Interested in adopting a dog that will be nice to my cats. Advice?
March 19, 2016 7:45 PM Subscribe
We have two awesome indoor-only cats. Both of them are rescues - one of them grew up with dogs and LOVES DOGS and the other one doesn't know what dogs are. Both are very large ragdolls (a breed that tends to like dogs). We're interested in considering adding a dog to our home and would be grateful on advice regarding breeds and the age of the incoming dog. Thanks!
We have a small to medium size fenced backyard. The cats will continue to be indoor-only (obligatory migratory-birds link), the dog will get to be in the backyard, frontyard, and have multiple walks per day.
Mr. Arnicae and I grew up with BIG dogs - we love them! But, we assume the best dog for our existing family may not be a big dog (partially because of cats, partially because Mr. Arnicae received a beautiful leather sofa set from his family he promised to keep in good shape which is not congruent with our experience of big dogs). We don't like little dogs. Sorry, we find it hard to take them seriously. A corgi is one of the smallest we'd consider.
We'd particularly like advice on what age of dog to get. Our preference is to get an older adult that otherwise would find it difficult to get placed. We would really rather not get a puppy (which we frequently read online is recommended when you're trying to mix cats and a dog).
Additionally, we'd be grateful for breed advice! Right now we're thinking about: corgis, American Eskimo dog, American bulldogs, newfies (yep, I know they're big!).
We like jack russells and shiba inus, but have read they're not good choices with cats.
Thanks!
We have a small to medium size fenced backyard. The cats will continue to be indoor-only (obligatory migratory-birds link), the dog will get to be in the backyard, frontyard, and have multiple walks per day.
Mr. Arnicae and I grew up with BIG dogs - we love them! But, we assume the best dog for our existing family may not be a big dog (partially because of cats, partially because Mr. Arnicae received a beautiful leather sofa set from his family he promised to keep in good shape which is not congruent with our experience of big dogs). We don't like little dogs. Sorry, we find it hard to take them seriously. A corgi is one of the smallest we'd consider.
We'd particularly like advice on what age of dog to get. Our preference is to get an older adult that otherwise would find it difficult to get placed. We would really rather not get a puppy (which we frequently read online is recommended when you're trying to mix cats and a dog).
Additionally, we'd be grateful for breed advice! Right now we're thinking about: corgis, American Eskimo dog, American bulldogs, newfies (yep, I know they're big!).
We like jack russells and shiba inus, but have read they're not good choices with cats.
Thanks!
Our beagle was great with our cat. I think it helped that the beagle was here first. Still, I never saw them at odds once.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:58 PM on March 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Thorzdad at 7:58 PM on March 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Regardless of breed, dogs are individuals, especially older dogs. It doesn't do you any good to get a dog that's "typically" a good breed with cats if your personal dog happens to have been mauled as a puppy by a cat. I'd say if you're planning on adopting anyway, may as well get a dog that's fostering with cats right now and getting along, right? Then you'll know for sure, rather than trying to use a breed-based heuristic. Many fosters who work with rescue organizations have cats, so this shouldn't be a huge lift to find.
posted by town of cats at 8:06 PM on March 19, 2016 [13 favorites]
posted by town of cats at 8:06 PM on March 19, 2016 [13 favorites]
The shelter where I volunteer cat tests dogs.
I don't have any breed recommendations, but I wouldn't rule out big dogs. My parents adopted a chocolate lab/pointer/weimaraner/horny mystery dog mix last August, and she's about 65 lbs, very active, and has done no damage to their or my leather sofas. She sits and climbs on the couches, but doesn't leave a mark (on the other hand, she is most definitely not cat safe).
My experience is that at least at some shelters, the staff and volunteers are very familiar with the habits and personalities of their dogs. They can tell you which ones can be trusted with cats and which ones view them as prey and probably have some idea of how destructive the dogs would be to your furniture.
posted by capsizing at 8:07 PM on March 19, 2016
I don't have any breed recommendations, but I wouldn't rule out big dogs. My parents adopted a chocolate lab/pointer/weimaraner/horny mystery dog mix last August, and she's about 65 lbs, very active, and has done no damage to their or my leather sofas. She sits and climbs on the couches, but doesn't leave a mark (on the other hand, she is most definitely not cat safe).
My experience is that at least at some shelters, the staff and volunteers are very familiar with the habits and personalities of their dogs. They can tell you which ones can be trusted with cats and which ones view them as prey and probably have some idea of how destructive the dogs would be to your furniture.
posted by capsizing at 8:07 PM on March 19, 2016
Maybe search for your dog at rescues where the dogs are fostered in people's homes? They can often tell you if a specific dog is good with cats or not. It's likely more dog specific than breed specific. I work with a golden retriever rescue and while most get along fine with cats and other dogs, there are a few that are designated as not adoptable by peole with existing cats or dogs because the foster parents were able to discern that wasn't a good idea.
posted by cecic at 8:08 PM on March 19, 2016
posted by cecic at 8:08 PM on March 19, 2016
Your best bet would be not to focus on a breed but on the temperament. I'm assuming if you are looking for an older dog and have rescue cats you are thinking of a rescue dog. Pretty much every reputable rescue group will have some idea to start with if a particular dog would be good with cats, some even test them if they also have rescue cats.
A good rescue may well allow you to do a foster to adopt if you have concerns about how they get along with your cats or will help arrange for you to have the dog come to visit to see it's reactions. They want a good match & a happy ending as much as you do so make sure they know pretty much exactly what you've told us.
I would look at a minimum of 2 years old 3, years being even better. You will be past the worst of the puppy years & the crazed energy of a "teenage" dog and have an adult dog which is usually calmed down a little.
If you are after breeds, my suggestion would be to avoid terriers as they have a hunting instinct which can be triggered by another animal running & can in some cases be hard to overcome (I say this as someone who absolutely adores terriers &has a dog with a high prey drive). I'd also avoid hunting or herding dogs if possible for the same reason while they may not be so inclined to kill the cats they may just want to chase them continually. Corgis were originally bred as a herding dog, but a heck of a lot depends on personality of the individual dog so don't let me put you off if you have your heart set on them. Don't forget if temperament is the main priority that a lovely mix breed of indeterminate origin may well be the best match, and a conversation piece for years to come as you try to guess just who the parents where.
posted by wwax at 8:17 PM on March 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
A good rescue may well allow you to do a foster to adopt if you have concerns about how they get along with your cats or will help arrange for you to have the dog come to visit to see it's reactions. They want a good match & a happy ending as much as you do so make sure they know pretty much exactly what you've told us.
I would look at a minimum of 2 years old 3, years being even better. You will be past the worst of the puppy years & the crazed energy of a "teenage" dog and have an adult dog which is usually calmed down a little.
If you are after breeds, my suggestion would be to avoid terriers as they have a hunting instinct which can be triggered by another animal running & can in some cases be hard to overcome (I say this as someone who absolutely adores terriers &has a dog with a high prey drive). I'd also avoid hunting or herding dogs if possible for the same reason while they may not be so inclined to kill the cats they may just want to chase them continually. Corgis were originally bred as a herding dog, but a heck of a lot depends on personality of the individual dog so don't let me put you off if you have your heart set on them. Don't forget if temperament is the main priority that a lovely mix breed of indeterminate origin may well be the best match, and a conversation piece for years to come as you try to guess just who the parents where.
posted by wwax at 8:17 PM on March 19, 2016 [3 favorites]
Seconding Great Danes. Every dog is different, yes, but the breed has a low prey drive in general, passive demeanor and patience. Regardless, it's important to give your cats plenty of high places and escape routes. I have a boisterous cat who is obsessed with my 10 year old rescued Great Dane so I do make sure the dog knows that I am in charge of the cat, not her, and I keep the cat from bothering her to too much. (She does have an endless supply of patience. At this very moment the cat is sleeping on her head.)
That disclaimer aside, I spent a long time looking for a big dog who wouldn't bother my cats. I got serious about Great Danes because of their gentle reputation. The Great Danes I vetted (through a rescue) were all good with cats. They're also very people oriented; ie, not independent so they don't leave your side and get into trouble. A rescue is the perfect place to start because most of them adopt out foster dogs and have a good sense of temperament. Many shelter dogs are sadly a bit of a mystery and while many are wonderful, it's not fair to the cats or the dog to introduce a potentially terrible unknown. I can also definitely say that adopting an adult or senior dog is SO much easier than raising a puppy, mine came pre-trained and perfect from day one.
In addition to being good with cats, I think the breed would be good for your situation in general. They enjoy curling up into impossibly small balls and snoozing and don't ask for much exercise, though even my old girl gets the "zoomies" and loves to run and play. They eat less than you'd expect! And because they are extremely attached to people a low fence is rarely a problem because they just want to be by their family. Not that all Danes are alike, but my god, now that I am a huge enthusiast I really can't believe just how sweet and low maintenance they are compared to the other large dogs I've known, owned or loved (like labs...such smart stinkers!) The only caution I have about the breed is that they do not do well being alone for long periods.
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 9:39 PM on March 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
That disclaimer aside, I spent a long time looking for a big dog who wouldn't bother my cats. I got serious about Great Danes because of their gentle reputation. The Great Danes I vetted (through a rescue) were all good with cats. They're also very people oriented; ie, not independent so they don't leave your side and get into trouble. A rescue is the perfect place to start because most of them adopt out foster dogs and have a good sense of temperament. Many shelter dogs are sadly a bit of a mystery and while many are wonderful, it's not fair to the cats or the dog to introduce a potentially terrible unknown. I can also definitely say that adopting an adult or senior dog is SO much easier than raising a puppy, mine came pre-trained and perfect from day one.
In addition to being good with cats, I think the breed would be good for your situation in general. They enjoy curling up into impossibly small balls and snoozing and don't ask for much exercise, though even my old girl gets the "zoomies" and loves to run and play. They eat less than you'd expect! And because they are extremely attached to people a low fence is rarely a problem because they just want to be by their family. Not that all Danes are alike, but my god, now that I am a huge enthusiast I really can't believe just how sweet and low maintenance they are compared to the other large dogs I've known, owned or loved (like labs...such smart stinkers!) The only caution I have about the breed is that they do not do well being alone for long periods.
posted by the thorn bushes have roses at 9:39 PM on March 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Many rescue organizations use foster homes with cats. They can tell you with some authority which dogs are cat-friendly.
posted by workerant at 9:49 PM on March 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by workerant at 9:49 PM on March 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
I agree with everyone else - most of the time, the shelter will know whether an individual dog is ok with cats or not.
(Answered under protest, however, as you have not posted the obligatory photos of your cats.)
posted by MexicanYenta at 10:49 PM on March 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
(Answered under protest, however, as you have not posted the obligatory photos of your cats.)
posted by MexicanYenta at 10:49 PM on March 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
Our young adult Newfy loves cats so much we got him one of his own to take the burden off my aging and decidedly unenthusiastic tabby. The sofa issue is definitely something to keep in mind though; I'd want a bit of a buffer zone between him and anything that was supposed to stay "nice" because of the oils in his coat. That's something I'd be comfortable doing through training but obviously ymmv.
posted by teremala at 7:02 AM on March 20, 2016
posted by teremala at 7:02 AM on March 20, 2016
My husband had a German Shepherd, pit bull, border collie mix when we met. She was six and was very wary of cats. My cuddle bug cat, who had a beagle when he was a kitten, terrified the hell out of her when her touched her face with his paw an ran off. However within a few months they were fast friends.
When we were introducing them we made sure that the cat always had an escape route and that we didn't leave them alone until we were confident they would both be cool.
Sadly, his dear dog friend passed away last year and we got him a puppy. He was initially pleased to have a dog friend again, but the overwhelming puppyness of the puppy was a little much. It was especially wired when the puppy tried to mimic the at in play. It took a while for the puppy to sort out that paw to the face from the cat was far less invasive that paw stomp to the face from the hound dog puppy.
They are doing well now and from time to time there's even some grooming. It is very dependent on the cat and the dog and how you let them interact.
posted by teleri025 at 7:55 AM on March 20, 2016
When we were introducing them we made sure that the cat always had an escape route and that we didn't leave them alone until we were confident they would both be cool.
Sadly, his dear dog friend passed away last year and we got him a puppy. He was initially pleased to have a dog friend again, but the overwhelming puppyness of the puppy was a little much. It was especially wired when the puppy tried to mimic the at in play. It took a while for the puppy to sort out that paw to the face from the cat was far less invasive that paw stomp to the face from the hound dog puppy.
They are doing well now and from time to time there's even some grooming. It is very dependent on the cat and the dog and how you let them interact.
posted by teleri025 at 7:55 AM on March 20, 2016
Definitely don't rule out large dogs! Our Great Pyrenees gets along great with cats (and all other animals and people.) She's definitely the largest dog I've had, but she's also the most chill and the easiest keeper. She's great with children of all ages, and everyone seems to love her. Of course, every dog is different, but Pyrs were originally bred to be livestock guardian dogs, so they don't have the energy or prey drive of a lot of working dogs, but they do have an instinct to protect and therefore not harm other animals.
Here's my girl as a small puppy and here she is as an adult. (That whole album is filled with pics of her, so feel free to scroll through.) If you're interested Newfoundlands, definitely take a look at Pyrs as well.
You can also look into breed specific rescues if you have your heart set on a particular dog, although, of course, the most important thing is an individual dog's temperament. Rescue groups tend to cat test dogs, so they should be able to tell you which dogs will be suitable for households with cats.
I think whether you have a big dog or a small dog, you'll still have to train them to stay off the couch, so I wouldn't use that as a deciding factor. (We have a leather couch that is primarily used by our pup, and it's actually still in good condition, fwiw. We never bothered training her to stay off of it. In fact, I'm pretty sure she thinks of it as her couch.)
posted by litera scripta manet at 8:09 AM on March 20, 2016
Here's my girl as a small puppy and here she is as an adult. (That whole album is filled with pics of her, so feel free to scroll through.) If you're interested Newfoundlands, definitely take a look at Pyrs as well.
You can also look into breed specific rescues if you have your heart set on a particular dog, although, of course, the most important thing is an individual dog's temperament. Rescue groups tend to cat test dogs, so they should be able to tell you which dogs will be suitable for households with cats.
I think whether you have a big dog or a small dog, you'll still have to train them to stay off the couch, so I wouldn't use that as a deciding factor. (We have a leather couch that is primarily used by our pup, and it's actually still in good condition, fwiw. We never bothered training her to stay off of it. In fact, I'm pretty sure she thinks of it as her couch.)
posted by litera scripta manet at 8:09 AM on March 20, 2016
We introduced an adopted, medium-sized, 3 year-old terrier mix to our cat very slowly. The first introduction was lengthy. We let them smell eachother through the bottom crack of a door for several minutes and when the dog was calm and loose we opened the door and walked him in (on leash) and walked him into each room he could go in. When both pets were calm we let go of the leash (but left it attached) and monitored the dog's body language closely for the rest of the day.
A couple days before picking up the dog the cat's litter and food had been moved to a large room with a door. When we were home we put up a baby gate and when we left we put the cat in the room and closed the door (it was a large bedroom with windows and the cat slept most of the time). We did that for about two months and when both pets seemed able to comfortably be in the same room together we stopped actively separating them.
The cat's stuff is still out of reach for the dog and we began putting the dog in a cage while we're gone (for unrelated, anxiety-based reasons). These days (almost a year later) I would say they are curious about each other but not particularly good friends. The cat often sleeps on the dog's bed and the dog occasionally play-chases the cat. Then the cat tends to hide behind a chair and half heartedly swat the dog. They both seem to enjoy "stealing" sniffs from each other.
The SPCA had not tested our dog for cat-compatibility but did give us a pamphlet that outlined all the things we needed to do when introducing them.
Good luck
posted by eisforcool at 9:18 AM on March 20, 2016
A couple days before picking up the dog the cat's litter and food had been moved to a large room with a door. When we were home we put up a baby gate and when we left we put the cat in the room and closed the door (it was a large bedroom with windows and the cat slept most of the time). We did that for about two months and when both pets seemed able to comfortably be in the same room together we stopped actively separating them.
The cat's stuff is still out of reach for the dog and we began putting the dog in a cage while we're gone (for unrelated, anxiety-based reasons). These days (almost a year later) I would say they are curious about each other but not particularly good friends. The cat often sleeps on the dog's bed and the dog occasionally play-chases the cat. Then the cat tends to hide behind a chair and half heartedly swat the dog. They both seem to enjoy "stealing" sniffs from each other.
The SPCA had not tested our dog for cat-compatibility but did give us a pamphlet that outlined all the things we needed to do when introducing them.
Good luck
posted by eisforcool at 9:18 AM on March 20, 2016
I'm no expert on the matter but it sounds like the breed of the dog will matter a lot (ie. someone said above someone that has a low prey drive would be beneficial). I would rule out greyhounds for sure - my relative had a greyhound that was fine with her cats for years, then just randomly mauled her 13 year old feline to death one day.
You say the other cat doesn't know what dogs are. Well, when the cat hasn't been brought with canines, the defensive attitude is usually the norm. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it the case generally that unless a cat has grown up with a dog from a young age they don't feel comfortable around them in generally? Please think about the mental and emotional health of your current pet before you bring a newcomer on board.
posted by Ariel432 at 2:16 PM on March 20, 2016
You say the other cat doesn't know what dogs are. Well, when the cat hasn't been brought with canines, the defensive attitude is usually the norm. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it the case generally that unless a cat has grown up with a dog from a young age they don't feel comfortable around them in generally? Please think about the mental and emotional health of your current pet before you bring a newcomer on board.
posted by Ariel432 at 2:16 PM on March 20, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Marinara at 7:55 PM on March 19, 2016