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Post by ebony on May 16, 2015 21:04:16 GMT
In maybe a year or two, I'm hoping to be able to get just one more pet (and it'll definitely be the last pet that I get before either Ebony or Tigger go to the Rainbow Bridge in several years time)
I'm not getting a pet bird or a pet reptile, mice/rats/gerbils/hamsters are out of the equation because Tigger's proved to be a wannabe-hunter, so it's either a pair of rabbits (which yes is two new pets but it wouldn't be fair to get just one rabbit to live alone for it's whole life because rabbits are dependent on the company of other rabbits) or a dog (and even then I'm not convinced that Ebony would be able to cope with certain breeds of dog, judging by what she's like when she sees one of a breed she seems scared of)
I think she'd possibly be okay with a spaniel or a labrador, but the problem is are they capable of doing serious damage to a cat if they get over-excited around the cat?
I've never had a dog before so I need feedback as to whether to risk it with a dog in a couple of years time or whether to get a pair of rabbits or just have Ebony and Tigger and think about a dog after Ebony's gone (I've no worries about Tigger living with a dog because Tigger lived with a dog in her previous home and the RSPCA said she'd be fine with any dog)
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Post by barley on May 16, 2015 21:20:12 GMT
In all honesty, yes, ANY breed of dog could do serious damage to a cat if they were so inclined (and to be fair - vice versa - I've seen some very nasty eye injuries in dogs inflicted by cat claws!). However, if you were to get a puppy so it could grow up around the cats, then there is no reason why they couldn't get along fine  |
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Post by cazypops on May 16, 2015 22:38:04 GMT
If Ebony doesn't like dogs then I'd have to say don't get one. It just wouldn't be fair on her or the dog, just ask @gillykat. |
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Post by bextull on May 16, 2015 22:47:59 GMT
Oscar is around cats a few times a week. He's a hound and he loves to chase things but he gets on very well with these cats. They tend to sleep together when he's in work with me. Sometimes he gets the notion to chase them, and he certainly tries but I've yet to meet a cat that hasn't told Oscar exactly who the boss is. These days you get the odd swipe and chase from both cat and dog but usually in a playful manner.
But these cats have been around dogs since they were 12 weeks old (now a year old).
Cats are robust little things, and more than capable of sending a dog running for the hills (depending on the dog of course).
If you're cat doesn't like dogs as it is then I think I'd air on the side of caution. Thats not to say don't get a dog but I reckon a puppy is a bad idea. They tend to be boisterous and curious so perhaps a dog who's already great with cats (ie, isn't fussed about them) would be the better option.
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Post by smilesbetter on May 17, 2015 6:14:13 GMT
I brought my dog up with two cats and I made a point of giving the cats opportunities to investigate Rosa while able to get away (Rosa slept in a huge open topped pen at nights). I also always feed the cats first and Rosa after, and Rosa will patiently lie and wait as they eat, and the cats don't seem to have any worry that she'd take their food (whereas they do from each other). Her and Carlotta get on great now and I regularly have them lying near each other on the couch. Carlotta has learned that if she runs from Rosa she will get chased. When the cats have mad half hour Rosa sits and watches but never joins in.
Mieze seems to tolerate Rosa but has her trained through fear, and if Rosa does anything she doesn't like then Mieze will give her a slap (we all get that treatment haha). Just yesterday Mieze ran up to Rosa and slapped her! Rosa yelped but didn't do anything herself in response. Rosa knows not to mess with Mieze and is very respectful of her though so that kind of thing is a rarity.
However you need to be sure you are ready for a new pet, not just based on the cats. Do you have garden space for a rabbit and can make sure the cats can't get to it? And are you able to train and give all the time required for a dog? Dogs are wonderful but also hard work and they kind of take over your life. Plus if you are getting a dog, I recommend first putting up shelving and furniture so that the cats can get around your house easily without ever having to go on the floor, this will help make them feel a lot safer knowing they can quickly get out the way of the dog while also giving them a good way to observe the new addition to the household without being chased. Plus it's just good practice anyway.
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Post by BorderTerrier on May 17, 2015 9:02:16 GMT
My two have never been brought up around cats, and Earl in particular could never live with one now. Ethel, as she is still young, is learning off Earl, and again, hasn't been brought up around/with cats, as we have none. However, dogs and cats CAN learn to get on with each other, but it must be gradual and supervised. It is, also, of course, individual.
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Post by alfiemummy on May 17, 2015 9:48:54 GMT
Alfie has not grown up around cats but I think he could happily live with one. Whenever he has had the opportunity to meet a cat he wants to make friends - though the feeling is never mutual and he has gone off them a bit now. He will only bark at or chase a cat if he sees one on his territory, but if he lived with the cat then I can't imagine he would do that as he is quite indifferent to most other animals - I used to have 2 rabbits and other small pets with no issues.
I would go for an older dog that is calm around cats rather than a puppy.
However I would be more concerned about the cats, how would they feel about a dog in the house?
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Post by scallywag on May 17, 2015 9:52:07 GMT
If Ebony doesn't like dogs then I'd have to say don't get one. It just wouldn't be fair on her or the dog, just ask @gillykat. she tried it and felt it wasn't fair to her 2 cats. Beau was bought up around kittens, till they got rid of him  and we took him on. He certainly has grown to not like cats at all  |
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Post by smilesbetter on May 17, 2015 15:44:34 GMT
For the opposite - Rosas breeders got a kitten and brought it up with their pack of dogs who had never lived with a cat before (and are prone to chasing things). The cat has become the leader of the pack and rough plays with all the dogs!
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Post by Roo on May 17, 2015 15:45:08 GMT
I'm just going to add that I have 2 rabbits, who both live singularly and quite happy  They are both house rabbits, as I am yet to see a hutch or run for sale anywhere that's a big enough space! Personally I don't think I would ever keep rabbits outside again now. A room in a house designated to rabbits is normally adequate enough space and they can be pretty easy to house train If you are opting for a rabbit, please, please do your research! They can live for a very long time, not uncommon for them to live over 8years. I have also found that they are far more time consuming than any dog I have ever had!!! There are lots of YouTube channels dedicated to correct rabbit care that are really informative and helpful I'm sorry if I sound patronising in anyway, that isn't my intention (especially seeing as this is the first time we've 'met' )!! I may break the mould here and say a calmer, older dog would be better |
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Post by Roo on May 17, 2015 16:55:39 GMT
Another thing I want to add about rabbits ... Some rabbits are miserable and grumpy  My current two I have had since babies (old enough to leave their mothers) and have equally been handled, played with, trained the same amount. Neither have had less time or effort than the other. However, Rush (French lop) is a real grumpy b*tch sometimes haha! The past few days she has been so mellow, cuddly and inquisitive. But more often than not this is her house and we are so lucky to live in it  She will grunt, stamp her foot and try her hardest to shove you out of the way when she wants to get somewhere and you happen to be blocking the path way Tarka however! Is the sweetest and cuddliest little thing in the world; he adores human attention and will happily snuggle up with you to watch TV. Rush will watch TV on the sofa or in bed, just as long as you don't want to be in bed or on the sofa at the same time They are really strong characters, definitely rule the roost in this house! They are time consuming because they don't entertain themselves in the same way a dog or cat will with toys if you are not present. Even if you opt for two, you will still need to spend a lot of time with them every day If you aren't put off by rabbits from my posts, you will not be disappointed I love mine, they make me laugh everyday! |
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Post by alfiemummy on May 17, 2015 17:46:36 GMT
I can also add about the rabbits! Mine were outdoors and they both lived seperately. I got two so they could be companions but it didn't work out that way! They would fight when they couldn't get away from each other so I had to keep them in separate hutches. I agree with Roo that most hutches aren't big enough, I wasn't overly happy with mine but they only spent the night in there so I guess it could be worse. My two were quite happy to be outside together so they did mix with each other but always went back into their own hutch. They had the whole garden to explore (no run as again they aren't big enough!) so we had to make sure it was secure, they would be out for most of the day. Both of my rabbits were very miserable and grumpy and didn't enjoy being handled too much, I do wonder if they would have been different as house rabbits. I do prefer them to live outdoors as I think it is more natural for them, mine could eat grass, run around and dig all day long! I had another rabbit before those two and he was the cuddliest, sweetest thing you could imagine. He would hop up to me when I went out to see him and paw up my leg for cuddles! He used to love being handled and groomed and any attention you gave him. In my experience I have found males to be a lot more friendly than females. If I was to keep them again I think I would build a large enclosure in the garden for them. |
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Post by ebony on May 17, 2015 19:54:45 GMT
OK so a dog is out of the question, Ebony was getting a lot better about hearing the dog next door but unfortunately today she nearly got trapped outside then next door's dog started barking at the birds which made poor Ebony panick so now if I do get another pet it's got to be either rabbits or possibly guinea pigs (as long as Tigger understands they're not prey animals!)
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and we took him on. He certainly has grown to not like cats at all 
My current two I have had since babies (old enough to leave their mothers) and have equally been handled, played with, trained the same amount. Neither have had less time or effort than the other. However, Rush (French lop) is a real grumpy b*tch sometimes haha! The past few days she has been so mellow, cuddly and inquisitive. But more often than not this is her house and we are so lucky to live in it 
She will grunt, stamp her foot and try her hardest to shove you out of the way when she wants to get somewhere and you happen to be blocking the path way 