How are your cats around dogs?

Well, I'm a huge dog lover and I spent years waiting to get one because I was afraid I was never "ready" financially, had enough time, etc. I finally rescued one about 4 years ago and as far as I'm concerned it was the best decision I've ever made in my entire life. I wouldn't trade Hank for anything in the entire world. He's the love of my life, but don't tell my boyfriend. ;) I can't imagine being dogless ever again.

However, if you don't really want one but hubby does, I would wait about a month to make sure he still does and that he's prepared to take care of it for the rest of it's life. I admit I have no tolerance for people who get pets and then give them up when something "comes up". My motto is till death do us part. :)

But if in a month he still really wants one, and you aren't super against it, go save a little guy or girl from the shelter! You won't regret it once you get one and he or she will forever love you for saving them.

My Hanky boy.

No debating for me at all. My kids grew up and left home, my ex left home and opened my eyes to solo life for me... and I love it.

No dog, no cat, no fish or bird... and I can leave for a day, a week, or longer without any thinking of what to do with a pet...

That makes life GREAT for me.

Moni

And, how will the new family member be around the cats?

Being a dog person, I'm inclined to vote for giving a loving hound a home. However, when there are already cats in the cradle, things can get tricky.

Lots to consider here. Good luck with your decision. I hope the right dog can be a match with your family. And I hope you will enjoy looking after its needs.

Interesting subject. We have been in the same place for many years....Had my DD dog for 1 year, rescued from ex and bad situation until she passed last summer. Now we have another rescue....fostering from the shelter. OHMY GOSH....what a sweet=heart. Very big choc lab (95lbs) of gentle dog who just loves to walk and eat and be with his person.. (eating like he is starved is an 'issue' that made his adoption problematic...eating.... that we are finding not that BIG a thing....but one )

We aren't ready for a dog. I keep thinking it would be good for DH as an incentive to take those walks EVERY day. This 'foster boy' has NO bad manners at all (well eating/feeling starved), has not put giant paws on any counters or acted aggresive about food....just hungry.

MY advice is to visit a good shelter....not the dogs, but the people who are there working with the dogs. Times have changed so much, it seems. Our shelters screen adoptive homes and try to make good 'sound' matches of people and dogs. DD has been volunteering there for awhile, and many of the volunteers really do care that dog and forever home have a good outcome. I am so surprised at this 5 year old boy laying at my feet while DD has gone to the shelter to do her work training other hopeful animals to find their forever homes.

It is good to remember, too, that some animals have been surrendered to shelters because of these economic hard times. Many 'shelter' dogs have been with loving families with no choice but to surrender them. The dogs are truly tramatized by their loss....by the noise of the shelter, both people and dogs and whatever it was that they had 'before'. Good luck with your decision.

The cats are fine around our son's dog. It took a little time but they really do well with him now.
This has not been a month or so....this has been many months hubby has wanted a dog so it is not a simple whim of his that he is expressing now.
It would certainly be a rescue dog from the pound but it would also have to be a pup because of the cats and getting used to one another.
I am not going to do this now...we are hoping to go away this spring so the earliest would be after that. It would be unfair to an animal to bring it to a new home then mess up it's schedule etc.
I was thinking more this spring of talking with him that it really would be HIS responsibility...not mine. I would help out but he really would have to take the lead on this.
Funny but sometimes hubbies are like kids it seems!!!

This list just about covers all the questions one should ask before getting a dog:

When considering a dog....

If a puppy....

do you know how big it will grow?

do you have enough room, both inside and outside, to meet its exercise needs?

do you know how active it will be?

will its temperament and personality fit your own?

will it constantly need attention?

do you have the time to train the puppy?

is it easy to housebreak?

are you prepared to forego other activities in order to tend to the pup's needs?

can you afford the necessary vaccinations and visits to the veterinarian?

If an adult.... the above, plus....

can you provide sufficient daily exercise routines for the dog?

do you have time to spend taking care of the dog's emotional needs?

are there special dietary needs?

are there any health problems that you should consider and be aware of?

do you have a safe place to keep the dog when you are not at home?

will its coat require special care and professional grooming?

Other thoughts that should be considered are...

Do not bring a dog into your life if you are not prepared to...

spend quality time with the dog

make personal sacrifices in order to see to the dog's needs
feed, groom and house it properly

be forgiving if it goes to the bathroom where it should not

deal with dog hair

take it to training classes, if necessary

treat the dog as a four-legged member of your family

accept the responsibilities of dog ownership

Do bring a dog into your life, if you want...

a companion who asks no questions, makes no judgments

someone who loves you regardless of who you are, what you do or how much money you have in the bank

to come home to a presence that immediately fills the room with love and devotion when you walk through the door

to live a life that is mindful while being minded, loving while being loved, and caring while being cared for

In short, dogs are man's best friends and most faithful companions, but they do bring with them responsibilities and obligations that must be considered by anyone thinking about getting a dog.

We've always had dogs and cats together and have never had a problem. Our current dog and kitties groom each other and sleep together. As for behavior, I find cats to be just as affectionate as dogs. Our kitties are champion lap-sitters and smoochers and also very playful. 2 of them even fetch toys like a dog would. IMO, cats and dogs each offer something unique and I love them equally. That said, cats are definitely easier to care for and less messy. :o)

here's my question: dogs are "man's" best friends, but remember that you have to be your dog's best friend. if you can't commit to that, don't do it.

Why not suggest that he go to the local dog shelter and volunteer to foster a needy dog for a while and make it clear that the dogs care will all be up to him. That way when that dog is finally adopted by someone he will have had the experience of being the main caretaker and can decide then if he really wants one full time. Just a suggestion, but it might save you lots of money and arguments.

Even though my husband and I both love the peke, I do the bathing, feeding, nail cutting, letting him in and out most times. I knew full well I would be caring for him (like our last peke) but I really wanted him. Don't get a dog unless you really want one...

When we have pets I am the one who takes care of them. The fish, the cats. I hate fish and stopped buying them even when the kids were crying and pleading. I happen to love cats and so when everyone gets bored with them I am quite happy to take care of them. My kids have pleaded with me over the years for a dog which I know I will wind up taking care of. As much as I like dogs they are way too needy for me. No dogs in our house.

I'm debating too. Actually, I've been debating for over a year, since Angel and Wolfy died (first Angel, then Wolfy). I dearly love dogs and miss having one in my life, but taking care of four cats (three indoors, one out) has been about all I can manage these days. I do not want to fall on the ice anymore, so that presents a problem in the winter. People tell me to get a little dog, but I've always been a big-dog person. If I went to the shelter and saw Jennmonkey's Hank, I would melt.

Although I have a special fondness for German Shepherds, this is the dog I would love to find at a shelter: "Music," a big hound mix of infinite patience and love. He's pictured with my daughter Suzanne, over 30 years ago. Still missing you, good boy.

{{gwi:1579377}}

My DH says he does not want anymore because he is the one that has to take them when it is time to be put to sleep;( He says he can not do that anymore;( We have a teenage cat still, this I think will be our last animal~~

i've been told no more cats...and i really understand why..no one will watch her, so when we went down to to help fil, she went along...but it was only a 4 day trip..if it had been cross country or flying i'd been out of luck...

i really don't think anyone realizes what my cats have meant over the years....they were the first know about hyst, and later breast cancer...yes i have family but they don't answer back! and sitting and stroking is almost theraphy....but i will give her up when the time is right....

No, if you are the one that will do it, and you have those cats you love and they may freak out having a dog around and you spending the time with it and away from them all.

And who will take it walking daily alot during the day and wear it out, who will pick up after it?

Take it the vet for its check ups, shots and emergencies and can you afford to care for a puppy/dog?????
They aren't cheap, first you buy one and even getting from SPCA, etc. is costly by the time you pay all the fees, getting it fixed if it needs it. Dogs, you buy the toys if they are toy lovers, balls, if they love to chase balls, they are always getting lost and leashes and collars you have to keep changing them as they grow if you get puppy.
And also remember puppies chew, you must puppy prove, have baby gates or doors to keep them out of areas while they are chewers and not house broken. Who will be getting up to take it out during the night, early am and also during the day too. The food, you have to buy good food to keep it healthy and treats too, you have to make sure they won't hurt or harm your dog as you keep hearing things out there.
Dogs cost alot more then cats. Then there are buying crate, dog pads, beds to go on. Having dog car to take them out as they need to be taken out to all kinds of places and socialize with other dogs too and you have to watch and be careful with dog attacks now. Hide all your wires/cords as they chew them and get elecuted, make sure everything is put away, don't leave shoes, nothing out at all even for a second as they go for it and chew like crazy, remember they teeth and hurt and jsut like babies, need something to chew on. Are you ready for health problems? They do happen and then what? Are you ready for thousands of dollars to pay for those health issues that come up.
You don't get a dog to sit there, and to play, what exactly does he plan on doing with it?

Why do men demand a dog but they won't do anything with it, the woman does it all. That doesn't make sense to me, that says no, unless you take fully care of it and that means everything. Oh, yes, the cost of training classes as you must teach them to be good dogs and if you have problems that you can't handle, then you must hire someone that can come and help with that and how to correct, fix it.

And they keep having new ways to train and what to do with puppies/dogs and so its good to keep updated on those too.

My dad and I learned alot with our two puppies when we got them and had private puppy trainer and then classes.

We also took them to puppy socializing classes at our vets as puppies until they get full of their two shots they need and be protected, you can't have them around other dogs as they aren't protected and one of the worst is doggy poop for them as they pick up all kinds of things and one is worms,etc. from them as they eat it.

Your lives will totally change with one in your home if you are willingly to take it out daily and alot to wear it out and if they love to chase balls, then must find a place that is safe to do that with them.

You cars really take a tool with dogs in it and the gas cost too in taking them out all the time.

Remember they are companions and need a pack and you are their pack and so they can't be left alone for hours each day, that is crazy to do and so hard on them, many can't be left alone, period, anxiety is a huge thing for many.

If you can handle all that, then you will be blessed with so much love as they will give you unconditional love. The welcome you get when you go out and come home, my male would sing to me and couldn't get over that you are home, you are home. And they are there all the time, can't go to bathroom alone, they must go in with you or they will scratch or sing the door down and so you must let them or let them push it open.
Meals, you have to be strict or they will drive you crazy and there goes meals in peace if you feed them or they sit there and beg with their eyes and whole body.

And many dogs will be barkers and you have that to cope with.

Some will dig holes galore in your yard, dig holes under the fence and so you have put fences in that are deep down in ground so they can't dig themselves out of yard.

Buying their license each year and I know many won't do that but that is what you must do. I would say as my dad would pay for dogs licenses, you are now legal. And you would see many not wearing any.

You buy coats for them to wear if you live where its cold in winter, raining too, here there are many big dogs that do wear coats of all kinds, fur lined, I tell you some are pretty fancy but it keeps the dogs warm and dry too.

And some you have to get groomed all the time and others if you live where its very hot, groom to keep them cool.
Also keep them in the house too, and the cats may not like that, sharing your bedroom if they sleep there or how about living room or where you sit. The dog will take over and you must do training to make sure they will all get along and then be safe too when they are alone, you will have to make sure until they do to put them in rooms with doors and shut them in so that way you won't worry, what is happening at home or during the night.

Also furniture they want to go up on chairs and especially couches and you can solve that by what I did with my dog that was down in my place, his sister was upstairs was I bought flannel sheets and put one one my bed and then my recliner chair and the couch which was his anyways and then you just have to pull them off and wash them and put them back on clean or when company comes, take them off and there are clean and no fur then on furniture and when they leave put it back on.

And also make sure they have nice soft place to lay on the floor, a bed but make sure its big where they can stretch out fully. Their hips, etc. get effected if they lay on hard flooring. Plus if they lay on dog pad or bed, then you protect if you have carpeting their body oil.

Oh, yes, you must brush their teeth, so will need doggy toothpaste, no human kinds as they aren't good for them and finger brush, also finding a good brush that works for them as dogs are all different, we found out that the female had baby fine fur and you could see her pink skin and so had to have a very soft kind of brush that didn't hurt her skin.

If you are brave and can do it safely clippers to clip their nails as that must be done if they won't wear them down.

Doggy shampoo and again they are all different in what to buy and use on them.

Its not like it used to be, get a dog cheap and then leave it to itself and feed scraps and that is it.

My question is, who takes care of the cats you have now? If your husband isn't at least pulling his weight there, I have to doubt that he'll do it with a dog, which takes more care. (This is the argument I use when my niece asks for a dog, btw.:)

I am first and foremost a cat person and always will be. Fifteen cats over the decades and only four dogs, two of them are here now. I have never had two at one time but husband thought first dog needed a friend which he didn't. They don't love each other but get along. Two entirely different personalities. Both of mine are rescues, one 4 and 1/2 years ago and the other three years in May. They are good dogs. Never get into trouble, never had accidents in the house, and are pretty calm good dogs. They do tie you down. I could travel for a day or two with just the cats at home. I can give them plenty of food and they have seven litter boxes, but I can't travel without making dog arrangements. That's the biggest issue I have.

My first two dogs were in the hound group and weighed 70 pounds each. This time because I'm older I wanted small but not tiny. So these guys are about 26 pounds each. , and the Dachshund walks ME three miles a day.

My dh & I had that yearning too. So we adopted a lab from a rescue. While we couldn't ask for a sweeter dog, I regret it now. The hair in the house, the poop in the yard and mostly, the need to be home is cramping my style! We got married & had kids young, so I've always had to be responsible for someone......should've kept our "care free" days once the nest emptied.

Then again, it's nice to always have someone happy to see you! :)

Just wanted to mention that it is possible for cats to get along with a grown up dog..no need to get a puppy just because you have cats. My daughter had cats and adopted a grown up rescue dog and they got used to each other just fine..it took a little time but it all worked out.
Joann

Wow, Kathleen, I never heard so many negatives about dog ownership! Some of them were completely new to me, like this one:

You cars really take a tool with dogs in it and the gas cost too in taking them out all the time.

Luckily, I never had a dog who required Sunday drives. :-)

I'm glad you mentioned unconditional love. Really, that's the bonus everyone gets. Even those of us who don't hire private puppy trainers and dress our dogs in fur-lined coats.

I've been yearning for a dog lately too but am going to hold out. I do enjoy being able to come and go as I please, go away for a couple of days at a time or not come home for hours if I'm so inclined. Perhaps one day when I've decided not to travel anymore, I will consider adopting an older dog.

I love dogs, but they are so much work. I would walk my previous neighbour's dog (a goldie) when I needed my dog fix.

I'll stick to my 3 cats, but good luck in whatever you choose to do Taigen.

Oh, my aunt's previous dog was a male and it would take her forever to walk because he had to sniff and pee at everything. With the female, she doesn't have that issue.

My dogs walked right in my house and just looked at the cats. All the dogs I've had got along great with my cats. The unconditional love you get from a dog is a real plus . But that said my favorite love machine is my little grey cat who tops the list of my favorite animals in my house. Cats rule in this house. I've been a runner/speed walker for 37 years now so I don't need an excuse to do it every day and always did it dog or no dog, but it's extra fun with a dog.

The pleasure I get from having pets always outweighs any negatives for me(extra work, extra money, etc.).

Talk to your son about the idea of being each other's backup for dog care when you want to travel. If you make sure the dogs spend enough time together and get along, it makes it easier. He can take your dog when you go away, you can watch his when he needs it, and so on. You can also "share care" lol - if both dogs need trimming you can take turns taking both of them in.

We have two cats and two dogs, used to also have fish and a canary and hamsters but haven't replaced those yet (who knows what the future will bring?).

I don't personally mind the care (feeding, litter boxes, vet visits and so on). When I am sitting, reading, and have two snorty cuddlers and one that purrs, I know it is worth it! They greet me at the door and are ALWAYS happy to see me. I would never be without some sort of pet again.

Dances.

A house without any pets seems so lonely to me.

I didn't realize how much work dogs were until I read Kathleen's post, lol. But what she says is true, it just doesn't seem that bad when you are doing it. We have had from 1 to 3 dogs in our home since we got married 25 years ago, and are very responsible dog owners. I must have spent a bazillion dollars on my pets. Not to mention getting out and walking them every single stinking day (except if it is pouring rain all day) including 10 degrees below zero days. We have lost shoes and couches (yes, a COUCH) to the teeth of a dog. One of our dogs loved chewing the seatbelts in the car--had to replace those several times. Oh, and the 2 emergency surgeries for ingesting 1. a rock and 2. a pop-up meat timer. I could go on and on. But what they have given me in return is worth the cost and aggravation. To me.

I love dogs!!!!! Buuuuuuuuut......for me it's like adopting a person....a child. I would constantly be loving on it...wanting the dog to be happy and entertained...clean, toe nails clipped, smelling good. I might as well adopt a child and after 18 years I'd have a friend I could call on the phone.....

Just a thought...

I like the idea of having your DH volunteer at a shelter; is there one near you?

We have never had a big dog. We've had four Westies in almost 50 years of marriage. Under 20 lbs. Rugged; not frou-frou.

Small dogs don't have any less love than big ones...and they fit in the laundry tub. They don't require as much walking; their feet leave smaller 'tracks'; some don't shed; they aren't giant-mouthed, drooling 'destroyers'. They don't go through your screen doors and smear your windows. They can't reach the countertops, but they're still efficient picker-uppers of floor crumbs. They can't easily get up on your bed. They are alert guards. (Yapping is a training issue, not a breed issue.) They don't eat as much nor leave big stools. Our males did their business in a small graveled enclosure near our back door BEFORE they ran around in the fenced yard. (Yes, on walks, they do leave p-mail.)

Our present Westie is home now with our dog- and house-sitter; $25/day. All dogs have vet bills and more expenses as they age. Ours now requires canned 'senior' dog food at $2.75 a day. He's going deaf. (So are WE!)

Dogs. Children. Guys want 'em and we take care of them. DH walks ours, brushes him, takes him to the vet, hauls food for him, often feeds him. Like the three before him, Eliot is still in love with Mommy. (We should name the next one Reagan! LOL)

If your household is like most(that i know)and you'll be the one doing all the walking,trips to vets and all that stuff that animals bring into the home,i'd say NO.

Over the years especially when our kids were home and younger we had every animal at one time or another that you can think of,including a possum,an owl,snakes,rabbits,hawk etc etc,along with cats,dogs etc.

When the last animal left about 5 years ago a mini schnauzer that belonged to ds#3 i told them all,including dh,to not bring anything else into this house that has 4 legs,flys,slithers,or is not human,because i'm done with animals.Love them just don't want any,besides at our age they would get underfoot too much and likely trip us.
Beside if you want to go on vacation you have to find someone to care for them or board them.Nope not going there anymore.
Kathi

If you have always been the one with the dog responsibilities in the past then nothing will change and you will be the one doing everything again. Dogs are great if you really love dogs but if the dog lover doesn't do anything and you have to do it all then that's not so great. Just know before going into it that you will most likely have to do all the dog care taking.

Well this has given me more to think about. I have always been the 90% caregiver/trainer of all the animals (2 & 4 legged!! ;) )
Thanks all for your thoughts and ideas for a solutions. Could never be without a pet but I'm not sure a dog is really needed here.

I know exactly what would happen if this were my DH wanting a dog. In about 6 weeks I would be walking the dog, letting it out, feeding it, worrying that it was bored and lonely, buying its food, taking it to the vet, making sure someone could take care of it while we were gone, bathing it, looking for fleas, cutting its claws, picking up after it in the yard, buying it toys and collars, etc, etc, etc.

Go with your gut on this one.

Wow, Kathleen44, that's a lot of work...I've had dogs most of my life and never did most of what you listed. Never brushed a dogs' teeth, ever. I feed them dry dog food and dog bones. Never had problems with their teeth.

They are a lot of work but no more than cats. You still have to clean up after cats. Our cat has destroyed as much as our new puppy, including Christmas ornaments. Next year I'm putting the tree up in the little bedroom and keeping the door closed.

Hi again taigen,

Have I got this right ...

... you have a cat house now ...

... and if you don't get a dog ...

... you'll be in the dog house ...

... but if you get a dog ...

... and hubs isn't willing (with follow-up as promised ) to be the main care-giver ...

... he'll be in the dog house??

(Maybe).

???

ole joyfuelled