Ideally would like to add a dog...will cat hate it??

[whitewineandmagnums]

We rescued a cat a few years ago who came from a home with both cats and dogs, but one which she was very stressed in (it sounds like quite a dysfunctional environment).

She was fostered before coming to us and seemed ok with the dog but swiped and attacked the cats in the foster home.

She HATES other cats in the garden now - she's definitely developed her own territory.

We would love to get a dog in the future. Current cat comes first and if it was too much stress for her we would wait until the future when she has passed (obviously don't want to wish that!!).

Do you think it sounds like getting a puppy would be an absolute no-no?!

I think a puppy is certainly a no-no. Personally I wouldn't risk a dog at all.

We had two cats and introduced a puppy. One loved him and the other all but tutted and rolled his eyes at the pup. So basically, I don't think you'll know until you try it.

@YesItsMeIDontCare - I think you talk sense!

I wouldn't do anything to upset puss as she had a tough time before she came to us. We made a commitment to her and will honour that for how ever long it takes.

I'm just broody for a puppy so trying to convince myself I think

I don't think you'll know until you try it.

Trying it could cause a whole lot of unnecessary distress to the cat. And how long do you persevere for if it goes to shit? What if you fall in love with the puppy and can't bare to rehome it and your cat starts pissing everywhere....

If you know how to handle what could go wrong by all means try it - but do it with your eyes wide open and not with a "oh it'll work out alright in the end" attitude.

Sorry - I got side tracked and x-posted!

Could you help out at a rescue and get your puppy fix that way?

@YesItsMeIDontCare - I agree and actually it was that statement that brought me back to earth from my puppy dreams.

We made a commitment to our rescue puss and that means she comes first.

I recently adopted a 5 year old cat who got chucked out of her previous home because they got a dog and she couldn’t adjust. She deserved so much better.

We found it easier bringing a dog into a cats home, rather than the other way round. Our cat ruled the roost, the dog was petrified of her for the first couple of years.