Sorry--another annoying pet thread. There needs to be a giant pet thread. I searched and couldn't find a topic close enough to my question to bump.

I want to adopt a dog (eventually--possibly in the near future). I have a cat. I adopted her. She is almost 2 years old. I adopted her @ 12 weeks. Before I had her she lived with other cats and a dog. She is used to being around other cats, she has never been around any other animals except for a bunny. She was really curious about the bunny and didn't try to hurt it or anything. She's a really sweet, personable cat. She is affectionate towards me and complete strangers, as well as other cats.

I will be adopting a dog, probably from the wake county shelter. The spca is too picky, I don't have a yard so they won't give me a dog. I won't go into how stupid that is. (I OWN my own condo and it is extremely pet-friendly. Full of petowners. It has a huge fenced in pet courtyard with grass, trees, benches, squirrels, birds. Full of other dogs to run around and play with.)

Anyway, I'm just not sure what kind of dog to get (not breedwise, but age wise). I was thinking a younger dog/puppy would be better because then my cat could be the "boss" of it and go into the new relationship with the upper hand. But I don't know if that reasoning is sound. Obviously the most ideal situation would be to raise a puppy and kitten together, but oh well. I know dogs and cats CAN get a long. I know they may not at first, but clearly I am willing to work on that. I guess I'm ultimately hoping that they could be each others buddies but...I don't know how often that actually works out.

I was just wondering if anyone had experience adding pets to the family. Specifically adding a dog when you've already had a cat, or vice verca. Am I totally stupid to think this could work out? I just don't want my cat to feel replaced or have her personality change because of a dog.

2/28/2008 1:51:10 PM

I got a dog in a house with two cats. The dog was about 3 at the time, and the cats were 5ish. The dog barked up a storm at the cats the first time he came home, and that pissed them off a little, but nothing too bad. It took them a few days of periodic exposure (we kept the cats in my mom's room and let the dog in the rest of the house) and then they pretty much ignored each other. The dog would periodically try to play with the cats, but as soon as he realized they weren't having it he gave up and all was fine.

But the cats didn't have all that much personality to begin with, so I can't really say if they changed.

2/28/2008 1:59:57 PM

i got a cat first, then a year later got a dog, then another year later got another cat. then we moved out of raleigh and another cat adopted me, then i got another puppy. everybody gets along great. the 2 dogs are indoor/outdoor dogs. the first cat is indoors only. the other 2 are outdoors mostly (they come in to visit everyday).

2/28/2008 2:25:18 PM

cool!! i'm just paranoid that they will try to kill each other.

2/28/2008 2:27:03 PM

Nah, as long as you don't adopt a dog who's been abused by a cat (heh) before or for some other reason really hates other animals you'll be fine. Just let them go at their own pace in terms of getting used to each other.

2/28/2008 2:28:18 PM

i added an adopted dog to my adopted cat. she was a kitten when i got her, and about 2 when i got the dog. the dog was about 1.5. the cat is very layed back and personable. my ex gf got a dog shortly after i got the cat, so i had the luxury of making sure that she would tolerate a dog okay before i got mine. when i was searching for a suitable dog, i made sure to ask shelters if they got along with other dogs and cats. most places at least have an idea if they're not for certain how the dog is with other animals and children.

anyway, it worked out well for me. the biggest problem i had was the dog constantly chased around/harrased the cat for a couple of weeks (nothing aggressive, just trying to play) and the cat pouted with me for about a month. they're now about 4 years old, and get along great. they mostly ignore eachother and do their own thing. they might play once a week for a few minutes. the dog is insanely jealous though, she can't stand for the cat to get any attention.

if possible, i would suggest "borrowing" a friend's dog or something for a weekend and see how it goes. then just make sure you get any info you can about the dog's history and personality. if it turns out to absolutely not work, most places are fine with you returning the animal within a few days. make sure you still give your cat lots of attention, and let her know she's still your #1. you can do this by greeting her first when you get home, feeding her first, etc.

2/28/2008 2:37:34 PM

i adopted a dog from the SPCA, and i don't have a yard..

2/28/2008 10:19:22 PM

I have a 16 y/o cat that i adopted, and a 4 y/o cat that adopted me. I then adopted my dog when he was 8 mos. old. He adores the cats and they play and get along great. Actually, the 4y/o cat bites his ears and feet when he is asleep but they get along great.

good luck

2/29/2008 12:41:28 AM

words

2/29/2008 2:24:28 AM

words. yes, it is the lounge.

btt because if the dog i want doesn't get adopted tomorrow, i'm going to get him on sunday. more advice about cats and dogs plz.

3/1/2008 2:33:37 AM

get a puppy or younger dog. From my experience fostering it's always easier this way.

When you get the dog don't introduce them right away. Let the cat have its space, let them get used to each others smells first. If the cat is curious then I'd let it approach the dog. Most cats will get the point across to an excited dog,puppy quickly by a scratch on the nose. The pup will learn.
I would avoid hound or terrier breeds/mixes

3/1/2008 9:23:41 AM

I had my dog for 3 years (she was 8 at the time) and got a new cat (1 year old). We were a little worried, but but the dog in the kennel while the cat got her bearings of our place. We let the dog out (kept her leash and collar on) and let the 2 sniff each other. Dog sniffed the cat, licked her to see if she was food, and since then they ignore each other.

Cat will occasionally chase the dog around, or try to snuggle with her, but the dog could care less.

So it can work.

The only thing I could think of getting a puppy is, puppies are a little more rambunctious and playful and would probably be more apt to chase kitty around. A lot of times if you adopt, the foster homes/center will tell you if the dog has been cat tested.

3/1/2008 10:21:25 AM

we have a 1 year old boxer/lab and she's developed a shyness complex around other people, so we are thinking about getting a second dog to give her some company

3/1/2008 4:06:33 PM

The above person who said dont try to introduce them immediately is exactly right.

I've only introduced cats to each other but it's a really good idea to let the animals when at least one cat is involved to get used to each others smell and the fact that another animal is in the house, before you actually introduce them. It'll go infinitely smoother that way. How long you should do that depends on the animals involved, some of them will adapt a lot faster than others, some of them a lot slower.
But about the point they start being curious about each other instead of freaked out you'll notice and that's a good time.

[Edited on March 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM. Reason : .]

3/2/2008 10:59:35 AM