Will Dog & Cat Ever Be Friends? (bunnies, claws, humans)

jackie30 · 03-24-2007, 10:10 PM

Please help!
I have an 8 yr. old tabby cat and a black lab mix. We got our lab eight months ago and our cat still hasn't adjusted to him. Dog seems ok with cat like he just wants to play but cat charges at him, squatting and hissing! It is crazy! Cat has no claws or teeth (don't ask) so I know he can't really do any damage but it is very stressful! We are at the point where we just seperate them almost at all times. I am afraid that our dog will retaliate (sp?) and try to hurt our kitty. Is there any hope for these siblings? Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Élan vital · 03-24-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackie30

Please help!
I have an 8 yr. old tabby cat and a black lab mix. We got our lab eight months ago and our cat still hasn't adjusted to him. Dog seems ok with cat like he just wants to play but cat charges at him, squatting and hissing! It is crazy! Cat has no claws or teeth (don't ask) so I know he can't really do any damage but it is very stressful! We are at the point where we just seperate them almost at all times. I am afraid that our dog will retaliate (sp?) and try to hurt our kitty. Is there any hope for these siblings? Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

sorry,but if they haven't buddied up in 8 months I don't see it happening.Our cat was 2 when we got a puppy and they became best friends within a day.

gizmo980 · 03-26-2007, 03:51 AM

I think there's still hope! And the last post is incorrect, it doesn't always happen in a day... it took my cats a good 4-5 months to fully accept my dog, and the female still gets a bit testy toward him. But they slowly worked it out, and reached some sort of "agreement". The boy kitty's actually become friends with him, and they play all the time! As long as neither pet is in danger, I think you need to let them work it out alone... and Cesar Millan (the "Dog Whisperer") would tell you not to isolate them, since it only makes the situation worse. I suggest you read his book, or try to catch any of his TV episodes involving cats & dogs.

FedUpInFtMyers · 03-26-2007, 07:26 AM

I have had many dogs and cats live together in my home. I just kept instructing dog with "no cat", and I did let them work it out amongst themselves - under my supervision - just to make sure no one got hurt. In the meantime, I would say to never leave them alone together when you're not home. I never did until all the kinks were ironed out in their relationship. It could be that they will just learn to live side by side rather than sleep next to each other or something along those lines. They may never be buddies; they may just be roommates, and that is better than them being enemies. Cesar Milan is brilliant. I highly recommend him as a resource as well. Good luck!

jackie30 · 03-26-2007, 12:31 PM

Thank you last two postings! This gives me hope. I realize it does not happen in one day like northerexposure states, but I was starting to lose hope. I will definitely take your advice and read the Cesar Milan book. I will not ever leave them alone when I'm not home and as long as they can learn to coexist somewhat peacefully (they don't have to be friends), I will be happy!

JustSayNo · 03-26-2007, 01:19 PM

Don't give up! It sounds like the cat is more the "snotty" one than the Lab-that is a good start. The kitties may have had bad run ins with dogs before, and they just need to learn to trust your pup! Time and patience and time and time will work this out. Your pup wanting to play prob. makes them think they should be on the defense-they know they have no claws nor teeth (I am sure they know they have no defense).

Don't give up, start rewarding the cats wehen the dog is around, that will teach them dog=good. same theory applies to teeching a dog a cat is good

jackie30 · 03-26-2007, 11:15 PM

Hi Justsayno! Thanks for the advice! I will definitely keep trying - I'm not giving up on either one. I love them both dearly. Kitty is definitely the "snotty" one which I think is easier than if dog was the problem. I'll try to be patient - eventually they'll have to learn to live in harmony (I think?)

cassy1 · 03-27-2007, 08:32 PM

Our cat actually thought she was a dog! Yep, she would eat the dog food, and she "taught" my lab/golden how to hunt, at least she thought she did. It was cute they would lay out in our back yard and try to hide in the grass waiting on the bunnies! Be patient, not all cats and dogs will be best buddies but they will learn to share your home.

maggiekate · 04-09-2007, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackie30

Please help!
I have an 8 yr. old tabby cat and a black lab mix. We got our lab eight months ago and our cat still hasn't adjusted to him. Dog seems ok with cat like he just wants to play but cat charges at him, squatting and hissing! It is crazy! Cat has no claws or teeth (don't ask) so I know he can't really do any damage but it is very stressful! We are at the point where we just seperate them almost at all times. I am afraid that our dog will retaliate (sp?) and try to hurt our kitty. Is there any hope for these siblings? Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

hi we had a cat then dog a geman sherpard puppy. The cat just ignored the dog, then they became friends. she would have kittens and the dog would babysit them while the cat whent out. she would lick them, and they wern't too happy. then many years later i had 2 dogs and brought home a kitten. I would hold her, and put her in a crate so the dogs could sniff her. When i left i would keep her in a room with a door closed. Anyway her and the bichon became friends the other dog just ignored the cat. the cat would just follow the bichon around and copy her. the bichon even tried to get her to play tug of war.

plaidmom · 04-09-2007, 04:10 PM

Once again I must recommend "Cat vs. Cat"

http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Vs-Keeping.../dp/0142004758

Yes, I know you have a cat/dog situation, but this book covers introducing any new family member (including humans) from the cat's POV.