Getting a dog and cat to tolerate one another

bouicca21

When I introduced the (well established) cat to a puppy it just took a bit of time. It really wasn't long before our cat would recognise all dogs as potential friends and instead of running would walk up to strange dogs to say hello. I still remember the sheer terror this engendered and how quickly the dogs would turn tail and flee.

Denene

SensibleSarah, this rescue sounds exactly as you describe. The arrangement seems bafflingly irresponsible, especially as there are several 'reputable' rescues in the region. It seems as if they were lucky, because the dog has a good temperament as far as I can tell. I'm sure the people running it have good intentions, but...aargh.

They've got a stairgate for the cat's room now, but the dog can jump over it! And the cat doesn't know what to make of it. But hopefully it will work as a deterrent.

They are now spending time in the same room as each other (supervised). Whenever the dog approaches the cat - rather tentatively - the cat puffs up, hisses and swipes at it, but doesn't run away, so that's progress I guess. Luckily, the dog hasn't shown any signs of aggressiveness/chasing towards the cat. The next step is getting the dog to settle down when she has the run of the house. At the minute, she runs all over the place and is into everything, which is somewhat exhausting.

mellymoo74

Denene wrote: »

SensibleSarah, this rescue sounds exactly as you describe. The arrangement seems bafflingly irresponsible, especially as there are several 'reputable' rescues in the region. It seems as if they were lucky, because the dog has a good temperament as far as I can tell. I'm sure the people running it have good intentions, but...aargh.

They've got a stairgate for the cat's room now, but the dog can jump over it! And the cat doesn't know what to make of it. But hopefully it will work as a deterrent.

They are now spending time in the same room as each other (supervised). Whenever the dog approaches the cat - rather tentatively - the cat puffs up, hisses and swipes at it, but doesn't run away, so that's progress I guess. Luckily, the dog hasn't shown any signs of aggressiveness/chasing towards the cat. The next step is getting the dog to settle down when she has the run of the house. At the minute, she runs all over the place and is into everything, which is somewhat exhausting.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news if it's a JRT it won't settle
My boy is 9 and he's still a nutter
Family members had JRTS that were 18 and they still ran round like nutters