Cat Playmate for Dog - Need Advice/Experience

Beryl · 07-09-2006, 02:16 PM

Latte needs a friend. I'll be ready for a 2nd dog in a few years. I easily take Latte with me on business trips but having 2 dogs will be a little more difficult -- and costly.

I also like cats and Latte (9 months old) has demonstrated fondness for them so I've decided to get one. I want a Devon Rex (low/no shedding -- like my poodle -- and funny looking

) and they are hard to find. I'll need to get a kitten since I'll never find one at the shelter.

Here is my concern: My trainer warned against getting a cat that is not declawed. My dog is little - 6.8 lbs - and playful. A cat at any age can injure him.

How can I accomplish my goal of having a Devon Rex and Toy Poodle living peacefully and playing in my home?

This is kind of the opposite of this thread:
http://www.globalpaw.com/puppy-forum...uppy-cats.html (Introducing a new puppy to cats)

IceyBlueSibes · 07-09-2006, 02:22 PM

I think as long as the kitten is young, she'll adjust to liking the dog. I had gotten my kitten when she was young, and she loves the dogs more than she does humans. You can keep their claws trimmed with regular nail clippers. We clip the very tips of Tags, and the other two kittens nails when they get too long.

Like I said, IMO I think a kitten would be best instead of an "older" cat. Tags took to our dogs with no problem, but any other dog that's in the house, she turns into "devil cat"! Haha. But two of them have shown strong maternal instincts towards any young kitten or puppy..

TinyAlbinoDancer · 07-09-2006, 05:21 PM

Try and find a breeder who has dogs in the home, too. The earlier the kitten is exposed to dogs, the better off it'll be interacting with Latte. I introduced a puppy to three existing cats, and we did have some scary scratches. Our newest cat we obtained as a kitten, and he adjusted to Missie from watching how our other cats interact with her, and by having breaks from her if she got too rough. And then to top it off, he outgrew her so he never had to be afraid of her again.

LOL The main thing is to help them adjust. Allow the kitten to get used to Latte barking without having Latte in the kitten's face at the same time, and once the kitten is desensitized to that, allow them to play, with an avenue of escape for the kitten. Since most kitties can climb up on furniture and such without problem, it shouldn't be difficult for the kitten to be able to escape from Latte if it needs. You can always use a baby gate, too.

froggiedog · 07-09-2006, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceyBlueSibes

I think as long as the kitten is young, she'll adjust to liking the dog.

that's the best advice... i think

Beryl · 07-09-2006, 08:47 PM

I really appreciate all of this terrific advice. Now to find a Devon Rex breeder in Colorado!

IceyBlueSibes · 07-09-2006, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beryl

I really appreciate all of this terrific advice. Now to find a Devon Rex breeder in Colorado!

Best of luck!

crazy_paws · 07-10-2006, 12:05 PM

My chihuahua grew up with the neighbor's cat. He was fully clawed, but would never play with Kya with his claws out. They had such a wonderful bond and really loved each other. Kya now thinks she's a cat sometimes.

They did so well together that when I move, I'm thinking of getting Kya her own cat

. Actually, it would be my cat, but I'm sure that Kya will love being it's friend.

So, I would say that a kitten is definitely a good choice especially since you want a specific breed. If clawing is a concern, keeping his/her nail clipped and/or using those soft paw plastic nail caps would be a good idea. Maybe adopting an older cat from a shelter that was familiar with dogs and declawed by a previous owner could be an option, too.

Devon Rex are definitely beautiful though, I'd love to see a pic of your new addition when they come home.

rmci · 07-10-2006, 01:27 PM

You stated that Latte shows a fondness for cats. Has he played with them before?

I think it's gotta be a match in personality or energy.
Baxter, my 3yr old ACD/Basset mix and my 10 year old cat, Oscar, love playing together. When first introduced, Oscar lunged at Baxter as soon as we came in the door. Since then there's been no problems between the two of them. Add Rusty, my10 month old dachshund/boxer into the mix and the cat won't tolerate it and leaves the room. The puppy is too young & hyper I guess

My cat is fully clawed, which has never been a problem. Their claws can be trimmed but they do shed them so you need to check regularly for the new sharp nails. Removing their front claws is like chopping off the tips of your fingers to the first knuckle.

Beryl · 07-10-2006, 09:16 PM

What encouraging experiences! Thanks. I'm feeling right about this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmci

You stated that Latte shows a fondness for cats. Has he played with them before?

Yes, Latte has played with my sister's cat. My sister has an anti-social Shitz Tsu (Pepper) and a cat who teases it. When Pepper is sleeping, the cat will sneak up and cup her face with his paws. When she wakes up, the cat will run off seeming to be laughing. Pepper doesn't play with Latte -- she won't play with anyone -- so Latte turns to the cat when she visits. The cat will taunt Latte and get just out of reach. Latte runs after it and it seems like they are having fun.

He is super playful and the life of the party at Doggie Day Care. I think he'll get along fine with the Devon because they say that the breed has a "dog like" personality.

BTW, I found a local breeder and if all works out, I'll be bringing home Latte's new best friend by month-end.

IceyBlueSibes · 07-11-2006, 10:22 AM

Oh that's wonderful news! Best of luck! I hope everything works out! Don't forget to post pictures of your new baby

Beryl · 07-15-2006, 03:21 PM

I'm back to square one. I left the home of the breeder scratching and now have a dozen tiny bumps on my arm.

The Devon kitty was cute though but I think I'll keep looking. (I might find a friend for Latte at the shelter.)

I'll post more about my kitty search in the "Other" section.

ewarp · 07-15-2006, 07:58 PM

Perhaps go to the shelter and look for a cat that has lived with dogs before. I know we have a "Real Life Room" that has an adult cat and an adult dog living together at our shelter. Aside from that, I can usually give you a good idea as to which cats would do well with a dog.

I don't know that I agree with your trainer's advice... yes, a cat can injure your dog, but your dog can also injure the cat. Why deprive the cat of it's main defense? That would be like telling someone to remove their new puppy's teeth so it doesn't hurt their cats. Besides, if they're going to scuffle, I'd rather have my dogs get scratched by a cat than bit... cat bites are nasty!

On top of that, make sure you do all your research on declawing. I know declawing can be a touchy subject with cat people, but go into that decision informed!

Info about feline digital amputation

Beryl · 07-15-2006, 08:59 PM

Actually, I was planning to keep the cat's claws filed.

TinyAlbinoDancer · 07-15-2006, 10:16 PM

So you're allergic to the Devon Rex's too??

Beryl · 07-15-2006, 10:23 PM

Too? I've never had an allergic reaction to any cat in my life until this one time. I've held shelter and vet cats lots of times with no allergic reaction at all.

I don't know if it was just her Devon or of all of the other cats there. She breeds Devons and Pershians.

07-09-2006, 02:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Beryl Latte, Boo, & Phoxx's Mom Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,118 Rep Power: 89	Cat Playmate for Dog - Need Advice/Experience Latte needs a friend. I'll be ready for a 2nd dog in a few years. I easily take Latte with me on business trips but having 2 dogs will be a little more difficult -- and costly. I also like cats and Latte (9 months old) has demonstrated fondness for them so I've decided to get one. I want a Devon Rex (low/no shedding -- like my poodle -- and funny looking ) and they are hard to find. I'll need to get a kitten since I'll never find one at the shelter. Here is my concern: My trainer warned against getting a cat that is not declawed. My dog is little - 6.8 lbs - and playful. A cat at any age can injure him. How can I accomplish my goal of having a Devon Rex and Toy Poodle living peacefully and playing in my home? This is kind of the opposite of this thread: http://www.globalpaw.com/puppy-forum...uppy-cats.html (Introducing a new puppy to cats)

07-09-2006, 02:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,757 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 273	I think as long as the kitten is young, she'll adjust to liking the dog. I had gotten my kitten when she was young, and she loves the dogs more than she does humans. You can keep their claws trimmed with regular nail clippers. We clip the very tips of Tags, and the other two kittens nails when they get too long. Like I said, IMO I think a kitten would be best instead of an "older" cat. Tags took to our dogs with no problem, but any other dog that's in the house, she turns into "devil cat"! Haha. But two of them have shown strong maternal instincts towards any young kitten or puppy..
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

07-09-2006, 05:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
TinyAlbinoDancer Always room for one more Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,579 Rep Power: 166	Try and find a breeder who has dogs in the home, too. The earlier the kitten is exposed to dogs, the better off it'll be interacting with Latte. I introduced a puppy to three existing cats, and we did have some scary scratches. Our newest cat we obtained as a kitten, and he adjusted to Missie from watching how our other cats interact with her, and by having breaks from her if she got too rough. And then to top it off, he outgrew her so he never had to be afraid of her again. LOL The main thing is to help them adjust. Allow the kitten to get used to Latte barking without having Latte in the kitten's face at the same time, and once the kitten is desensitized to that, allow them to play, with an avenue of escape for the kitten. Since most kitties can climb up on furniture and such without problem, it shouldn't be difficult for the kitten to be able to escape from Latte if it needs. You can always use a baby gate, too.
	__________________ ~Karen Missie~Trixie~Little Guy~Ollie

07-10-2006, 12:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
crazy_paws Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 171 Rep Power: 0	My chihuahua grew up with the neighbor's cat. He was fully clawed, but would never play with Kya with his claws out. They had such a wonderful bond and really loved each other. Kya now thinks she's a cat sometimes. They did so well together that when I move, I'm thinking of getting Kya her own cat . Actually, it would be my cat, but I'm sure that Kya will love being it's friend. So, I would say that a kitten is definitely a good choice especially since you want a specific breed. If clawing is a concern, keeping his/her nail clipped and/or using those soft paw plastic nail caps would be a good idea. Maybe adopting an older cat from a shelter that was familiar with dogs and declawed by a previous owner could be an option, too. Devon Rex are definitely beautiful though, I'd love to see a pic of your new addition when they come home.
crazy_paws Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 171 Rep Power: 0

07-10-2006, 01:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
rmci aka Red Dogs Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA Posts: 1,221 Rep Power: 89	You stated that Latte shows a fondness for cats. Has he played with them before? I think it's gotta be a match in personality or energy. Baxter, my 3yr old ACD/Basset mix and my 10 year old cat, Oscar, love playing together. When first introduced, Oscar lunged at Baxter as soon as we came in the door. Since then there's been no problems between the two of them. Add Rusty, my10 month old dachshund/boxer into the mix and the cat won't tolerate it and leaves the room. The puppy is too young & hyper I guess My cat is fully clawed, which has never been a problem. Their claws can be trimmed but they do shed them so you need to check regularly for the new sharp nails. Removing their front claws is like chopping off the tips of your fingers to the first knuckle.
	__________________ The reason a dog has so many friends; he wags his tail instead of his tongue

07-09-2006, 08:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
Beryl Latte, Boo, & Phoxx's Mom Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,118 Rep Power: 89	I really appreciate all of this terrific advice. Now to find a Devon Rex breeder in Colorado!

07-11-2006, 10:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,757 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 273	Oh that's wonderful news! Best of luck! I hope everything works out! Don't forget to post pictures of your new baby
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

07-15-2006, 03:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
Beryl Latte, Boo, & Phoxx's Mom Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,118 Rep Power: 89	I'm back to square one. I left the home of the breeder scratching and now have a dozen tiny bumps on my arm. The Devon kitty was cute though but I think I'll keep looking. (I might find a friend for Latte at the shelter.) I'll post more about my kitty search in the "Other" section. Attached Thumbnails

07-15-2006, 07:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
ewarp sabooooooo Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 457 Rep Power: 80	Perhaps go to the shelter and look for a cat that has lived with dogs before. I know we have a "Real Life Room" that has an adult cat and an adult dog living together at our shelter. Aside from that, I can usually give you a good idea as to which cats would do well with a dog. I don't know that I agree with your trainer's advice... yes, a cat can injure your dog, but your dog can also injure the cat. Why deprive the cat of it's main defense? That would be like telling someone to remove their new puppy's teeth so it doesn't hurt their cats. Besides, if they're going to scuffle, I'd rather have my dogs get scratched by a cat than bit... cat bites are nasty! On top of that, make sure you do all your research on declawing. I know declawing can be a touchy subject with cat people, but go into that decision informed! Info about feline digital amputation
	__________________ Get on with living and loving. You don't have forever.

07-15-2006, 08:59 PM	#13 (permalink)
Beryl Latte, Boo, & Phoxx's Mom Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,118 Rep Power: 89	Actually, I was planning to keep the cat's claws filed.

07-15-2006, 10:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
TinyAlbinoDancer Always room for one more Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,579 Rep Power: 166	So you're allergic to the Devon Rex's too??
	__________________ ~Karen Missie~Trixie~Little Guy~Ollie

07-15-2006, 10:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
Beryl Latte, Boo, & Phoxx's Mom Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,118 Rep Power: 89	Too? I've never had an allergic reaction to any cat in my life until this one time. I've held shelter and vet cats lots of times with no allergic reaction at all. I don't know if it was just her Devon or of all of the other cats there. She breeds Devons and Pershians.

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