Ask the Vet - Mixing Dogs and Cats

I would love to get a dog, but I am concerned about introducing a new animal into my household. I have two cats, the oldest of which was abused before I adopted him. How do you think my cats would react to another animal?

If you decide to bring a new animal into any house where other pets already reside, there is bound to be some tension at first. However, chances are good that with time, the animals will adjust to one another’s presence. It is usually easier to blend a household when all the animals are young.

In your particular case, I wouldn’t count on the cats and dog becoming friends, but it is possible. More likely, the cats may just keep to themselves. Either way, they will all probably learn to accept each other. But if you are hoping for harmony among them, you may be in for a bit of a challenge.