Dogs & Cats together...?? Any experiences?

[Disney01]

We just adopted (Saturday) a year old Border Collie from Border Collie Rescue. He DOESN'T like our cats and seems to go after them in a predatory way. Our youngest cat won't even come in the house anymore...I feel bad. Can this be worked on? One trainer told me no...Because he's over a year and is predatory, it's hopeless. Another told me it can be worked on and they need time. Our other dogs never went after the cats this way.

 

[Serena]

I don't have a clue. But I have seen it work just fine. I just wish I could tell you how.

Good luck

 

[Kim&Chris]

That's a tough one.

We were lucky....when we adopted Belle, our Shih-tzu, our cats were already full grown. Although Belle chased them, they were able to hold their own, and when necessary, go after Belle. We allowed them to 'bat' at her, because we felt as though the cats were here first, and it was their home first. Belle finally learned her lesson and rarely, if ever, tries to chase them.

Border collies are very smart dogs, so hopefully you'll be able to train him/her to stop going after your cats. However, if the dog continues to go after them in a predatory way....I hate to say this......but you may want to consider giving the dog away to someone without any other pets. Your dog probably comes from a background of either being the only pet, or having to compete with other pets for their human's attention (or food).

 

[gr8tpanther]

I grew up with collies, and for the most part, they are rather friendly. They are as already stated, very smart. The best thing to do is to work with them. Collies CAN be directed and trained, but as the trainer said, with it being over a year old, it isn't IMPOSSIBLE, just isn't going to be as easy as if it were younger.

My advice to you is to leash the dog and HOLD the cat. Let the dog know that they are in this as a FAMILY unit and that they are to get along. And when you are not home, keep them apart for awhile.

When I used to train dogs, multi-animal introduction was one of the toughest parts when it came to older dogs and cats. mainly because they are BOTH territorial. Good Luck!

 

[miste76]

I believe that this issue depends on the dog involved. Border Collies are known for being a high energy/high prey drive type dog. With that said, there are some ways that you can try to work on this issue. First, keep the cat locked in one room and let them sniff each other under the doog... this may not work in this situation because the dog is already cat 'aggressive'. You can also try working with a trainer and do some electronic training. Please do not attempt this on your own if you don't have experience. It also helps in this situation if the cat still has front claws. If the dog gets scratched on the nose a few times... he may learn his lesson.
When we adopt a dog out, we always suggest that all animals of the household come to meet the new dog in a neutral location (PetSmart).
Good luck

 

[Cantw8]

I was in the same situation. Adopted an older dog and already had two cats. The dog acted like he wanted to rip the cats to shreads so what I did was, I gated the dog in the kitchen with a baby gate and the cats eventually started to come up to the gate to get a look. The dog became used to them doing this. He became used to their scent and they became used to his. After two weeks all was well. Try it, maybe it will work for you as well.

 

[chyam]

If it were me, before you become to attached to the dog I would return it to the rescue group. I have had lots of dogs and cats living together........mostly rescued greyhounds and all of these are cat tested before they are placed in homes. I think it has a lot to do with the breed of the dog you have adopted and also being older, I personally would never chance leaving a dog like that alone with my cats they are very preditory and also very high energy to herd sheep etc. I have seen what a dog can do to a cat and it is not pretty. When I was fostering greyhounds you could tell in a heartbeat what dogs would defineately kill a cat, at that time I had 9 cats and 4 dogs living in my home. It's just my opinion but from what you have described I would not take a chance.

 

[pw2pp]

We have a dog & cat (see my signature pics).
We had our dog for 3 years before we got our cat (at 6 mos. old - rescued).
Occasionally, our dog would chase our cat but she never did anything when she got to her.
I don't know what to tell you. I just hope it works out with whatever you decide.

 

[chrissyk]

I think that dogs and cats can peacefully coexist, but it depends on the particular animals involved. My female cat has actually slapped, chased, hissed at, etc. my sister's puppy. The puppy doesn't know what to make of the cat, and she does incite things by barking at her. Needless to say, we find it necessary to keep the "girls" apart when my sister visits now. Oddly, they actually seem to want to spend time together...I just don't think that they know how to get along

 

[DemonLlama]

We have two borders. This breed is the Einstein of dogs, which is a curse and a blessing. Not only can they be trained, they can figure out when you are serious about the training or just half hearted. A good dog trainer may be essential if you are hoping to peacefully coexist. Crate training while the cat returns to the home will probably be your best bet initially, but it will require a lot of time and work on your part to allow them loose in the house together. Best book on dog training: Good Owners, Great Dogs.

We had a tragedy about a month ago with the opposite situation. Oldest BC (14 years) has cataracts and is losing his hearing. Has been perfect around every other cat and dog we've ever owned. 9 week old kitten hadn't (couldn't?) be trained to let him know of her presence at all times, and pounced on him out of nowhere. He threw her to the ground instinctively, which broke her neck.

Sometimes it may be in the best interest of everyone, people and furbabies alike, to let other folks give good homes to one or the other.

 

[LisaTx]

Are you sure the dog is behaving in a predatory way? Border Collies are herding dogs not predators. They chase other animals and face off with them in an attempt to "herd" them. Our Sheltie chases the cat every chance she gets, but she wants to play with him, not hurt him.

Do your cats have claws? One good swipe is usually all it takes to get a dog to back off.

 

[Disney01]

Wow, not quite the optomistic responses I was looking for, but at least they give me something to consider.

One thing, for a Border Collie, he is extremely mellow...I have seen no herding or anything else I associate with a BC like we've had before. Our older cat will come in the house, and he does seem to be learning to back off from her. This morning he started to chase her under the bed, and I yelled "No" and then "leave it" and he came right back to me, then left her alone after that. I don't know...I left two of my cats in the garage and he is in the dog run and can get into part of the garage. The other part is blocked off with a wooden fence about 3 feet high, but now I'm worried that he might hop the fence today. Sigh. Wonder if I should go home and check on it. Also, he has had some barking issues, but he seems to be responding to the barking collar, which I don't like to use, but I have no alternative. Since we have a two week "return" policy, we're going to see how he does through the weekend. He's such a nice, sweet, mellow dog I really hope it works out. I thought 1 year was pretty young to learn "new" tricks, but maybe not.

 

[DrCavin]

We have 2 cats & a dog, soft coated wheaten terrier. The one cat is very old, like 13-14 years old. The other cat we got almost the same time as the dog, they are about 2 years old now.
The older cat wants nothing to do w/the dog & will hiss at him if he even gets within 5 feet of her. The cat that has been basically raised with him will allow the dog to lay beside him & they somewhat play with each other...

I don't think you are going to have any serious problems, maybe some hissing here & there, but nothing to worry about. Our biggest problem is the dog will eat all the cat food if left alone.....

 

[adamak]

Well, first you should tell the rescue people about the situation. Just because they should have evaluated your dog and known he doesn't live well with other pets.

But I do think Border COllie is one of the smartest dog around. You should be able to train him. I wouldn't give up yet. If your cats have claws, they definitely can defend themselves. It'll take time. I do not think your dog will hurt your cats.

I adopted a rescued Sheltie and already had 2 cats at home. They do fight, but my dog only chased them when the cat whacked him. My older cat ( who has just passed away) actually got along very well with the Sheltie. The younger one is crazier, but they know how to avoid each other.

Just take some time to train. Don't give him up yet. He deserves another chance.

 

[miste76]

Please contact the rescue organization that you adopted him from. They may have some suggestions for you. As a foster home, I get to know the personalities of the dogs in my care and each dog is an individual. What works for one dog may not work for another.
The group should be happy to give you some hints...

 

[Disney01]

Yes, I am going to wait and see. I'm pretty sure it's "predatory" just because it seems so much more focused than the herding our other border collie did. But, I was hopeful today because he did leave the older cat alone after I told him to. He's such a great natured dog and otherwise very trainable. So, hopefully, it should work out.

 

[chrissyk]

Originally posted by DrCavin
I don't think you are going to have any serious problems, maybe some hissing here & there, but nothing to worry about. Our biggest problem is the dog will eat all the cat food if left alone.....

What's up with that?! My sister's dog does the same thing...she lives and dies for catfood. We have to put it up on the counter before she comes over or she makes a bee-line for it as soon as she gets into the house

 

[totalia]

My sister and her family lived with my stepdad and I for about 6 months. She brought her two cats and dog with her.

Her cats were fine with the dog but ours weren't and it never got better.

Willie would try to scratch her, hiss at her, etc.

Shy didnt come out from hiding for months.

And Sasha (my baby) stayed with me whenever the dog was around.

It only finally started to get better when the dog left but they don't act the same as they used to.

You may have to get rid of the dog if you want your kitties back.

Oh and according to my sister (she asked the vet), dogs like catfood because it tastes better than dog food.

 

[DrCavin]

Our vet said it has a higher fat content & dogs like it better... Crazy dog can have a full bowl of his food, but NO eats all the cat food

We also have to watch him or he will eat the cat litter.. BARF....

 

[luv2nascar]

we had our dog first and then adopted a cat
the cat was not used to dogs and freaked out for a couple of weeks
the vet recommended pebbles in an empty soda can to shake when they went at each other
eventually after 2 weeks it stopped mostly
once we got the cat fixed he calmed down even more
they are both males
good luck
I think you can make it work if you want to and stick with it