|
Q.: Until about 2,5 years ago I have always had a cat or two by my side. 2,5 years ago when I lost the last one I decided that my next pet would be a dog.
I now have a neutered male Beagle who is sweet and kind, but I miss having a cat very much. Since I have chosen British Shorthair I would like to ask you how it would get along with a dog? can they get along?
A.: I certainly don’t think you will have many problems having a cat with your dog.
First of all, it is somewhat of a hoax that dogs and cats don’t get along - often it can be more difficult to get two cats to get along than a dog and a cat.
Second, I think the combination British Shorthair/Beagle is very good.
As far as I have understood the Beagle is a happy and friendly dog which usually works well with other animals.
And the British Shorthair is a calm, good natured cat which does not have a tendency to see problems where none exist. On the contrary, they often live by the philosophy "most problems go away by themselves, if you ignore them"!
The British Shorthair usually works well with other pets even in rather large groups.
If something doesn’t suit a British Shorthair it will as a rule prefer to walk away rather than start a "fight" - or it will reach out a good natured paw at the "culprit".
There are a few general things you should remember about introducing cats and other pets:
First of all it is normal (for a cat) in the "getting to know you" process to hiss, growl and maybe even "slap a few faces". It does NOT indicate that things aren’t working out.
Secondly, one must always remember that when one gets a new pet to not let the "old" pet have any reason for jealousy or feeling" forgotten". It is important to remember this as one very easily will spend a lot of attention on the little new adorable puppy/kitten.
A useful rule of thumb is to spend more time on the "old" pet - in this case your dog - than on the new pet.
A kitten will need a lot of time to investigate the house on its own anyway.
|
