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Would 3 cats be okay with a small rescue dog?

post #1 of 5
10/24/09 at 11:56pm
Thread Starter 
Next year we're probably travelling and my parents told me that after travelling we might be getting a dog. A rescue dog from the rspca [Australian animal shelter]

Would my 3 cats be okay with a dog?
Because when we got the boys, Josie was territorial until earlier this year. Then they started getting along.
Will it be the same with a dog?
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post #2 of 5
10/25/09 at 12:13am
Just how small of a dog? I wouldn't bring a chihuahua, yorkie, or pomeranian into my home, for example, because I know my cats...

There could be issues, but you have to follow slow and proper introductions just like you (hopefully) did when you brought the other two cats in. Puppies may be harder due to their energy, need to pick at the cats, and because a cat could still really hurt a puppy.

Don't underestimate the cats, though. If they manage to really scratch your future dog or bite it, the dog will need to see a vet. Also don't let a dog ever corner one of your cats or try to physically get in the middle of this yourself if does happen - someone will get injured.

It takes time, so I hope you have patience. See if the shelter has someone experienced in behavior on staff and discuss it with them. They should be able to help screen for dogs that will settle in with cats a bit better and give you some advice per whatever dog you get and what to do if it doesn't work out.
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post #3 of 5
10/25/09 at 12:13pm
It all depends on your cats and the dog in >>??

My cats grew up with a yorkie and all was great .... but the yorkie thought she was a cat
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post #4 of 5
10/26/09 at 6:17pm
You need to look at the personality of the possible dog and decide if it mixes well with the current dynamic of your pets
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post #5 of 5
10/30/09 at 10:31am
How small and what breed(s) are we talking about. Many terrier types can get aggressive with cats (especially JRT's), so you have to be careful.
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