| Author | Messages | |
newfieluve
Champion
Posts:13
 | | 08/11/2004 7:56 PM |
| | I used to be a "dog person," but I've since grown to love cats, also. In the future, I'd love to add a dog or two to my little "family" of my cat and me.
There must be many of you who have introduced a puppy or adult dog to a cat household. Mainly, I worry about how my cat will take it and how the dog will feel.
For example, what do you do about sleeping arrangements (I know this sounds wacky!)? Cats are always on the bed, so I would feel terrible leaving the dog out of it. But I don't know how realistic it is to have a large dog, such as a Newfie, on the bed. Is it even a good idea, from a dog training standpoint?
Anyway, I appreciate and welcome all your advice, feedback, comments, etc.
Thanks.
Sharon | | | |
| rottie mom
Best of Breed
Posts:327
| | 08/11/2004 9:48 PM |
| Sharon, I have to laugh...I have a 128 lb. male Rottie and a 67 lb. female Rottie pup that sleeps on my bed with me. My son moved in his king size bed so I'd have more room...right.
It's been a long time since I've had a cat (actually he was my ex's), but we brought 2 puppies and 1 adut dog in over a period of time. After the initial panic by the cat they became best of friends. Baby was my first Rottie and she used to clean Ed's ears and other parts, she mothered him to death! She was 12 wks. old when I brought her home to meet Ed who was about 7 yrs.
Just take it slow, if you adopt a rescue adult Newfie just make sure it's been around cats and is O.K. with them. A puppy should adjust with no problem.
Your cat however will be totally ticked off!! He will probably run from the dog and hide out, probably not want anything to do with you until he/she gets over the hurt feelings.
Like any new pet just take it slow.
Becky | | | |
| newfieluve
Champion
Posts:13
| | 08/12/2004 6:18 AM |
| | Rottie Mom, I think it's great you have both rotties in bed with you. And I bet I know how they sleep - right smack up against you so you're stuck in the same position all night. And they're not exactly lightweights. (Even my eight pound cat somehow becomes a lead weight if he doesn't want to shift his position in bed at night!)
Actually, I worked in dog rescue for a while (that's an interesting world unto itself, and I think I'll post a topic about that soon), and I knew lots of people who had cats & dogs in the house. But somehow it's different when you have to do it with your own pets, so I'm very nervous, becaus I've NEVER "returned" an animal. | | | |
| BrindelsMom
Champion
Posts:9
| | 08/12/2004 1:32 PM |
| | When my cat was about 7 years old, I introduced a 8 week old Neo Mastiff. Brindel (the neo) is 158 lbs and she thinks Midnight (kittie) is a toy. As long as the cat is faster than the dog all is well. Please note, Middie is declawed in the front. However, the dog was put in her place with a nip from the cat.
My problems start with food. The dog steals the cats food and vice versa.
My dog usually gets on the bed first and the cat follows on which ever side is available once the dog has laid down.
Hope that helps.
Marcia | | | |
| labbylover
Champion
Posts:29
| | 08/12/2004 4:04 PM |
| | Hey, Sharon...Becky and Marcia have given you great advice. Our labby rescue "cat tests" our rescue labs to make sure they would work in cat households (or not put them with cats if they don't). Those breeds that have strong prey drives sometimes just can't help themselves...my Rosie would chase any cat, but recognized that "her cat" who was older was leader of her pack. Still, she would chase him until she realized it was him, and he would always give her this "have you lost your golden mind?" look. If you have established that the dog tolerates cats, then we recommend letting them meet in an indoor place where the cat can get to a high safe place (near a table, etc.) and leave the leash on the dog so you can take control if you need to. The cat will determine how quickly he/she wants to get chummy with his/her new canine sibling, so just let it progress at their speed. In addition to thinking about food dish logistics, you also have to consider litter box logistics since dogs think you know what is very yummy! As for sleeping arrangements, when I was married we had two humans, 4 labs, and 1-2 cats sleeping in our king sized bed each night. All of us snored, so whoever got to bed last really had to have earplugs! HA! Just don't panic if you have a little havoc, some spiteful damage/potty accidents the first week or two as each establishes their place in the pack! Sometimes we humans rush things too fast or try to force togetherness, and really it is best for us to stay out of it and let them establish their relationship. I've seen both canines and felines get off to rough starts with their new "mixed" families only to become very attached down the road. Let us know what happens, Sharon! Mary (aka Rosie's Mom)
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