A new dog for 2 cats!

etccarmageddon · 21-09-2004, 21:11

I've just got a rescue dog (big german shepherd)and have not yet intro'd it to my 2 cats (who have seen her thru window and understandibly arnt impressed!)

The dog hasn't shown any interest in the cats so think it's cat freindly, however to reduce the possibility of a blood bath!.. any ideas on the best way to do it, step by step?

What advice can you offer - especially anyone with experiences!

All advice appreciated.

**Paul** · 21-09-2004, 21:30

If you have two cats then why get a dog at all ? It's just asking for trouble.

etccarmageddon · 21-09-2004, 21:30

thanks - that's helpful!

**Mick** · 21-09-2004, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul M

If you have two cats then why get a dog at all ? It's just asking for trouble.

Not necessarily Paul, years ago we owned a dog and 3 cats, brought the dog in after the cats and they all learned to leave one another alone.

Best solution is not to leave them all in the same room on their own for the first couple of months or until you can trust them.

**Paul** · 21-09-2004, 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by etccarmageddon

thanks - that's helpful!

You asked for any advice, my advice is don't do it

but I guess it's too late ...

Chimaera · 21-09-2004, 22:24

I've had a look and come up with several bits of info but this one doesn't look too bad: http://www.doggiedoor.com/dogscat.shtml

Several sites suggest keeping the dog in a special dog crate so it can't chase the cats, until they have got used to each other. I tried to introduce a cat into our house a couple of years ago, although my dog is friendly and had no intention of chasing the cat, the cat would have none of it and turned into the creature from Hell every time they were in the same room together. The cat eventually absconded via the bathroom (ground floor) window and is now happily in residence a few houses up the street (with the neighbours' consent!) although he still hates my dog! As my dog is now 11 years old I have dissuaded everyone from trying again - it wouldn't be fair on either the dog or cat!

Good luck!

Florence · 21-09-2004, 23:09

We had two cats when we gave a home to a german shephard dog that was a rescue dog. The dog only looked at the cats when she first came in the house and the oldest cat walked up turned sideways and lunged at the dog hanging on the dogs head. The dog yelped and spent months petrified of the cats. Now they sleep together and look after each other also share each others food.

Just don't try to rush things and try not to let the dog see the cats run away as that is what gets the dog to chase the cats..

poolking · 22-09-2004, 06:29

This thread is useless without pictures.

Do you have pictures of her?

etccarmageddon · 22-09-2004, 09:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by poolking

This thread is useless without pictures.

Do you have pictures of her?

soon!
I managed to get one cat in the same room as her last night in a strictly controlled setting - she has to lie down and not make any sudden movements as the cat sits with me.

she's been barking a few times during the night at the sent of passing cats at the garage door! so there's still a chance she'll be going back to the rescue centre if she doesnt fit in with the cats or if she needs more attention that we can offer.

she is a beauty - 7 years old. last owners got rid of her cos they couldnt give her enough time. another was in the home were there because 'new b/friend didnt like him/her' - this is why I'd only get a rescue doggy.

nb. I'm stunned my cats are still with us today - I was expecting at least 1 to go awol.

update - pictures now attached - note she is a SOGGY DOGGY due to a morning walk. she's unsettled a little so we're seeing how things go - 1 cat is okish but the other is a cause for concern as she is stressed. we're reviewing things at the end of each day as the cats and dogs well being matter a lot but the cats are our first priority.

Matth · 22-09-2004, 18:26

Was the dog "cat tested" at the rescue centre, and have the cats been used to a dog before?

An Alsatian... well they can be very good, or very bad ... I hope it knows "leave!".

Tricky · 22-09-2004, 18:30

A dog for two cats - Not a bad deal
Wonder what I'd get for a wife?

I've found the best way is NOT to seperate them, the cats will naturally be inquisative after a while providing the big JS doesn't go for them. Hold the dog and allow the cats in naturally DO NOT throw them in the same room and hope for the best!

22-09-2004, 18:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kits

We had two cats when we gave a home to a german shephard dog that was a rescue dog. The dog only looked at the cats when she first came in the house and the oldest cat walked up turned sideways and lunged at the dog hanging on the dogs head. The dog yelped and spent months petrified of the cats. Now they sleep together and look after each other also share each others food.

Just don't try to rush things and try not to let the dog see the cats run away as that is what gets the dog to chase the cats..

I had the same thing with my dogs and cats, leave them alone and they will sort it out between them.

Kliro · 22-09-2004, 18:52

In my experiace (which is little and limited) I find that its best to seperate them at meal times as dogs seem to be very protective of their food, though this is not always the rule.

This dog sounds like its only barking at passing cats because it cant see them from inside the garage, and may be scared/trying to defend itself, if you get me.

I hope you keep her, she looks really nice

, and it'd be a shame to have to take her back to the rescue place as alsations aren't usually the ones that go first

etccarmageddon · 22-09-2004, 18:55

sadly, we decided to return her today after evaluating her over the last day. one of my cats was very anxious and was suffering too much - added to that the fact that doggy had a lot of energy and therefore would need someone with plenty of time to spend with her. I told the home that if we were to keep her on it would be for selfish reasons. I recon someone with the right amount of time and energy will really enjoy this dog.

I think she'll be snapped up very quickly as she's a beauty and she has lots of plus points - she loved attention and was very friendly. she is able to sit at your feet as you watch tv and is also house trained.

she banged her head into me at one point and didnt yelp or get angry with me!

Kliro · 22-09-2004, 19:03

Ahh well, as you say its probably for the best, and you can't risk something happening between the dog and one of the cats, as the dog could have to be put down then, but as you say she is beautiful and should be taken soon