Should we get a cat or a dog?

[Chicago526]

...or a kitten or a puppy?


There is an adoption show at our local mall at the end of the month, we'd like to adopt a stray.

We already have Missy, an 8 year old dog (border collie/black lab mix). She gets along with dogs (usually) but we are unsure of cats. She tries to chase the cats that live behind us (owner lets them be outside) but I don't know if it's because she wants to eat them or play with them (or since she's a herding dog, herd them! )

Anyway, we'd like another pet but I'm not sure what kind. I've always wanted a cat/kitten but have never actually owned one. How would the cat/kitten get along with the dog? Another dog would be a safer bet, but should we get a puppy or an adult? Someone is home 90% of the time so we have time for a puppy, and there wouldn't be any dominance issues, but maybe Missy would prefer an adult playmate (I asked her, she was rather quiet about the subject).

Given this situation, which would you pick? a or a

 

[Mermaid02]

A male dog who is younger than she is.

 

[Frantasmic]

Don't mix a kitten in because you don't know if your dog wouldn't kill it.

I'd say a small dog/puppy.

 

[Hercules10]

If you've never had a cat, make sure there's no allergies first.

If you're concerned about the compatability then a pup/kitten might be better as it seems the older established pets usually are more tolerant of a "baby" pet.

Oh and good for you for adopting!!!!!

 

[wvjovifan]

Cats are soooo much easier to care for. We had a dog and I swore I wasn't a cat person. Then my dd brought home a kitten. That's all she wrote!! We have now "rescued" 3 cats and they get along beautifully. I couldn't live without a cat in my life!!!

 

[beckmrk04]

I don't think a kitten is a good idea, simply because- like another poster said- you can't be sure your older dog would tolerate it.

Generally they will tolerate puppies much better.

 

[minniecarousel]

I voted adult cat and then I read your post - I would change my suggestion to another adult dog.

 

[Chicago526]

If you've never had a cat, make sure there's no allergies first.

Nah, we're both good. DH has lived with a cat before (it wasn't his but a room mates) and I've been around my friends cats for years with no problems (including sleeping over).

 

[minnieandme]

I voted adult dog so you're doggy can have a playmate. Maybe even a boyfriend.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I think you need to get your dog around some cats, dogs, and puppies before you try to decide.

The rambunctious nature of a kitten might start prey drive, so I think you have to keep an eye out for a kitten and train the dog that it is part of the pack.

I would lean toward a younger male dog or older male cat that has been around dogs.

 

[Crankyshank]

Either a puppy or a younger male dog. The kitten would be likely too rambunctious, especially if your dog wants to chase/herd smaller animals. And with an older cat you don't know how well it will tolerate the dog.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

Another dog or puppy

 

[juligrl]

A smaller, non-dominate male. Your dog is 8. Has she been an onlydog her whole life?

 

[DMickey28]

How is your dog around kids?

I would actually go against everyone and say a kitten. I think as long as your dog is not aggressive in nature she wouldn't harm the kitten other than playing too rough but those kitty nails will teach her. Our older Shepard took to a kitten very well. He cared for her like she was his and they be came close friends. I think dogs adapt a lot better than cats do, and many have that nurture instinct which is what makes them so great as companions to humans.

We have 4 year old cats and a 2 year old dog. The dog is a corig so a herder too, and he chases them but he never hurts them. I think b/c the dog came later they haven't bonded as well but they are friends and play.

Growing up our shepard and kittie used to sleep curled up together. The protection nature of an older dog with the need from a kitten for a playmate makes a good match in my book!!

 

[Jules76126]

Personally I don't think it really matters. Cats mainly keep to themselves and basically do whatever they please (believe I have two). However my cousins have a Saint Bernard and just got a kitten. They two animals dont really bother one another. Most animals just learn to accept the other one and live together without much problem.