03/2024 10:33

Also might be worth plugging in some pet remedy pluggin things.

Devilshands · 05/03/2024 10:52

FunLurker · 05/03/2024 10:33

Has the dog meet cats before and has the cats meet dogs before. They might all get on, they might tolerate each other or they can all hate each other noone knows. Take it very slow and keep food out of the way. Let the pup settle in for a good few days, week. Then slowly start letting them have a sniff if they want, keep dog on a short lead and make sure no food or toys are around. Swap blankets from their crates, beds. Will you be keeping crate up on the landing? If so just be careful as animals will have to cross on stairs or at least downstairs. My dog doesn't get on with one of my cats, they tolerate each other but on the whole they avoid each other. If cat is on stairs the dog will chase the cat out of the way, which is dangerous. The cat has loads of places he can go, including boxes on the wall but still lays on the stairs.

Agree with this.

Also are you 100% sure that your rescue cats and the rescue dog will be good with each other? It’s not unusual for rescues to lie (or being generous, have been lied to when the animal was surrendered) about whether a dog is suitable to live with children/other animals… I’d want to be 100% sure before I even bought the dog home.

Original poster
DaysofHoney · 07/03/2024 05:01

Thanks for the replies so far. Not sure how we can be 100% sure until we try?

We met the dog and he was very calm with my daughter, allowed strokes etc. The centre say that he isn’t cat tested so will need to just try… I won’t deny that I am a bit nervous about it.

OP posts:
lifebeginsaftercoffee · 07/03/2024 07:04

I'm afraid there is absolutely no way I would have an un-tested rescue Saluki in a home with cats 😬

No chance.

Original poster
DaysofHoney · 07/03/2024 07:12

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 07/03/2024 07:04

I'm afraid there is absolutely no way I would have an un-tested rescue Saluki in a home with cats 😬

No chance.

Edited

This is so helpful and probably the advice I desperately need to hear.

OP posts:
Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 07/03/2024 07:21

Saluki are hunting dogs noted for chasing and killing small 'furries'.
I'm afraid I agree with @lifebeginsaftercoffee.
What makes you think this is a good idea, and what is your plan if it doesn't work out and the dog chases, attacks or kills your cats?

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 07/03/2024 07:26

@DaysofHoney an untested sighthound around cats could end in absolute disaster - I think the rescue are acting appallingly here.

Please don't take this dog.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 07/03/2024 07:26

We met the dog and he was very calm with my daughter, allowed strokes etc
To make a comparison, my cats are wonderful with humans - however they have a different attitude to mice.

Original poster
DaysofHoney · 07/03/2024 07:38

Thanks everyone.

This was to be a foster, with a view to adopting if it worked out. As I said, I’m new to dog ownership so my advice has been limited to what the shelter have said. We are overseas and I think they are desperate to find these animals homes, so I’m pleased I checked in here first for some sound advice.

So if we are to rescue, do we insist on ANY breed having been cat tested first? And would a puppy be better, or an older dog that is cat tested? I had preferred an older dog as I don’t particularly want to do the sleepless nights.

many thanks everyone.

OP posts:
Whinge · 07/03/2024 07:39

The centre say that he isn’t cat tested so will need to just try…

WOW, that's shocking!

The rescue are being completely irresponsible and I agree with other posters that you shouldn't rehome the dog.

WetBandits · 07/03/2024 07:46

I’d probably try a different rescue if this one hasn’t considered that a saluki, known for chasing/hunting small furries would need to pass a cat test with flying colours before sending them out to live with cats!

So irresponsible of them to suggest you just ‘wait and see’ Shock

Nannyfannybanny · 07/03/2024 07:47

Have to agree with other posters..rescued several cats and dogs,all absolutely HAD to be "tested" or used to living with the other species. We have an 8 year old border collie, never lived with cat,we also had a Phalene almost 18 when PTS last year. We had a cat when we got him as a puppy, she died when he was a year old. A few years ago my DD was in the process of moving,we had her cat 6 weeks. He was bigger than the Phalene,who just walked past him, completely unconcerned. My BC was screaming,on the back of the sofa,we thought the cat had attacked her,no, she was terrified of him,so we have never been able to have a cat as well.

Original poster
DaysofHoney · 07/03/2024 07:50

WetBandits · 07/03/2024 07:46

I’d probably try a different rescue if this one hasn’t considered that a saluki, known for chasing/hunting small furries would need to pass a cat test with flying colours before sending them out to live with cats!

So irresponsible of them to suggest you just ‘wait and see’ Shock

I think this sounds very sensible - I will.

OP posts:
Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 07/03/2024 07:54

So if we are to rescue, do we insist on ANY breed having been cat tested first?
No. 😁
I would recommend you work out what you want from dog ownership (considering your household situation, amount of exercise required etc.) and select a suitable breed based on that. I know I'm stating the obvious but dogs vary FAR more than cats, so selecting a dog that will fit in with your life (and your cats) is key.

WetBandits · 07/03/2024 07:55

But yes, do insist that any breed is cat-tested as many dogs will be absolutely fine with cats regardless of their breed, but even the softest, sweetest looking little dog could hurt or kill your cats if it doesn’t know what they are or how to behave around them!

Even with a cat-tested dog, the introductions need to be slow and completely on the cats’ terms. We spent weeks introducing our cat-tested rescue dog to our cats and all was fine on the dog’s part (he was just happy to meet new friends!), although one of the cats twatted the dog on the head the first time he got close enough to do it, and the dog very quickly realised his place in the pecking order so they are all friends Grin 5 years later and the dog won’t walk past the cats on the stairs without a human to help him because he’s worried he’ll get a smack!

We rescued a young cat a couple of years ago and all the dog wanted to do was wash her and follow her around, luckily she loves that!

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 07/03/2024 07:59

You need to decide what you're able to provide a dog with in terms of exercise, company and grooming - then look at breeds that fit that criteria and that would be suitable to live with cats.

Once you've got all that figured out you can see what's available in rescue, but please, please make sure whatever dog you go for is thoroughly cat-tested or it could really end very badly.

Original poster
DaysofHoney · 07/03/2024 08:00

WetBandits · 07/03/2024 07:55

But yes, do insist that any breed is cat-tested as many dogs will be absolutely fine with cats regardless of their breed, but even the softest, sweetest looking little dog could hurt or kill your cats if it doesn’t know what they are or how to behave around them!

Even with a cat-tested dog, the introductions need to be slow and completely on the cats’ terms. We spent weeks introducing our cat-tested rescue dog to our cats and all was fine on the dog’s part (he was just happy to meet new friends!), although one of the cats twatted the dog on the head the first time he got close enough to do it, and the dog very quickly realised his place in the pecking order so they are all friends Grin 5 years later and the dog won’t walk past the cats on the stairs without a human to help him because he’s worried he’ll get a smack!

We rescued a young cat a couple of years ago and all the dog wanted to do was wash her and follow her around, luckily she loves that!

Thank you, this is reassuring.

In terms of what we are looking for:

A dog that will thrive in a busy home with two children, two cats. We are active and outdoorsy. Walking opportunities at somewhat limited to neighbourhood laps on leash during the week, but will get bigger runs at weekends.

I don’t mind about breed/size particularly. But I’d prefer a dog that can at least hold its per and sleeps through the night - hence looking at 1yr or more.

OP posts:
Beamur · 07/03/2024 08:03

I wouldn't risk an untested sight hound mix with my cats.
The only saluki cross I have known was not safe with cats. Or anything small and furry. Delightful with people and children.

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 07/03/2024 08:05

Walking opportunities at somewhat limited to neighbourhood laps on leash during the week, but will get bigger runs at weekends.

If this is the case then you need to be looking at dogs with low exercise needs who don't need a good daily run in order to be happy.

Whinge · 07/03/2024 08:07

A dog that will thrive in a busy home with two children, two cats. We are active and outdoorsy. Walking opportunities at somewhat limited to neighbourhood laps on leash during the week, but will get bigger runs at weekends.

There might be a rescue dog out there for you, but those are some pretty tricky circumstances when rehoming, and the reality is it could be a long time before a suitable dog is found.

How old are the children?

Have the cats ever been around a dog before?

Will there be someone at home for the majority of the day?

Have you looked into dog walkers if you can't commit to more than laps round the neighbourhood during the week?

romdowa · 07/03/2024 08:14

No hunting dog or dog with a high prey drive should be rehomed with cats without knowing if they are cat proof. It could all end in disaster 😪 the rescue doesn't sound very good tbh.

Original poster
DaysofHoney · 07/03/2024 08:15

Kids are 8 and 10, both keen for dog!

The cats have no dog experience no, other than those they might encounter around the neighbourhood.

Someone is home most of the time yes, husband or I.

OP posts:
lifebeginsaftercoffee · 07/03/2024 08:24

You may struggle to find a dog that's low energy and that's happy living with both cats and children.

HesterRoon · 07/03/2024 08:30

I had a greyhound who was delightful with children and very docile but went into a frenzy when he saw a cat-had never raced so he had never been encouraged to chase. At the least, I’d want a dog whose background is part sight hound to be tested around cats. And even then I'd be nervous.