cat breeds?

Question
QUESTION: My fiance and I currently have a 5 month old lab mix, Hunter. We would really love to rescue a cat or kitten as well. I don't know much about cats at all as I never grew up with them. Is there a particular breed that is more easy going around dogs, or one that wont get on the defensive when Hunter tries to play with them? (Since he is still so young, he wants to play with everything and everyone, and he will probably stay that way) Would you suggest against adopting a cat at all? I know that Hunter would not attack or be malicious in anyway, he would just want to play, will some cats tolerate that? How can I tell which personalities/breeds will be able to deal with him or even play with him?

As a side note, I personally would love a cat that that is going to want to cuddle and be pet. I dont want a cat that is completely independent and pretends that no one else is even there. Is there a breed you could suggest with this type of temperment as well? Or signs I could look for when meeting them?

Thank you very much!

ANSWER: Ashley,

No easy answers here.  Although a breed has some general characteristics, each cat is an individual and it is unpredictable how the cat may react.  Either look for an older kitten (6-7 months of age) or a retired show cat that has been around dogs.

As for breeds in shelters less than 3% of all shelter cats are truly some breed or another, most are mixed breeds.

There are a couple of breeds that may work out.  Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, British Shorthairs are a couple of laid back breeds that come to mind which might fit the bill.

There are purebred rescue cat associations around (check on Google).  Also, you might try www.breedlist.com on their retired friends page.  You could check out www.cfa.org for a show schedule (by date and zip code) to see if there is a cat show near you where you could actually meet a couple of these cats in the flesh and speak to the breeders.

Cats who like shows are a good possibility in dealing with the four legged chaos of a puppy.

If you do look as if you are thinking of getting a cat, please come back to me and O can give you some tips in introducing the cat to the dog.  Cats and dogs can get along quite well!!!!!

Best regards... Norm.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much! The breeds that you mentioned, are those breeds that would get along with dogs, or are they the lap-cats I had described? I know I want 2 specific characterics and I might not be able to get both. I was just wondering which type those were. Thank you!

Answer
Ashley,

Yes, these are breeds that could get along with dogs.  It depends on whether they have seen dogs before and how they are introduced to your puppy.

When you introduce a kitten to a dog, there may be some hissing and spitting from the kitten to begin with as they learn each other's boundaries.

Best regards... Norm.