The truth about cats and dogs
Five years ago my husband and I gave in to the full court press from our kids for a dog. (That's Cooper above). Now, a dog isn't enough. My son is desperate for a cat. I come from a dog family and my husband grew up without pets, so we are at a loss here. What are the chances of the dog and cat getting along? Am I a masochist for even considering it? So all you pet owners out there I'm looking for a little advice. Why do I or don't I need a cat? Are they really as self-sufficient as people say? What's the training like?
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10 comments:
Cats and dogs can get along fine if they're raised right. If Cooper is a calm dog and/or he doesn't react adversely to other small animals, you should be able to introduce a kitten (preferably one that's already been around dogs) and it should be fine.
I got both my cats already litter trained. Beyond that, you don't so much train them as they train you. Our inside cat was a kitten when we got her and she's trained enough to stay off the counters, come when I sing the tuna song or call her name, and obey when I snap my fingers at her. The outside cat was an adult and he just stares at me when I tell him 'no'.
Thanks so much, B.E.. Cooper is a pretty calm guy (nothing like the Yorkie we used to have, LOL). But he's also getting a little set in his ways.
LOL on the male cat staring at you. I probably should have asked if there is a preference on the sex of cats. I swore I would never have another male dog again after my last one (who put the mark in territory), but then Cooper became available. Sigh.
I agree 100% with B.E. My dog and cat got along for over 16 years. Before that, my dog got along with a different cat *shrugs* They used to cuddle and clean each other, lol.
And B.E. is totally right. If you get a cat, be ready to be made a minion. Cats are nothing like dogs. They are the Supreme Ruler, and you best be prepared for that, LOL. My cat likes to "protest poop." If she's unhappy with something in the household (wasn't fed quickly enough the night before, didn't receive enough worship, etc...), she will poop RIGHT beside her litter box. But even with her Empress of the World attitude, she's a good cat. =)
B.E.is right, cats and dogs can get along fine. Litter box training was easy for my two cats. All I really had to do was put them in there. They got the idea quickly. Once you have a brand of litter, like Tidy Cat, don't switch it for another type. Cats are very particular about their box, and don't take kindly to things like that. Take your time and research the cat breeds and their temperament. One of my cats is a Russian Blue. They are a super friendly, highly intelligent breed. She has a tendency to actually play 'fetch' with her toys, and I did not train her to do so. It seems that particular breed has a natural tendency to do that. So, just put a little time and thought to your search, and it will be very rewarding.
I don't think gender matters as long as you get them fixed early enough. Max is an outside cat, but he's neutered and the times we bring him in, he never sprays. And Kira was spayed before her first heat, so I'm not sure she even knows she's a girl.
This is wonderful! I'm so glad so many of you have had experiences with both cats and dogs. LOL, Natalie on the minions. I've definitely heard that before from my friends who have cats. Your cat sounds like my dog! He'd been known to do a retaliatory pee or two.
Elizabeth, I've heard that about food but not about kitty litter. Would never have thought it would be such a big deal, but I guess it makes sense. Kind of like the dog who prefers to pee on grass and not cement. Not that I would know anything about that ...
Thanks, B.E. We would definitely get them fixed early. Although interestingly, it didn't stop some of the behaviors with either of the male dogs we've had (and both were done early).
Never had a cat. My mom would not let them in the house. We had dogs, fish, birds, hampsters, gerbelsm but never a cat..
Good luck with the cat...
Kathleen,
Mine was my Dad. He got sick from a cat when he was young and that was it for him. I'm not sure he'd every come to visit again if we got one, LOL.
My aunt has seven dogs and two cats they get along good.One you look at cats on line some times they well put if they get anlong with dogs. But i think it just what tipe of cat it is. I just had up dogs growing up so i do not know how cats are trained.
Thanks for chiming in, Tara! Wow, 7 dogs and 2 cats? That's a lot of animals. Can't imagine her vet bills. My one dog feels like he puts me in the poor house, LOL. I will definitely investigate breeds--good point.
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