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Hi all, just wondering about your experiences when you have introduced dogs/cats to each other in a new setting. My dog has acclimated to my boyfriend's cats exceedingly well, much better than I expected. It has been a smooth transition with only a few minor incidents (some growling, chasing, etc.).
Before we moved in together, I had asked him to get his cats declawed. Then I read more about that process, and many (on this forum), described declawing as inhumane. Obviously, I immediately abandoned that idea.
I'm glad we didn't do that, as things are going it definitely was not necessary. My dog had never been around a cat previously, nor the cats around a dog. Somehow, they coexist relatively peacefully! I was so surprised, and extremely pleased. Anyone else combine "families" like this? Positive or negative consequences?
I think I had an easier experience because of age. I first had 2 cats and a rabbit. First cats, then rabbit. (these were all discarded animals). Got along fine. In fact, one of my cats loved to play with the rabbit.. and the rabbit would smack his hind feet on the floor when he got mad - funny to watch. Rabbit was litter box trained. Then I added a puppy. I think this worked best because she was a puppy and was about the same size as the other pets I had. The puppy grew up with them, so that was not an issue for me.. thankfully. Now.. I had a cat pass away and added another. That was more difficult. Although she was a kitten, she was rejected for awhile. But you just have to let it run its course and just watch to make sure they others don't attack. They now all are fine and actually play with each other.
We brought in a newfie mix foster who wanted to eat the cats. I had to walk him around the house on a leash the first day. He was in the house about 30 seconds when he attacked one cat and was scratched badly on the nose. Everytime he looked at a cat, he was told "no" and a week later he was fine. The most timid hid for about a month and even she is fine now. It was challenging but worth it, our foster is now ours!
We brought in a newfie mix foster who wanted to eat the cats. I had to walk him around the house on a leash the first day. He was in the house about 30 seconds when he attacked one cat and was scratched badly on the nose. Everytime he looked at a cat, he was told "no" and a week later he was fine. The most timid hid for about a month and even she is fine now. It was challenging but worth it, our foster is now ours!
That does sound challenging!! I'm happy for you guys that things worked out .
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