Cat introductions

[shay19]

So I've really wanted to get a cat, now it wouldn't be for a while.. Probably after the dogs mature so I know whether I'm going to have to do C&R or not.

But I'm wondering if there is a way to go about teaching Aida and Bruiser to live with a cat? I mean they live with the ferrets and can even have supervised play time with them. Aida has taken off after a cat once, she chased it to a drive way stopped and came back. Bruiser supposedly shared his previous home with a cat but I doubt he remembers that.

I don't know any dog savvy cats that I could visit with unfortunately.

Also when the time comes I'd adopt an adult that's known for being good around dogs so maybe that could help them learn a little too.

I just don't want to get a cat then realize their prey drive is too high (although I don't think it'd be much of an issue considering the ferrets run from them all the time and they simply follow them) or stress the poor cat out.

Is there any tips you guys could offer or any insight on this? I also understand that the ferrets would probably be a problem for an older cat, would a kitten growing up with them be more plausible for both dog and ferret??

[catstina]

I don't know how to properly introduce cats. I know that when we brought Benny home, we probably did it wrong. It was the first thing we did when he walked into our apartment. He growled and Bowie hissed at him. We thought it wouldn't work out, but they eventually got used to each other and started to love each other. Bowie was in the home first, though, so that probably makes a bit of a difference. I'm sure there's a much better way to do it, but I don't know what it is!

I think that if their fine with ferrets, they are probably fine with cats as well.

[shay19]

Yeah I was thinking along those same lines of good with ferrets might be ok with cats. But I just am not sure, none of them have ever hurt a cat but they have chased a few. Although I think in the house it might be different than outside as well.

Guess it's time for some good research lol. Thanks though Christina!!

[catstina]

Sorry I couldn't be more help, I hope you can figure it out!

[shay19]

You did help! You basically confirmed what I was originally thinking lol.

It's going to be a while before I can get a kitty (gotta convince the fiance first lol) and by then the dogs should be a little calmer and not so puppy like... I'm hoping anyway.

I'll keep looking into it and see what I can find lol.