Cats and dogs living together?

I just lost my 15 year old kitty on Saturday. My friends are all gung ho about me getting a companion for my 5 month old kitten. I have been looking online at the shelter cats and just exploring my options. I'm taking my time because I want to make sure I get a cat that I really click with before I make the commitment.

In the meantime, a friend of mine texted me today that a friend of her mom's is going into an assisted living community and can't bring her dog. It's a 6 year old cocker spaniel. I've never owned a dog, I've always had cats. Part of me has really wanted a dog for a few years because it would be awesome to have a companion to go for walks with me. And because it seems like it would be fun to have a dog. I just don't have the first clue how to take care of them? They are more high maintenance than cats, of course, and they need different care than cats.

He is housebroken, so he knows how to go outside to do his business. But I'm not sure if he is crate trained. I would have to find out.

My concern is that I work from about 8:30-5 every day, and one night a week I have class so I'm away from about 4-10-ish but I try to come home first to change out of my work clothes before class.

My job is such that sometimes I have to travel a bit. I would either need someone to take him for me during my travel or board him at a kennel. Or get a sitter?

I'm weighing all of my options and of course I'd have to meet the little guy and see how we get along, too. But I wanted to get some opinions from people about how well a 5 month old kitten may possibly get along with a 6 year old cocker spaniel? I've been reading that it's a generally happy breed that gets along well with cats. As far as breeds go, it seems like a good one. But I'm just not sure for the reasons I listed above.

Is it stupid for me to be considering this? At some point somewhere down the line I'd like to get a dog. But I live in a townhouse where we have a 2 pet limit. So I either get another cat for my kitten to play with or I get the dog now because he's available and in desperate need for a home. I guess the lady who owns him has posted flyers up in her vet's office but no one wants him because he's 6 years old and so many people just want puppies, not older dogs. For someone like me, it would be better to get a dog that's already trained, so it's better than a puppy. I just don't know! I need to hear some opinions from you guys?

Has the dog been around cats before? If not there is no way to know how he will react unless you test him out with the kitten (carefully of course.)

Would you be able to have someone come and let the dog out once when you are gone all day, or would you be able to stop at home during lunch to do that? If not another option is doggy daycare...

As far as whether to pick this dog or a second cat, I'd say it depends on whether you feel a dog is right for your house and whether your cat and the dog get along. I would not get the dog just because he is available. If you decide not to take him, I'd suggest looking up the Cocker Spaniel breed rescue groups in your area and contacting them or giving your friend the contact info.

You're so right! I have been ruminating this all night. After talking to a few of my friends who are major dog people, even they said to me - well, right now, for your lifestyle, you really should stick to cats.

Maybe someday I can get a dog. At some point somewhere down the line, I'd like to get one. But you're so totally right, just because this one is available doesn't mean I have to jump to save it. My mom always tells me I can't save all of the pets in this world, as much as I would like to try. I can only do my small part.

I think it helps just getting it out there and talking it out. I think I was just caught up in trying to help this poor lady because she is really sad about the situation. I agree about the cocker spaniel rescue. I'm going to look into that and get her the info. If nothing else, I think they foster the dogs until they can find them a good home.

Originally Posted by Ruby35

I think it helps just getting it out there and talking it out. I think I was just caught up in trying to help this poor lady because she is really sad about the situation. I agree about the cocker spaniel rescue. I'm going to look into that and get her the info. If nothing else, I think they foster the dogs until they can find them a good home.

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The breed rescue groups are usually very good about that, and since they know the breed well they are able to provide the right care. They're careful about picking the right home, and they usually do keep the dogs in foster as long as it takes to find them homes.
I know what you mean, it's hard to say no! It's hard not to just jump in when an animal needs help but it's also important to look at the 'big picture' to make sure it's the right decision for the long term for everyone involved.

I have just got my first dog, a puppy, and she is mixing well so far with the cats, though there have been a few incidents. Like you, I often thought about about a dog but it did not fit into my lifestyle and I have always had cats. Now I am retired, it is possible.

I would not take a 6 year old dog into your lifestyle if the dog has been used to having people around all day, which it sounds as if he has if his owner is elderly. He will be miserable and could get behavioural issues. Animals can adapt to all sorts of ways of living, but usually only if they are used to things from an early age. And dogs do need human companionship. I would get another cat - maybe another kitten the same age as yours so they grow up together. You will of course have introduction problems, but if you take it slowly then I am sure they will be better than a new dog at this stage.

I feel your pain, I have walked in those shoes. I have always been a DIE HARD cat lady, and well 5 years ago I HAD TO HAVE a Yorkie, so I got my ZZ 2 years ago my mom got a Dachshund (that I dispise) I do not like that breed. I still LOVE my cats because they are so easy to fool with and they don't always "want" your attention and the dogs are just IN YOUR FACE all the time, but like you weighed and measured, it is nice to have someone to go for a walk with, but the responsibility is much larger.

I work in a Pharmacy and luckily me and my boss are close knit (thanks to my gramma) Lol and he lets me bring ZZ to work with me and stay behind the counter and she goes out every 5 hours or so.

Best of luck, but I would totally go for a cat, just because they are "Awesomer" Hehe!

Originally Posted by Ruby35

You're so right! I have been ruminating this all night. After talking to a few of my friends who are major dog people, even they said to me - well, right now, for your lifestyle, you really should stick to cats.

Maybe someday I can get a dog. At some point somewhere down the line, I'd like to get one. But you're so totally right, just because this one is available doesn't mean I have to jump to save it.

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I totally agree with this decision. There will be plenty of dogs to rescue in the future when your lifestyle is better situated to being a dog owner. When I adopted our latest puppies, I was working from home for about a year and that gave us all time to adjust.

You have a good heart!

I'm reminded of the following scene from a movie we all know. If you don't know what movie this is from.... I'm going to be pretty much like

Dr. Peter Venkman: This city is headed for a disaster of biblical proportions.

Mayor: What do you mean, "biblical"?

Dr Ray Stantz: What he means is Old Testament, Mr. Mayor, real wrath of God type stuff.

Dr. Peter Venkman: Exactly.

Dr. Ray Stantz: Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling!

Dr. Egon Spengler: Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes...

Winston Zeddemore: The dead rising from the grave!

Dr. Peter Venkman: Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!

- and now back to your regularly scheduled program.

Personally, I don't really know how typical dogs do with cats. I know my dog didn't have a problem with Ally when he first met her, and still doesn't. Unfortunately, he's a bad example though because he's very old and he suffers from dementia, so we're not even really sure how much he understood what was going on. Ally didn't have a problem with him though.

I know you decided against the dog, but for anyone else that wants to know... dogs and cats CAN get along just fine as long as they have been introduced the other species at a young age. I've always had cat's and dogs that got along splendidly... as a matter of fact they become really close sometimes... like this couple...

Bella & Princeton

Oh I totally agree. My dogs have always been great with my cats-- well, except Sneakers (grumpy senior cat) sometimes will swat at one of them-- when I first got her she clawed my terrier Pooch's nose when he tried to sniff her...also my previous cat Sylvia used to chase Pooch across the house boxing at him (luckily for Pooch, Sylvia came to us declawed.) Aside from that they have all gotten along great.
Last year I bought a 4-year-old German Shepherd. At the time I had 8 cats (several fosters) and I have had absolutely no problems with her and the cats.

In fact:

I'm glad you decided against the dog, as it sounds like you really don't have time for a dog and they do take a lot of time. My dogs and cats have always gotten along, although my lab won't tolerate other people's cats. However, my German shepherd does chase them if they run. It is important not to let them get away with that from the very beginning when they are a puppy. But then she is prey driven, like most German shepherds.

Sure they can get along. My dog pretty much ignores my two males even though they are always rubbing themselves all over him. As for my female cat, they are inseparable, they cuddle and groom each other all the time.



We did A LOT of research before getting him. He was a rescue so we knew beforehand what his temperament test was and we had the shelter do two cat tests on him. That’s a major benefit about getting a shelter animal, you mostly know what you are getting.

There will always be more animals for you to rescue later on when you have more time. Thanks for being such a sweetheart and caring =)

Awww! Love all of the cat-dog cuddly/kissy pics!

I know dogs and cats get along.

It just bothers me when the cats seem to have to take a back seat to a new dog. There are so many posts regarding this. If the cats don't get along, they get so stressed and other probs start. Then its the cats fault

I love all animals, but I know my kitties would never accept a dog. I have chosen cats for me. I love them and would never want to upset their happy home.

Then again, I know they do get along. It's just for me, it's my kitties