I want a cat!

Question
Hello,

I have a 2 dogs, a german shorthaired pointer, and mixed breed english pointer/lab/rhodegian ridgeback.  The latter is named Jack.  The german shorhair cares less about cats, but Jack really likes to chase them.  I REALLY want to bring home a kitty, but I am afraid that Jack will get a hold of it.  He is such a mild-mannered dog otherwise, that is why it is so surprising that he chases cats.  Would it be different if I brought home a kitty?

Thanks, kelli

Answer
Hi Kelli,
Unfortunately your dog would probably try and chase a kitty if you took one home.  To accept cats in their house a dog really needs to be raised with them from a small pup.  A cat can be introduced to laid back dogs who dont chase cats quite successfully but in the case of a dog who already likes to chase cats it is not usually a happy ending.  A dog with rhodesian ridgeback in it has a very strong hunt and kill instinct and unfortunately especially for anything feline as they were originally bred to hunt lions!  This doesnt make them bad dogs but it does mean that they do not get along well with small pets such as cats, rabbits etc and cannot really be trusted with them.
If you do decide to get a kitten I would consult a professional behavourist who can work with you in your home and I would not leave the cat alone with the dogs at all even when it is grown up.  Make sure you have a separate room for the kitty and that the dogs cannot get in there.  They would always have to be supervised very carefully when in the same room and you would not be able to leave them to go out, or even to go in another room.
I hope this has helped a bit.
Sarah