Pet Lovers, Help!!!!

AlliecoreXX

I am absolutely beyond LIVID right now. So, a few weeks ago this sweet lil cat showed up at our door. My landlord hates cats (to the tune of questioning why they were even created!) so I can't technically keep it; but the neighbor and I have been feeding it. I live on a quiet street without much traffic so it hasn't been a problem. However, I am going to be moving in 5 weeks. I've been toying with the idea of just keeping the cat, since I can have pets at my new house. Problem: I have a lively lab/pit girlie that HATES cats. Well....I don't really think "hates" is the word. She just enjoys watching them run very fast while she chases them. Anyway, because of that, I've pretty much disregarded the idea of keeping the cat. So anyway, this morning the kids were waiting for the bus, and I was mindlessly petting lil kitty and I realized........she is DECLAWED. People, I am beyond livid right now. You don't DECLAW a cat and then dump it outside for any predator to make an easy lunch of!!!!! That is a whole new level of stupidity and cruelty!!!!!! So, I am once again very seriously thinking of keeping the cat. Has anyone had any success in getting dogs/cats to get along as adults? My pup will be kenneled whenever I'm out of the house, which means that they would never be unsupervised together. Is there any hope here? Or am I just better off placing ads online and hoping someone with a better environment will take her? The kids and I love cats and have wanted one for the last 5 years but haven't because of our landlord. But I don't want to make a selfish choice that will end up in the cat getting hurt. I am so extremely pissed right now!!!!!

bandit5125

my sons german shepard is like that. We have 2 cats. They pretty much stay in my bedroom/bathroom when I am not home. 1 of them has taking a liking to her so they lay together. Mine can defend themselves though because they have claws. If you can't take it maybe you can find it a home?

Butrovich

Has anyone had any success in getting dogs/cats to get along as adults? My pup will be kenneled whenever I'm out of the house, which means that they would never be unsupervised together. Is there any hope here? Or am I just better off placing ads online and hoping someone with a better environment will take her?

You can attempt to acclimate the two pets by keeping the dog in a crate while the cat is nearby. You should be able to tell from the pets' reactions how well they will get along. If you have ANY doubts, I would try to find a good home for the cat.

AlliecoreXX

I had thought about trying that and seeing how it goes. I think it's worth a shot....but yeah I def won't take any risks. I want her to have a good home by winter if I won't be able to keep her.

weight2go

I totally agree. I also found a Kitty years ago, Sweet as can be--outside no claws and no family. You might be surprised how they act together. We have 2 cats that hate dogs. One will chase the dog. My Daughters cat(goes with her so not one of the 2) however, loves on the dog and dog likes to play with her. They are not ever alone. My Daughters cat has her claws. Our two do not. If you put them together, make sure they are inside and the Kitty has a place to get away from the dog.

AlliecoreXX

Thanks guys! I'm off to work now but really appreciate the input. I'm still pissed at the carelessness of the stupid people who dumped her.... :-/

Lisa1971

Oh poor kitty! I would definitely give it a try! I have 3 cats and my pit loves to chase them but only to try to play. LOL. I would give it at least a few months and if your dog still doesn't like her then I'd find her a home. I agree with you about people declawing cats and then dumping them outside. That makes me so :explode: !

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

PokeyBug

As the owner of 5 cats (his cats, my cats, and an extra we picked up at the groomer's), I am beyond livid, too. I'm not allowed a dog right now, but I have had them in the past. My suggestion would be to do what my husband and I did with our cats when we first got married. Since the cats and I moved into his apartment, we kept my cats shut in the bedroom for a couple of days, to let his cats get used to the idea that there were two new animals in the house. There was some ruffled fur for a few weeks, but they eventually settled down, and they now coexist in peace.

When my FIL had a heart attack, we had to keep their 2 dogs for awhile. Though the youngest dog really enjoyed chasing the cats, he never meant them any harm. He eventually became playmates with one of the cats. I really think that the dog and the cat can get used to each other. Since you're moving into a new place, they'll be able to establish 'territories' without the cat seeming like so much of an invader into the dog's territory.

If you find that it's not going to work out to blend your pet family, see if there's a local no-kill pet shelter that can take the cat.

andielyn

I adopted a cat once from the cat shelter and after the initial introduction did not think it was going to work. They recommended giving it a full month. And that is what it took. Agree, keep the dog kenneled. Cats can jump and hide and get out of a dog's way. I have a hound and he chases the cat but does not hurt it--however, the hound grew up with her so it's a little different.

I wish you luck. I can't stand it when people abandon their animals. You might also take her to a shelter and get her scanned for a microchip. Cats roam...she MAY have a home even if she's showing up daily at your door.

mccindy72

The dog is part of your 'pack', and you are the alpha. When you introduce any new members of the pack into the house, the dog should recognize that member as under your protection. You need to be firm with the dog if it makes any aggressive moves toward the cat so it knows you are in control and the cat is your pack member too. The cat, being indoors with you all the time, should be fine. We've always had both dogs and cats and the cats have always been safe.

JojoW8183

The dog is part of your 'pack', and you are the alpha. When you introduce any new members of the pack into the house, the dog should recognize that member as under your protection. You need to be firm with the dog if it makes any aggressive moves toward the cat so it knows you are in control and the cat is your pack member too. The cat, being indoors with you all the time, should be fine. We've always had both dogs and cats and the cats have always been safe.

This +1

The fact that the cat was declawed is infuriating, people that want to do that to animals should have their claws (nails) removed so they know how it feels.

13bbird13

Be VERY careful and supervise them whenever they're together, even after they know one another, if you have any concerns at all about safety. One of my colleagues came home to find that her German Shepherd had killed her cat; they never saw it coming and they don't know what triggered the sudden aggression.

I share your fury about the declawing... that horrible practice should have been outlawed decades ago.

Signed, proud companion of a lovely 16-year-old kitty who got dumped TWICE but now has a safe and happy home until the end of her natural life.

AlliecoreXX

Y'all are awesome. Thanks for all the solid advice! I'm seriously thinking about giving it a try. Pup will be kenneled whenever I'm not home, and kitty could have a room that is "hers" when I'm away as well. They would definitely never be left alone/unsupervised. I also like the idea of giving it a full month before attempting to re-home kitty (if it doesn't work out). I think this may be worth a try!

mikeshockley

At the VERY least, it should be taken to a no-kill shelter if you can't keep it yourslef. It's a domestic cat and shouldn't be out like that (which has been stated already).

Good luck!!

wibutterflymagic

I so agree with the declawing thing! If it's declawed I would put up some posters first. Maybe it actually belongs to someone and the cat just wanders(declawed I don't know why someone would allow that but people are stupid). Then if no one claims kitty and you keep her I think your dog will eventually calm down. Right now it's new and not really in your lives but once it is in the house I would think your dog will come around. Just keep an eye on them and discipline when needed.

AlliecoreXX

At the VERY least, it should be taken to a no-kill shelter if you can't keep it yourslef. It's a domestic cat and shouldn't be out like that (which has been stated already).

Good luck!!

I agree completely. My options right now are: 1) keep it and see if she and my dog get along; 2) place ads online to find prospective adoptive families (I will also be placing ads to see if perhaps she just wandered and her family is looking for her); and 3) if neither of these options work, find a no-kill shelter. I can't stand the thought of her going through a winter outside.....she is obviously very used to being a pampered inside cat.

AlliecoreXX

Update: I currently have an ad up on my town's online yard sale site looking for her owners. I'm hoping someone steps up but we will see.....

afortunatedragon

1. Declawing is EVIL. Wouldn't want to bring the cat where this happened to her.
2. It is possible to bring cats and dogs together.
3. If your dog is well trained the dog is not the problem
4. The cat needs space and time.
5. Take it slowly.

The whole "alpha-dog" thing is so 90s. A dog does not see you as Alpha dog, simple because you are not a dog.
But this is not part of the discussion. Just wanted to mention it.

AlliecoreXX

1. Declawing is EVIL. Wouldn't want to bring the cat where this happened to her.

True. VERY freaking true! I can't fathom doing that to an animal. I already know I'm going to need to give her special care because of this if I do keep her. Poor thing.

afortunatedragon

Well, on a sarcastic note ... You don't need a scratch post

I can't imagine how this must be for a cat ... All their stability, all their enjoyment for climbing and also her ability to fight and hunting is gone.
Some humans are so .... "Shakemyheadindisbelieve"

bugaboo_sue

I so agree with the declawing thing! If it's declawed I would put up some posters first. Maybe it actually belongs to someone and the cat just wanders(declawed I don't know why someone would allow that but people are stupid). Then if no one claims kitty and you keep her I think your dog will eventually calm down. Right now it's new and not really in your lives but once it is in the house I would think your dog will come around. Just keep an eye on them and discipline when needed.

It's possible that the cat could have snuck out.

The whole "alpha-dog" thing is so 90s. A dog does not see you as Alpha dog, simple because you are not a dog.

I disagree with this statement. Dogs need someone who is a leader -- hence the reason there are Alpha's in packs -- and as a pet owner if you're "dominant" (for lack of a better term) then your dog will view you as the leader which is what you should be. Showing a dog "who's the boss" so to speak establishes his place in the "pack".

It has nothing to do with not being a dog but establishing the pecking order and letting your dog know that they're not the ones who rule the roost.

afortunatedragon

I disagree with this statement. Dogs need someone who is a leader -- hence the reason there are Alpha's in packs -- and as a pet owner if you're "dominant" (for lack of a better term) then your dog will view you as the leader which is what you should be. Showing a dog "who's the boss" so to speak establishes his place in the "pack".

It has nothing to do with not being a dog but establishing the pecking order and letting your dog know that they're not the ones who rule the roost.

Autsch.
The whole "who is the boss" argument led to hitting dogs, usage of prong collar and other useless and completly unsuitable "training methods"
I highly recommend books like Turid Rugaas "calming signals" and Patricia McConnel "the other end of the leash"
There is no pack, as a human is unable to do the things dogs to do to each other or use their body language to verify the place in the pack. Pack is striktly for dogs only. Some people are quite good in reading and sending signals, but so much just goes over ears and tail and we humans do not have tails and ears in a size allowing to communicate.
You are the food supplier and to go with humans was beneficial for dogs so they adapt.
But never make the assumption their adaption and their urge to please (well, most of them), have anything to do with you being Alpha to your dog.

Chain_Ring

take it to a shelter.

liketobike2

You could get kid-gates to create a barrier between the cat and dog. I have a friend with that arrangement and it works for her. But there would always be a risk.

SamLD88

They'll adjust. Or, at least, mine always have, and sometimes, they've had strong prey drives.

Good luck! We just adopted a stray too. She's got claws but you can tell she had some developmental issues.

Blacklance36

Thanks guys! I'm off to work now but really appreciate the input. I'm still pissed at the carelessness of the stupid people who dumped her.... :-/

Innocent question... but how do you know she was dumped and is not lost?

My friend lost her cat and we found it a block away under a persons door step, but that was a week later and the poor thing did not know how to get home. Did you try to find the owner?

morehealthymatt

Recently was "forced" to take in a family member who came with a cat (one day notice!). This cat is unusally loud, very vocal, mews at everthing. My 2 y/o pit bull mix is like the little brother to this mature cat. He runs around it pokes his nose into it (his favorite), sniffs at it whenever the chance arises. The cat puts up with it, but at times will take a swipe, this only makes my doggie think the cat wants to play.

...but then I started noticing puddy cat being welcoming to the dog...lying in areas and in a position that invites doggie to play. Oh, the cat is so coy about it.

But mostly, doggie is annoying the cat. Nothing even resembling aggression has been evident, to the extent the dog lets the cat drink out of his water bucket and hang out in his kennel.

Canwehugnow

We had a cat show up on the property where I work last year (right before Thanksgiving). She was declawed as well. Usually, I just wrestle the strays, call someone to neuter/spay them and let them back into the property. There are TONS of cats that come and go, it's a farm-setting. But, anyway... this beautiful little girl, which I named Magic (she was black and white so it looked like she was wearing a little magician outfit lolz).... she was declawed and CLEARLY a house cat! So pissed.... whoever dumped her is a sick, sick person! Anywho... I tried finding the owner, giving them the benefit of doubt... nope, no one claimed her. So, I kept her at work, fed her, washed it, took her to the vet and adopted her out to a friend. But, that really annoyed me... how can a person just dump an animal... especially declawed around winter time!?!?! ugh, people are so annoying sometimes.

As for your new furbaby, I think you have a shot. You need to introduce them slowly, and keep the doggie in the crate at first. My kitty and doggy HATE each other (yes, hate!) but they've gotten alone pretty well... it does help that El Tigre (cat) has tons of places to climb on and get away from Koda (dog). Plus, Koda's a chiweenie (half Chihuahua, half Dachsund) so it's not like Koda would do anything to Tigre anyway...

Good luck! & I hope you end up keeping the little furbaby. Cats need us, espescially when we have good hearts... which you seem to have!

jonnyman41

we managed it but it was not easy. Started out with one dog and then got a kitten and had no issues. Kitten grew to young cat and we took on an adult rottie too. Adult rottie had lived with cats since being a puppy so all in the house were happy. first dog died and along came playful pup whom the cat was happy to teach a lesson or two!! as in don't mess with me. Again peace resumed. Finally rottie died and we took on a labx rottie adult. Now this dog was not cat friendly at all, but very people friendly. Initially we closed up the cat flap into our kitchen and started controlling the cats access for his safety though he was pretty dog savy himself. The cat could come and go in and out of our utility and had a bed and his food in there plus we would let him in through the front of the house to stay in the living room whenever we were home with us and possibly the new dog too. this way we were there to issue commands to the dog if needed and otherwise the cat was still getting plenty of loving time with us.
We never let the cat and dog be alone without an escape route for the cat. did a lot of leave it training with the dog treat in both hands, saying leave it on one hand and rewarding with the other.
It took months before we were happy that the cat and dog were safe with each other and unblocked the kitchen cat flap so that the cat could again decide when to come and go. (NB the dog beds live in the kitchen hence originally blocking access)
The cat never became close friends with the puppy or the rottie cross unlike the very close relationship with the previous two dogs but they did settle down and coexist fine eventually.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVJiwa9LHiw&list=PL0C724F6F6A597540&index=8

but firstly make sure you are not depriving someone of their loved pet. Our cat used to pretend he lived in half the local houses!! but he would still come home too. And if you do keep it be prepared to do lots of work and don't trust your dog for months yet

bugaboo_sue

Thanks guys! I'm off to work now but really appreciate the input. I'm still pissed at the carelessness of the stupid people who dumped her.... :-/

Innocent question... but how do you know she was dumped and is not lost?

My friend lost her cat and we found it a block away under a persons door step, but that was a week later and the poor thing did not know how to get home. Did you try to find the owner?

^^ This.

I said on the last page that the cat could have run away. It might not have necessarily been dumped off. I'd try to find the owners first via fliers and such.

Nette117

Hey there is still hope. I adopted my dog when she was 1 and she was a cat killer. She more so had a strong chase and catch instinct. I dont think she meant to kill them. But I had 2 cats when I adopted her and she became friends with one of the cats and would think about chasing the other if it ran past her. As long as you keep an eye on them for a while I think you will be fine.