Introducing Puppies into Cat Home

[MamaKitty]

Hi! This is a great site! Lots of critter lovers out there...

I could use some advice. We have two older female cats. Ollie (named before gender indentified) is 16, and Misha (proof that Ollie is a female) is 13. My husband and I and the two kitterheads lead a quiet homelife, where Misha reigns supreme in the role of Princess, and Ollie just hangs around being annoyed with Misha. The hubby and I are both very fond of dogs, and are considering adding a pair of pugs to the household. We both feel that the fairest thing for the kitties would be to wait until they've left us, but that could be another several years.

Is it possible to bring puppies into the house without terribly upsetting the feline royalty? We would be careful to dole out copious amounts of affection to all concerned. I just don't want Misha to get depressed. This is her house, afterall.

Thanks!
Cindy

[Traci]

Unfortunately, you are the only one who knows your kitties best, and their tolerance levels.

At their respective ages, I wouldn't attempt to bring in new puppies, least of all two, LOL.....simply because they will demand much of your time, attention, and definately training. Not to mention you would have to teach them limits regarding the cats and what is off-limits (terrorizing them, chasing them, eating their food, getting too rough with them)

Personally, I would wait. But, if you and hubby have the time necessary to devote to two new puppies AND secure your kitties' safety and security, then contemplate the pros and cons. The cons obviously, the kitties' age and tolerance levels and general health status. Cats can succomb to a variety of illnesses induced by severe stress. I would suggest a full exam and geriatric blood panel on both long before you consider adding new pups to your home.

[Bluburd]

since my husband I have eight cats, I guess I qualify for this board, too!

All of our cats are kept inside 'cos of coyotes, owls, hawks, and roaming dogs, but all of our dawgs have been brought up in the house. Most of the time, the poor pup(s) are scared to death 'cos of the cats! When a new abandoned pup arrives, all of the cats have to check it out from head to toe. We once took in a two-yr. old German shepherd that apparently had lived a very sheltered life - she didn't even know what they (the cats) were

Anyway, like Traci said, only you know how your cats might react to the two pups, so I guess you'll have to play it by ear. Any chance of being able to give it a trial run? Good luck, and let us know the outcome!

[Guest]

Hi, thanks for the replies! You pretty much confirmed my gut feeling about the whole situation, Traci. Misha's pretty sensitive, and she may have trouble adjusting. Guess I'm just anxious for some new life around here. Maybe it's time for another rat...hmmmmmm...

Thanks again, great site!
Cindy

[Bluburd]

LOL......Your cats should sure be happy with that decision!