kitten and puppy - is that insanity or can it work?

[sparkysparkysparky]

We have just had to PTS dear old cat. I promised my daughter that after summer hols we can get a kitten or a puppy. This has sparked much amusement from family and friends who say we will end up with both. We have said "Oh no we won't " but I wanted to test the water and ask your opinion. As child, I had a dog but we found a kitten when dog was about 7, gave it a home and the two got on well. I had cat as grown up - she has just died aged 14. In laws (who Dc sees everyday) have adorable but (imho) poorly trained dog that cannot tolerate other dogs - dog is gentle with dc. My gut instinct is to get a kitten only and let dc dog instinct be assuaged by company with in laws' dog. But ... any tips on both, same time or puppy once kitten is older, or vice versa? Is this the proverbial road to hell?

Myself, I wouldn't get two young animals at the same time. Puppies can be a bit of a handful until they get some sense and some training but an adult cat can generally handle that fine if they have a spot they can escape to to get away from the madness. Kittens not so in my experience - and I've had a fair few mixes. (Usually vice versa as well if you have a sensible dog.)

You might get away with the kitten or puppy not being actually injured but even then I don't think the exposure would likely be good for either's future adjustment.

I'd go for the cat by itself at the moment, personally - and have you considered an adult rescue? (Loads of young adults in rescues who are needing a loving home.)

Thanks. I'd like an adult rescue cat but I am deferring to DC on this one for various reasons (some of which are reasonable!). I think 'cat first' so we will see how that pans out after our summer holidays.