Are there any generalities that can be said about dogs and cats together?

[Poiuyt]

e.g. Do they generally get along? Do they generally NOT get along? Are there certain breeds of dogs that do better with cats, etc.

My wife and I have two cats and are considering adding a dog to the mix. Because the cats were here first, their feelings must be taken into consideration. We wouldn't want to get a dog that would upset them.

I'm the one who has been pushing this idea, but she's open to it. We're both in our 60s, and I'm well aware of our limitations when it comes to caring for a dog. I wouldn't want to get one if I wouldn't be a good fit for it (personally, I would love a German Shepard, but that might be more than I could handle).

Maybe it would be best to leave things the way they are.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. You can research the various breeds. Some breeds are good with cats,

others maybe not as much. Some breeds, like the sighthounds (greyhounds, etc.) are inclined to chase other animals and so might not be the best choice. Labs, golden retrievers and other easy-going breeds seem to do better but it depends on the individual animal. A lot of shelters "cat-test" their dogs so people know before adopting whether that particular dog is OK with cats.

[Funtatlaguy]

2. Google dogs that are low key temperament

[orangecrush]

3. Where I live

There are 3 dogs and 2 cats.

A pit bull, a minie Dobie, and a Rott mix.

The two cats are indoor/outdoor barn cats.

They were not "raised together".

The newer dogs harassed the cats - at first.

Now they give the cats a very wide berth.

Nuff said.

[hlthe2b]

4. They typically adapt; often develop real fondness for each other.

Check the dog for any background of issues with cats (obviously), other dogs, or becoming overly aggressive/attentive with small animals including squirrels, rabbits, etc. If no flags, just introduce them slowly over several days or even weeks if you get any red flags.

Most important: give the cats an escape route--this is very important. You could do this by barricading the dog into one or two rooms at first and possibly kenneling one or all of them when you are gone.

If they show fear, slow down the introduction. Typically, even cats who are not happy around dogs will develop a kind of "detente" where they "tolerate" each other. But it is not rare for them to develop love and dependency on each other.

[qazplm135]

5. easygoing dogs will do fine

but to be honest, it just depends on the cats.

[TDale313]

6. Dogs and cats can get along fine

But it does depend on the individual animal, of course. And it will take time for them to get used to each other. I would tend to think a puppy might be easier to introduce into the household, but they can also be kinda bouncy and unpredictable. Trying to get my cat used to my parent’s Schnauzer puppy myself, and it’s been challenging. He doesn’t speak cat very well. Wants to play and comes bounding up when the cat is doing everything is his power to send the “Back. Off. Now!!!” Message. They do ok if the puppy’s on a leash and can’t run after him.

[Lunabell]

7. I have 4 dogs and 5 indoor cats.

For the most part, they all get along. One dog in particular is kind of bitchy toward the cats. Lola nips at them and tries to herd them a little. She's a red heeler and they're herding dogs.

If you raise your puppy with the cats, they should get along. Just be sure to provide a place up high where the cats can have a space. We have a huge cat tree.

Also, please consider rescuing a dog instead of buying one. Just a thought. Good luck.

[Poiuyt]

13. The cat tree is a good idea

I'm not sure if the older one could climb it well, but we could modify it in some way.

We would definitely get a shelter dog.

Thanks!

[matt819]

8. Generally

Ours gave mostly gotten along. Three terriers three cats. They mostly get along, though they gave their moments. A couple of the cats tend to argue, and one of the dogs is a bit if s billy with the cats. But not all the time. So, generally, it works.

[tblue37]

9. Usually if the dog is a puppy and the cats aren't too set in their ways, or if they

all get to grow up together, it works fine.

A puppy soon learns the rules and accepts that the cats are their elders and therefore dominant.

OTOH, my daughter's dog was about 6 years old when she (the dog) had to learn to live with the boyfriend's 6-year-old cat. They played together, though now at age 11 both animals lie around most of the time and ignore each other.

[Poiuyt]

14. We hadn't considered a puppy, but that makes sense

I frankly didn't want to contend with the housebreaking and other mayhem that a young dog can cause. But I'm open.

[LakeArenal]

10. Adopt one from the shelter that gets along with cats

I suggest an older dog.

Then as said before, it’s up to the cats.

[Freddie]

11. My grandpets get along fine

They had Edward, cat #1, first. Then they got Lucy, a Lab puppy. Edward immediately showed her who’s boss and Lucy just wanted to play. Lucy is now 70 lb, Edwards getting old and doesn’t want to play anymore, but they get along fine.
When the dog was about 2 they got cat #2, Lilly. Lucy and Lilly are best pals, curl up and nap together.
I’m sure it depends on the breed. Labs are great with cats and kids.

[TEB]

12. Good luck

[littlemissmartypants]

15. The cats always rule. nt

[Boomer]

16. There's no general rule

We were a little concerned when we adopted a middle-aged bluetick coonhound from the local pound, because all the dog breed guides warned that they will chase cats.

One of our cats was waiting for us outside the garage door when we brought Josie home, so we had an immediate test case. Instead of chasing the cat, however, the dog turned her head and very obviously avoided any eye contact. This behavior continued the rest of the day; Josie would go out of her way to avoid the cats. We figure that wherever she lived before, cats ruled.

Fortunately, our cats love dogs and now we can often find Josie curled up on a bed with a cat by her side.

Then we pushed our luck and got a second coonhound, a black & tan. She tries to play with the cats, but they ignore her.

So personal history makes a big difference. We've always had both cats & dogs, and we've never had a problem with them getting along.

[iscooterliberally]

17. It's hit or miss and there are no certain breeds that you can go for.

Either get a puppy and train it to be around the cats, or go for an older dog that is known to be friendly with cats. An older dog will be much easier on you than a puppy will, so if you've never had a dog, go for the older dog instead. Puppies need constant attention and cannot be left on their own for very long. I also recommend getting a crate for your dog, even if it's an older one. In my experience dogs are good around cats if the cats know how to behave around dogs. I have lived in a house with as many as 8 cats and 3 very large dogs all living together in relative harmony. No matter what you do there will be 'disagreements' and the best thing you can do is to always keep calm. If you get excited or upset the outcome will most likely not be good. Since you're in your 60s, I would recommend contacting a local dog rescue and foster the dog first. The down side of fostering is that someone might want to adopt that dog and you'll have to give it up. The upside is that you don't have to pay for any vet bills, or at least you shouldn't. The other upside is that the rescue groups usually know the dogs history and can help you select the right dog. Also you will have a rescue group that knows you and should anything happen to you, your animals won't end up back in the shelter. My wife and I are in our 50s and we plan on fostering in the future. When you do get a dog, make sure your cats have high places to escape to. Also feed the cats up high off the floor so the dogs don't try to steal the cats food. Even in the best situations this can be a problem. You'll also need litter boxes that the dogs can't easily access. Good luck!