Pet Question: Should I get a cat?

[No2W2004]

I've been thinking of adding a cat to my household after I permanently move away from the future Ms. Ex. She is allergic and I couldn't do it till now.

My question is about Barkley really. He's been "king" of his household since he was 6 months old (he's almost 3 now) and tends to try to be dominant around other dogs. He's protective of his "pack" (me & my kids). He's not mean, but he does like to play rough at times.

So, would it be advisable to even think of adding a house mate? Or is there a good way of introducing Barkley so he wouldn't feel someone was encroaching on his territory?

[Cobalt Violet]

1. Yes. Please get a cat.

Maybe a kitten would be a good choice in the situation. There are plenty of them that need a home.

[necso]

2. No.

Slice up all your furniture with a razor blade and do your business in a box in the kitchen --- it will have the same net effect and it will save you a lot of time, trouble and money.

Get another dog!

[pansypoo53219]

3. now now

my cousin has a dog and cat. and while there are a few pulled threads, my new kittens did not destroy any furniture. pottery? yes.
and i would get an older kitten or cat so it can defend itself.

but then i prefer cats above all else.

[necso]

5. In defense of dogs,

I have had a number of dogs who would never harm a member of the pack... even if it was a cat.

Myself, I would never inflict a cat on a dog... or even on a human.

I was at a neighbor's the other day (for the first time --- they are pretty new) and one of their cats came up and starting doing the claw thing on the chair in which I was sitting --- a dog would show a lot more respect (even wanting to rip my face off is more respectful) --- and well he should!

[TlalocW]

4. No on the cat

Yes on a ferret or two! Tube rats rule!

TlalocW

[amerikat]

6. You apparently have room for another animal.

get any animal. There are so many in need of good homes. Cats purr, and that is a great reward and positive feedback. Get a cat.

[No2W2004]

7. I would like to get one,

I would really like advice on how to handle it so Barkley doesn't think his new friend is a chew toy, or is a threat to his pack.

I'm just not too sure how he will react, and I don't want to screw things up and not be able to keep it.

[necso]

11. Well then, get one.

A good dog will accept just about any addition to the pack... I have seen them put up with a lot of crap from cats and birds that I never would have! On a number of occasions (when "attached"), I have had both dogs and cats and have never had a problem.

This hasn't increased my liking for cats any... just my fondness for a "good" dog.

[asianjoanne]

8. I don't think so...

From what you've said, I'd advise you not to get a cat at the moment. You have a dog that's very authoritive. If you bring in a cat, that'll cause jealousy and perhaps your dog may act upon his jealousy and hurt your new kitty! And make sure you're not allergic to cats neither! I know I am....cat dander. WOW!

[slinkerwink]

9. No on the cat.

[haele]

10. He's still a puppy...

Get a young cat that's been around dogs if you can - but not a kitten - he may think of the kitten as his baby toy.

I ran into that problem when I rescued a kitten and Shari (the fixed female dog) seemed to think it was her baby doll...she'd gather the kitten up between her paws, and thunk her head on the poor thing, flattening it against the floor, and hold it there for minutes on end making a "mreee, mreee" whimper sort of noise until she got enough of a swat on the nose from one of the other cats who'd come up to rescue the rather breathless kitten. (I've got two very maternal fixed male cats that are about six years older than the dog)

One thing I've found about having a menagerie of different species is that the smaller the species, the more dominant it becomes in the group. Our cockateil is the alpha critter below the people - he intimidatess and beats up on everyone but the kidlet; then the ratties, who torment the kitties by grabbing at their tails - and biting tufts of fur if they can catch the tail - from behind the safety of the cage bars while the boys are relaxing at their cat tree next to the cage; then the cats, who play puppy bowling in the hallway and finally, at the bottom of the pecking order, the 40 lb dog - who gets chased around the house by the bird who likes to play "rodeo" - landing on her head and holding on by an ear in the beak, grabbed at by the ratties as she passes the cage, and used as batting practice equipment by the cats.

Haele

[DemWitch]

12. cat n dawgs

I have a Pit mix that raised 2 kittens. Someone could walk in, slice and dice me, steal all my stuff and she'd be like "HEY... the Pupperoni's are in here". Look funny at one of "her" cats and she'd rip you to shreds.

So yeah... get a cat, just make sure it's a kitten. And as stated in an earlier post, save time and just take a razor to the couch :)

[amerikat]

13. like she says.......get a kitten

did you know that all cats purr at 8htz. they do purr at 8 htz.(hertz).....get a kitten and hear the joy.