Dog Community

Need Advice: New Dog & Resident Cat

Posted : 1/6/2007 6:30:10 PM

Hi all,

My boyfriend and I are on a trial-basis with a dog that we are thinking of adopting--a 1yr old male, terrier mix (20-25lbs; more of a mutt personality than a terrier personality). We took the dog home today, and he is very social and affectionate. He has been getting along with our other dog just fine (8-10 yr old female, dachshund/chi mix-14 lbs), and he has been quiet in his crate.

My cat (5 yr old), however, does not like the new dog. She's been spitting, hissing, and rasing her fur; she's definitely not afraid of him in the sense that she runs and hides--she will stand her ground when she sees him. He hasn't displayed any interest in her at all, but he did complain, bark, and confronted her when she spat and ran up to him as we tried to walk by her when she was laying on the floor. I have him attached to me via a harness and leash when he is in the house, so he didn't have an opportunity to chase the cat. When the dog is in the crate, my cat acts just fine--she's not overly traumatized by him being here.

My cat didn't have much trouble adapting to my female dog, but my cat is bigger than that dog; I would say the two are "okay" with each other, but they definitely don't love each other. I'm a little concerned over whether or not it's possible for my cat to adapt to the new dog, without making the new dog hate cats while he's here on a trial basis. We have the option to keep the dog until next weekend, and I'm wondering if we should try to stick it out until the weekend or return the dog tomorrow. [&o]

Has anyone had similar experience with introducing cats to larger dogs? I'd be welcome to any advice.

Thanks in advance,

Nina

Xeph

Posted : 1/6/2007 6:37:44 PM

Something you have to keep in mind is that cats and dogs have a completely different social structure. Dogs are pack animals. The only felines that hang out together for a lifetime, is lions. Others are solitary.

When you introduce dogs, it can be a couple days of "WTF are you doin in my house foo'!" but they get over it pretty quick and establish their rankings between each other.

With cats, in can take a few WEEKS. They are not as welcoming and accepting of strange felines in THEIR domain. "WTF are you doin in my house!? GTF OUT!!!!!"

What your cat is doing is normal. You just have to give it time and teach the dog proper etiquette in dealing with kitty.

Sandy

Posted : 1/6/2007 7:57:41 PM

I would not give up - it will take weeks to make adjustments. My experience is patience and supervised interaction. The fact that the new dog is not overly interested or fixated on chasing is very good, actually excellent! (wish I was that fortunate, my feline however instigates the dogs and enjoys being chased) The displeasure shown by your feline should become less frequent.

sandy

Liz

Posted : 1/6/2007 8:10:59 PM

It's only been a day, give it a chance!

It may take weeks for them to adjust to eachother.

It did take quite a while for my dog and cat to adjust to eachother. But my cat told her who's boss, and made sure to let her know it was HIS house, and that he's a "No nonsense" kind of cat, and is not to be messed with! Hahaha!

Let them work it out for themselves. You're doing a great job by keep the dog with you at all times. That's what I did when I brought my dog home.

Keep doing what you're doing, and give it some time.
Congrats! Hope you keep him!

DE Lee

Posted : 1/7/2007 10:13:13 AM

I find that most of the time the cat is happy once it is sure he has the dog in line and behaving as the cat sees fit.

lorib

Posted : 1/7/2007 8:47:18 PM

I have always had cats and dogs together. They know that I (ME) am in charge in the household and they must all get along. It may be an armed truce, but they WILL get along.