Dogs that are good with cats?

[Wordsmith]

We're looking to get a dog in a couple of months time - we've always wanted one but now I work at home it's something we're keen to do. We have 2 boys - and 12 and 8, and more importantly (in the context of my question), two young cats (4 yrs) who are not used to dogs. Everyone I speak to that has both dogs and cats says they get along fine but I'd be interested to hear any suggestions for the best type of dog to go for.

We don't want a big dog - I was thinking of something cocker spaniel sized - and we would be able to keep them in separate rooms at night (the cats have control of the kitchen with the cat flap in the back door!)

We'd be able to exercise it a couple of times a day at least (school run is 1 mile each time and we live near a great park) but my main concern is the poor pusses! I guess they'll be a bit put out at first but I want then all to live happily ever after..

Any suggestions gratefully received.

[Riversidegirl]

I think the cats train whichever dog not to mess with them eventually. Just watch out for the claw damage and the vet's bills for the dog.

[batteryhen]

I have a 8 month old cocker. We have a 13 year old cat. He is so good with her - but she hates him. He is desperate to be her pal, and is so intrigued by her. However - he can't even look in her direction without being told off. She will tolerate him as long as he stays about 3 foot away. She hisses and spits but has never scratched him. She rules the roost - and he knows it.

However, it has been difficult for us as she has been the only animal in our house for 12 years so she obviously feels put out. We will get there - but it is a slow process!

[suburbandream]

Bit like batteryhen, we have two cats who were not best pleased by the arrival of our pup! They tolerate him and have plenty of places where they can get up high away from him, plus they are allowed upstairs and he is not. He just wants to play with them but they are not having any of it

[batteryhen]

Oh yes - just like suburbandream - our dog isn't allowed upstairs - the cat has to have somewhere where she can go to get some peace and quiet. I was advised that it is easier to train the dog (obviously) so now the dog knows to 'leave' if he gets too close etc.

I think he interprets a hiss as an invite to play !!

[Lizcat]

I have the beautiful moggy girl, 12 when mobile mop arrived she was quite timid. I also have posh arrogant boy who was 3 when the mop arrived he is super aggressive to dogs and even has my dads pack of cat hating terriers utterly terrified. So I knew that PAB we be okay, but actually BMG found her inner diva mobile mop does not mess with either of them and if BMG is having a bad she takes out on the poor mop. In 2 years mop has never so much lifted a corner of a lip to either cat. Sometimes we find all three of them asleep on the sofa together a cat at either and a mop in the middle.

[ihateshopping]

I have 2 springer spaniel cross labradors and 1 big black male (snipped) cat. my dogs are both scared of my cat, to be fair he is pretty fearless, not scared of dogs and will regularly chase off other dogs (even a husky!) my cat was here first and then i got my dogs, so he was well settled before i got the dogs.

i dont know how useful my post will be as my cat truely is one in a million. but..

The dogs and cat all have access to all parts of the house. dogs not allowed on bed, cat is. dogs will not chase cat inside or even pass cat inside, but will happily chase him outside! they have been spied sleeping in the same bed together one or twice, but this must have been up to cat, as on other occassions the cat has taken up the dogs ben and kicked dogs out.

however, my dog has accidently killed my neightbours cat (very neglected cat, dog got it and shook it, owner wouldnt take it to vets) but i 100% trust him with my cat. partly because my cat is a psycho and partly because they are a little pack!

[OfMiceandCats]

I don't think there is a particular breed which is better with cats than others (although perhaps getting a greyhound or similar might not be such a great idea).

It all depends on how you introduce them to each other; ensuring that the cat can escape the dog's attention and generally training the dog to respect the cat (the cat will do that in any event).

We have 3 rescue dogs and, when each arrived, the cats were fairly horrified (even though they were used to whichever dog/s we had at the time) but it all settled down after a week or so. Now the cats actually go up to the dogs and strop around their legs and the dogs love having the cats around. The dogs will chase the cats if they run, but that is instinct and there is never any aggression. The cats have learned that they either have to walk or, if they run, to do so very fast indeed!

[Wordsmith]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes I am beginning to realise the cats will rule the roost eventually, and it's just the initial settling in period that may be a bit traumatic! My plan is that the cats stay in the kitchen overnight, which they do now anyway, and the dog stays in the office/conservatory/junk room (the room I work in!) The cats can be allowed upstairs but the dog won't be. But they'll all have to join in in the living room, which is where most of us spend the evening.

To be fair the cats are used to my boisterous kids so a dog will just be another life form to run from I suppose - I just don't want them to leave home in disgust (the cats that is, I hope the boys will, one day!)

What about the idea of a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs to stop the dog getting up?

[YouveCatToBeKittenMe]

I have a Springer Spaniel who is brilliant with my 3 cats. They will even sleep next to him and they greet each other when they come in!
They are not so tolerant of my collie but they will happily let her sniff them.
I wouldn't leave them shut in together with either dog though.
Get a Springer they are mad the most fun ever

[Wordsmith]

Springers - yes I know! My MIL had one that DH and I used to walk occasionally pre-kids. He was gorgeous but I think a bit too mad. He would jump into ANY pond, lake or river he came across.

[Lizcat]

Poodles are good with cats - having just united a poor little street cat with two poodle brothers today. They all just milled around together one of the poodles decided little street cat was dirty and gave him a good clean up which he actually quite enjoyed.

[Riversidegirl]

IMHO You can easily train a dog not to venture upstairs with a stern "NO!" when you see him thinking about it and lots of praise and a couple of high value treats when he complies.

He'll soon get the idea so don't waste your money.