pup raised with cat

[Linz3403]

We have a cat that is 13 - semi active still - and thinks shes head of household - spoiled to death. We're getting a puppy rott in a couple of weeks and was wondering if any of you have had the same situation or are going to be in one. Any tips on how I can bond them together well. I definitely don't want to seperate them forever... because if there was a mishap - not sure what would happen... Any tips?

Thanks,
Linz3403

[VANCOUVERISLANDROT]

Our cat Dexter was KING of the household before Oscar came along 10 weeks ago. He was soooooooooo spoiled it wasn't even funny. Well lets just say he was none too pleased when that puppy walked through the door. It put his nose right out of joint and he wouldn't come anywhere near me or my husband for about two weeks or so. He just sort of sat back, took it all in and ignored us with SERIOUS attitude. haha!

Oscar wanted nothing more then to just play with him. He's now 16 w/o and it's perma Wrestle Mania in our house. They LOVE each other, it's almost too much! Our cat is also a Manx so he "thinks" he's a dog. haha! When guests come over and witness the 'wrestling match' they get all concerned and think that Oscar's "beating up" the cat but it's totally mutual and playful. The cat will actually search/find Oscar to start a wrestling match. It's quite the site! haha! When/if they get too out of hand or I can tell that Dexter has just had enough of the brat I will take Dexter downstairs (where his toilet, food, toys etc all are) and close the door leading upstairs so that he can have some "quiet" time away from the pup for a bit.

Being that your kitty is 13 she/he will probably not be as tolerant. I believe if you search the forums you can find some good threads on how to properly "introduce" new pets into the household. I'm sure they'll be very helpful.

Now my cat is an indoor cat hence why we use our downstairs as a cooling off area. But my sister had 3 indoor/outdoor cats and adopted a dog from the SPCA. Oi! were they some p'od! haha! Her cats wouldn't come into the house for like 2 weeks except to eat and run back outside. They've put their noses back in place and everything's back to normal. Just takes some adjusting for sure.

Good LUck! You most likely are going to be the silent treatment from your cat, BUT he WILL love you again...trust me.

Julie

[Liz]

Our cats are used to the dogs, but when new puppies come into the household they still get a little po'd - Dag hasn't been out to the living room since Franny arrived and she's been here for four months Always make sure that the cat has a safe place to get to away from the dog. We keep the litter box and the cats food and water in the spare room which is baby gated so that none of the dogs can go in there.

Liz

[LUVMYROTTNBOY]

I think the bonding will be up to your cat, does it like dogs? My cats all have a different level of acceptance for my dog. I would suggest making sure you train the pup that its not ok to chase, or bother the cat. We have 4 cats, 2 push the dog around, 1 is scared of the dog and avoids him and 1 cat plays and seeks attention from the dog. My youngest cat loves the dog. I think an older cat might not care so much for a puppy. However, they should be able to live together fine. Just make sure puppy does not get all the attention, give your cat a dog free room to be in, and work on training the puppy to respect the cat.

I really had no problems, I just told Zeiss "NO" if he got to excited with the cats, and now he is fine with a good smack to the head from the cats, ( I think he likes the attention).

However, Zeiss will still go after bunnies and other small furry critters outside so he does sill have a bit of drive.

[Linz3403]

Thanks for the tips and information... It should be an interesting matchup... haha :) - But really I will keep your replies in mind - the cat will definitely have it's own place to "chill out". Hope everything works out and they become tight eventually - I'll keep you both updated :)

[BrandiJ]

Yeah, I'm getting my rott pup in a few months, and have 2 cats. It won't be their favorite thing right away, but it always takes time. Just like when you introduce cat to cat! Sometimes they avoid eachother for weeks before they start to get along, sometimes less. It all depends! But just like Liz said, the cat needs a safe place to escape if the puppy tries to play and they get freaked out. cats generally like to climb if they can, so a high place is good. Especially if you happen to have a cat scratch tree or tower. Good luck!

[Judi W]

Much depends upon the cat. If cats are not dog savvy, then it very well might never be a happy relationship. Cats that are totally hostile, hiss, puff up, run away and never learn make themselves a target. The onus of the accomodation does not lie entirely on the dog's shoulders.

[SABELLESMOM]

We're very lucky, our 15 year old cat is well used to dogs. In face she thinks it's her job to tease them. The Cocker Spaniel is afraid of the Wiggle Giggle ball. So she swats it at him when he passes by! I swear I can hear her chuckle from under the diningroom table.

The cat is older than any of the dogs, so she's had to accomodate the Cocker (12) and the 2 Rottie girls (4 and 1) from the time they were wee things. I never did anything except keep close watch when they were together in the beginning.

Not all cats like nor learn suitable dog friendly behaviors. Puppies, however, if growing up with a dog friendly cat, usually like to stay friends as adults. Good luck!

[Brooke&Ryan]

We were very lucky with our cat, Poof. Poof was 4 or so when we brought Julius home & he had a fit for awhile. He would hiss whenever Julius got within 10 feet of him. Gradually the distance decreased. After about a month or so, Poof was fine with Julius coming close to him.

We made sure that we had a "safe" room that was baby gated off. This allowed Poof a "Julius-free zone" so that he could have some time away from a 9 week old puppy.

At times, even now, Julius will get to be a bit too much for Poof. Poof will typically warn Julius by giving a low meow. If Julius doesn't get the point, Poof will give him a swat to the nose. He's never hurt Julius...but he just lets him know to KNOCK IT OFF. In our house, the cat rules the roost.


Brooke