alwym September 18th, 2007, 09:06 AM Hi, I'm thinking of getting a puppy, a small breed of dog really.
I have a cat who is 10 and has lived with other cats before but not dogs, she has been an 'only pet' for 3 years since we lost our older cat.
A big dog would probably scare her but I think she will cope with a smaller dog.
There is plenty of advice for introducing a new puppy to a cat but not to a cat as old as mine, any advice? Since we lost our older cat she has been much more homely and as much as I want a dog, I also want the cat to feel at home.
If you could give some advice that would be great,
Alwym.
Love4himies September 18th, 2007, 09:35 AM How do you think your cat will react to an active puppy always wanting to play? Has your cat had access to a dog before? You know your cat best and every one is different. I have one cat who would have loved to have a small dog for a companion even at 10 years old (he liked small dogs) and another who hates even having another cat around, let alone a dog. Doesn't want her beauty sleep to be disturbed.
Do you know anybody who has a young dog that you can observe your kitty's reaction to in your house before you get one?
Have you thought about getting a more mature adult dog who would not be as active?
Good luck, would be nice if they could talk wouldn't it?
Longblades September 18th, 2007, 09:35 AM I imagine the introduction guidelines should apply regardless of your cat's age. 10 isn't really that old for a cat, my cat was 18 when we brought in a new puppy. We had gone through 10 years of living with a cat jealous dog and did not want to repeat that so we took pains to make the puppy believe she was the subordinate being. We spoke, petted, fed the cat first. First greeting in the morning was to the cat. The cat helped by taking no guff from the puppy, a Lab, but puppy was smaller than the cat when we first got her. This worked very well for us but I do think our puppy's submissive nature helped. Worth a try anyway. We put the cat first for the rest of her life, which was just under a year.
badger September 18th, 2007, 10:04 AM Is your cat in good health, by that I mean reasonably active? If she's old and creaky, I would definitely not get a puppy, they are too persistent. Have you thought about an older dog, one who has had experience with cats? (petfinders.com) I know dogs who will not even flinch in the presence of a cat. But since your cat has never had any experience with dogs, it will still be a steep learning curve for her so just take it slowly.
Longblades, I love that idea, putting the cat first, brilliant.
Ford Girl September 18th, 2007, 11:05 AM Hi, we did this recently, we have an older kitty 12 - 14 who's a bit of a grump, and we got a golden pup last fall, the cat will be the boss, the dog will learn that quick, don't expect them to play together or get along for that matter, but it will work itself out, they will either tolorate each other or be friends. Mind you our cat is declawed so we weren't scared for the pup, but he sure beats her up, she's scared of him, but they love each other at the same time.
We feed the cat first, treat him first, our dog is dominent so we ensure the cat comes first....he's earned it. Here's 3 nice pictures for you on how they work it out..LMAO!
alwym September 18th, 2007, 11:07 AM Thanks for the advice so far,
She is still quite active, she likes to sleep alot but will play if promted (ie dragging a piece of string accross the floor), she is inquisitive....if i'm sitting doing something on the floor she has to check it out and usually play with it too. I think the thing i am most concerened about is attention, she usually walks into a room mewing for attention and likes alot of fuss, the good thing is that I will be at home all the time so I will be able to give her attention as well as spending time with the pup. I like the idea about putting her first.
Still alot to think about, definatly not something to rush into!!!!!!!!!
ancientgirl September 18th, 2007, 12:28 PM Hi, we did this recently, we have an older kitty 12 - 14 who's a bit of a grump, and we got a golden pup last fall, the cat will be the boss, the dog will learn that quick, don't expect them to play together or get along for that matter, but it will work itself out, they will either tolorate each other or be friends. Mind you our cat is declawed so we weren't scared for the pup, but he sure beats her up, she's scared of him, but they love each other at the same time.
We feed the cat first, treat him first, our dog is dominent so we ensure the cat comes first....he's earned it. Here's 3 nice pictures for you on how they work it out..LMAO!
I'm sorry, I have nothing to add other than these pictures are wonderful. I love that last one!
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