If you want to raise cat/dog pals, is it best to already have the dog

[MrScorpio]

and get a kitten?


Just asking

[Not_Giving_Up]

1. I would think have the cat full grown

Then get the dog. That way kitty can defend if puppy gets too rough. Puppy will get the picture and back the fuck off.

[MrScorpio]

2. Yeah, but what if the cat never warms up to the dog?

Cats are so notorious for being so choosy.

I've always thought that dogs are more accepting.

[Richard Steele]

5. Yes, grown dog + kitten will work out better, on average.

Cats are independent and willful...

Dogs are Pack Animals, they go with the flow.

You show a dog that the new kitten is allowed to be in the house,
the dog says OK, and deals with it.

[MrScorpio]

7. I've seen around here some folks say that their cat adopts the dog

The cat calls the shots, and the dog is like... "Whatever"

[Richard Steele]

10. Yes, but that only works if the cat WANTS to adopt!

Our #1 cat has had 4 years living with our second CAT,
and she still hasn't made friends with him.

Dogs will be friends with anything you tell them to.

And the cat will usually end up being dominant;
its just easier for everyone involved.

[billyskank]

18. I have observed that also

You possibly don't want a cat that has got set in its ways, being used to ruling the place, and then finding it has to share its house with a great big blundering dog. Some cats will certainly resent that. It's really pot luck as to whether you get a friendly (or at least tolerant) one or not.

If you got the dog first, your chances seem to me much better. Dogs are very agreeable.

[girl gone mad]

3. I think I agree.

It's a tough one, though.

You have to have the right kind of cat. A cat that's too skittish will never get along with a dog, and it's hard to know what kind of cat you have when it's a kitten.

[MrScorpio]

4. So the breed of cat counts? I never knew this

Most dog behavior is generalized with some differences of course.

I thought that is was the same with cats

[AtomicKitten]

9. That's a tough one.

We have a new kitten. He's 4 months old, male, and a wild thing. I have an older cat and a part pit bull. He kicks both their butts! He play attacks them both and then naps with them. It's really quite extraordinary. He is fearless.

I think it really depends on the creature, but one of them should be young enough that somebody will yield (I just never expected it to be my older pets!).

[HEyHEY]

6. No, dog first I'm speaking from lots of experience

Cats are not as accepting as dogs are. As long as the dog doesn't want to KILL the kitten, the thing to do is hold the dog and let the cat roam free. Bring them together and let them sniff noses.

When we introduced Otis to Nick, Otis was stand offish at first... a few months later they were sleeping together. After Nick died we brought in Cali, Otis doesn't automatically lash out when she's near anymore, but doesn't make an effort to be friends. Good thing cali is to dumb to notice, or her feelings would be hurt.

[DELUSIONAL]

8. It really depends on the dog and the cat

I've done this almost every way possible.

(1) Basenji -- during her young puppyhood -- she played with a cat. When she was about 4 we found a 10 day old kitten -- she raised that kitten. No problems at all.

(2) Poodle first and then cat -- ignored each other.

(3) Older cat -- Chihuahua -- cat ignored the puppy for 7 weeks -- now they are the best of friends. I have lots of cute photos (will post later).

(4) brought an adaptable 11 month old Japanese Bobtail kitten/cat into household with older cat and middle aged Chihuahua. JBT are best of friends -- are carried in same carrier. Older cat and JBT are still working on relationship.

I have a friend who expects all her cats and dogs to get along -- and they do -- they aren't dumb they know where their food comes.

When I was traveling with my cat & dog in the same carrier a minister started a sermon about -- if cats and dogs can get along this well then humans should take a hint and learn from the animals.

[AtomicKitten]

11. Indeed.

We could learn a lesson from these pure spirits.

[MrScorpio]

12. I always get a warm feeling watching cats and dogs get along

It always makes me smile

[AtomicKitten]

14. everyone is so afraid of my pit mix ...

to watch her with a kitten climbing all over her and biting her neck,
and then curled up together snoozing is really something to behold.

[LeftyMom]

17. My best friend's wolf hybrid is good with cats

It was so cute when they had kittens in the house, he'd pick them up in his mouth and take them back to the mama kitty when they went wandering. When the kitties got a little bigger they'd chase him all over the house and batt at him with thier paws until he'd curl up and hide his face under his paws.

Now that they're grown up cats with attitude they ignore him. It's hard work ignoring a clumsy hundred pound animal, but they manage. :eyes:

[Dastard Stepchild]

13. Actually.... when we got my rambunctious Aussie Shepard mix...

My oldest cat really put that pup in check and taught her a healthy respect for felines. :)

[sleipnir]

15. Pals? Why not mortal enemies? Or maybe just "contemporaries."

I'm not sure, Pals?

[friesianrider]

16. No, better to have the kitten, then get a dog.

(speaking as an animal rescue coordinator who has seen TONS of these)

Kitten should be preferably a few months old at the least, then a dog. Just make sure the dog is "cat-safe."

And please, adopt both from a shelter and remember to spay and neuter :)

[MrScorpio]

19. The voice of authority speaks

I bow to your wisdom.

[friesianrider]

20. LOL, yeah yeah

Perhaps I sounded a bit hoity-toity, eh? My bad :silly:

[SoCalDem]

21. Get yourself a puppy AND a kitten

That way they can grow up together and neither will fear the other:)

[RumpusCat]

22. I agree with 'dog first'

When my parents adopted a puppy their three older cats basically ignored it after they got over being scared of it. Then we got a kitten and she and the dog are BFF. My advice is to make sure the dog is cat-friendly and then get a kitten who is a bit older (like 4-5 months) and pretty lively. That's a good age for a cat--their personalities are becoming apparent and they're usually big and sensible enough to ward off the dog if need be.

A long time ago my first dog 'adopted' the kittens that a stray cat had after we adopted her. They would play so cutely together, even into adulthood. The cat would roll over and bat at the dog's face and the dog would gently take his front paws in her mouth and play-shake them. Dog/cat pals are the best!

The alternative is to get the kitten and puppy at the same time! Cute, but twice the trouble, lol.