Lurchers & Cats

[Dalianwanda]

I've been patiently waiting for a rescue dog to come up over the past few years (not trying too hard but when something really catches my eye/tugs my heart strings putting in interest. For a variety of reasons no luck yet). Ive a massive garden, live in between the sea & forrests for walks & work from home most of the time so will be around for them.

Then my friend who works for a large dog charity here told us about some lurcher puppies that had become available. My mrs loves lurchers and greyhounds & I like from what I can tell, their placid personalities & they fact they love a long walk then just happy to laze about

So Ive put in a notice of interest but just wondered if anyone had experience of these dogs living harmoniously with cats? The cats very close to our hearts (hes more like a dog the way he follows me about & is trained to give paws & roll over haha) so we really want it to work with him. As. its a puppy I thought he would show the dog pretty. quickly who rules the roost. Were also very keen on training (if we can train the cat surely a dog will be simple) but am aware there might be some 'hardwiring' in terms of chasing fluffy things. As I say part of the reason in getting one is to train it.

Theres how the dog reacts to the cat but also how the cat reacts so we were thinking of seeing if we could foster before rehoming.

Anyway just wondered if anyone had any experience of this.

[Just_Jimmy]

most dogs if they grow up with cats in the house will be fine after a while. it's often the cat, especially if older, thats the issue.

my dog is a spaniel but she came along about 3 months after we got the cat and they grew up together. other cats beware when we're out etc but she'll protect my cat and they're best pals. it took about a year or two before I trust them totally.

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[speedy_gonzales]

I've only known a few lurchers in my time, and they have always chased cats (at some speed).
It's not so much the fluffy, but the flight that triggers their natural response.
I did know a lurcher-terrier cross that lived happily with a cat, but it was a cross and like your situation, the cat was their first so held dominance in the household.
If you're taking on from a puppy stage I'd like to think they'd become accustomed to each other and the cat wouldn't run away as they grew up together.

[Dalianwanda]

Thank you both!

Ive had a chat with the dog trust & they have said it could be possible just to foster the puppy for a couple of weeks. Not just to see how he\she gets on but also how the cat reacts. If its workable cool if not then it will be early enough to get the pup another forever home. Very excited though :-)

[speedy_gonzales]

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Thank you both!

Ive had a chat with the dog trust & they have said it could be possible just to foster the puppy for a couple of weeks. Not just to see how he\she gets on but also how the cat reacts. If its workable cool if not then it will be early enough to get the pup another forever home. Very excited though :-)

Brilliant, fingers crossed everything works out for all.
Knowing cats though, regardless what happens, it'll still treat you with utter contempt 🤣

[Just_Jimmy]

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Thank you both!

Ive had a chat with the dog trust & they have said it could be possible just to foster the puppy for a couple of weeks. Not just to see how he\she gets on but also how the cat reacts. If its workable cool if not then it will be early enough to get the pup another forever home. Very excited though :-)

great news. I wouldn't write it off after a few weeks either. like I say my two grew up together and they're 3 and almost 3 and best pals. you might just end up them tolerating each other but never leave them alone together. when the pup is watching the cat, give it treats for sitting watching and not chasing etc.

there's plenty info online on helping them

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[Dalianwanda]

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great news. I wouldn't write it off after a few weeks either. like I say my two grew up together and they're 3 and almost 3 and best pals. you might just end up them tolerating each other but never leave them alone together. when the pup is watching the cat, give it treats for sitting watching and not chasing etc.

there's plenty info online on helping them

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That’s a great tip.. Ive been reading up but also don’t want to tempt fate. Was speaking to them yesterday and they have 3 4 week old blue lurchers. Going to go through in two weeks to meet them.

[Pretty Boy]

A friend of mine looked into rehoming a greyhound a few years back and I went along with him because it was an opportunity to spend an hour or so with dogs.

The dogs were all cat tested and their result decided their suitability for rehoming to a home with other pets. My mate had a cat at the time and the advice he was given that if it was an indoor cat and a younger dog who has passed the test could be introduced slowly then the likelihood was they would be fine. However if it was a cat allowed to roam outdoors then it was more problematic as the prey drive is higher outdoors for all dogs but particularly sight hounds.

Hopefully you can get something sorted. Lurchers and greyhounds are the sweetest natured dogs and there are too many dogs waiting on forever homes. It's not practical for me at the moment but as soon as it is I'll have another dog and it will definitely be a rescue.

[Dalianwanda]

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A friend of mine looked into rehoming a greyhound a few years back and I went along with him because it was an opportunity to spend an hour or so with dogs.

The dogs were all cat tested and their result decided their suitability for rehoming to a home with other pets. My mate had a cat at the time and the advice he was given that if it was an indoor cat and a younger dog who has passed the test could be introduced slowly then the likelihood was they would be fine. However if it was a cat allowed to roam outdoors then it was more problematic as the prey drive is higher outdoors for all dogs but particularly sight hounds.

Hopefully you can get something sorted. Lurchers and greyhounds are the sweetest natured dogs and there are too many dogs waiting on forever homes. It's not practical for me at the moment but as soon as it is I'll have another dog and it will definitely be a rescue.

We'd never really planned to rescue a puppy, always had an older dog in our heads & the ones we have expressed an interest in have been a couple of years old. But Kates always wanted a lurcher (mainly for their nature) so getting the puppies the safest option and just lucky these came up.

We have a great space out the back for it (plenty of high spots the cat likes to rest in) as well a living by the sea in the countryside. The cats indoors and outdoors but we have quite a long house so can have their beds at either end of the house (glass doors so they can get used to each other a bit too while being separated)..

Speaking to my friend whos the dog whisperer for dogs trust shes more interested in the cat being happy than the puppy. Next doors have a field behind them & they have greyhounds they train. So although they will generally be locked away the cats over that side enough, so hes not that scared that he stays away (although Id dread to think what they would do if they got him!

Getting a bit nervous just thinking about it

[Just_Jimmy]

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We'd never really planned to rescue a puppy, always had an older dog in our heads & the ones we have expressed an interest in have been a couple of years old. But Kates always wanted a lurcher (mainly for their nature) so getting the puppies the safest option and just lucky these came up.

We have a great space out the back for it (plenty of high spots the cat likes to rest in) as well a living by the sea in the countryside. The cats indoors and outdoors but we have quite a long house so can have their beds at either end of the house (glass doors so they can get used to each other a bit too while being separated)..

Speaking to my friend whos the dog whisperer for dogs trust shes more interested in the cat being happy than the puppy. Next doors have a field behind them & they have greyhounds they train. So although they will generally be locked away the cats over that side enough, so hes not that scared that he stays away (although Id dread to think what they would do if they got him!

Getting a bit nervous just thinking about it

my cat is outdoor cat and they sit together in the garden and stuff. the dog will literally run past our cat to chase another cat away. I said it's more about the cat but mine is a total diva and she struts around. the dog is so mellow and just lets her do what she likes.

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[Dalianwanda]

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my cat is outdoor cat and they sit together in the garden and stuff. the dog will literally run past our cat to chase another cat away. I said it's more about the cat but mine is a total diva and she struts around. the dog is so mellow and just lets her do what she likes.

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Our cat used to like hanging with another cat over the road..Generally he just chases them off his patch though. Theres a pain of a dog next door that never stops barking. Our cats just teases it. Doing nothing till the dog eventually tries to put its nose through the fence then gets a quick boxing then the cat retreats. He does sit about near where the dog is and happily falls asleep whether its around or not. Again Im just looking at thats a good sign it he will eventually mellow to it.

[Just_Jimmy]

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Our cat used to like hanging with another cat over the road..Generally he just chases them off his patch though. Theres a pain of a dog next door that never stops barking. Our cats just teases it. Doing nothing till the dog eventually tries to put its nose through the fence then gets a quick boxing then the cat retreats. He does sit about near where the dog is and happily falls asleep whether its around or not. Again Im just looking at thats a good sign it he will eventually mellow to it.

I reckon you'll be fine. just set ground rules and supervise.

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[Dalianwanda]

SO we finally got the wee fella from the rescue centre last week & oh my god we were not prepared for how much work he was gonna be Sitting here exhausted...In terms of the cat they have met in the garden daily (with pup on a lead) and although puppys kinda bouncing about & the cat has been kinda stalking him looking for a chance to bop him, there have been no incidents. They have even managed short sessions where they lost interest in each other or managed to relax and be petted at the same time. Ive allowed this only for 5 mins or so, no more. They still havent met in the house.

Apart from that Chroi was straight into his crate from night one and had only had an accident 5 times in the first week which I dont think is too bad (my fault as had him out of the crate unsupervised). Hes also starting to go to the door if he isnt in his crate to get out to do his business. Hes managing sit for a few seconds but were backing off a bit on the commands and just doing positive reinforcement when he does a behaviour we like (or friends and dog behavioural therapist and recommended this at the moment)..This Friday we can get his 2nd vax done which is huge as we can start to get into a routine with walks and stuff as well as socialising. His mental turns early evening a bit scary & as he goes from chewing to clamping on to ankles and toes a drain on patience (but I know its just part of being a puppy & just trying to remove myself as soon as I see this happening)..ASgain hopefully regular exercise will help, counting the days

[Just_Jimmy]

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SO we finally got the wee fella from the rescue centre last week & oh my god we were not prepared for how much work he was gonna be Sitting here exhausted...In terms of the cat they have met in the garden daily (with pup on a lead) and although puppys kinda bouncing about & the cat has been kinda stalking him looking for a chance to bop him, there have been no incidents. They have even managed short sessions where they lost interest in each other or managed to relax and be petted at the same time. Ive allowed this only for 5 mins or so, no more. They still havent met in the house.

Apart from that Chroi was straight into his crate from night one and had only had an accident 5 times in the first week which I dont think is too bad (my fault as had him out of the crate unsupervised). Hes also starting to go to the door if he isnt in his crate to get out to do his business. Hes managing sit for a few seconds but were backing off a bit on the commands and just doing positive reinforcement when he does a behaviour we like (or friends and dog behavioural therapist and recommended this at the moment)..This Friday we can get his 2nd vax done which is huge as we can start to get into a routine with walks and stuff as well as socialising. His mental turns early evening a bit scary & as he goes from chewing to clamping on to ankles and toes a drain on patience (but I know its just part of being a puppy & just trying to remove myself as soon as I see this happening)..ASgain hopefully regular exercise will help, counting the days

sounds like you're smashing it mate. with the cat, encourage the dog to sit and watch a treat and focus on that, then treat. keep it short but it teaches that cat isn't that cool after all. otherwise keep chipping away and do what works for you and him just be consistent.

and photos!!

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[Northernhibee]

We’ve had our puppy for two and a half months now and it begins to get easier soon. First two or three weeks are so intense.

It costs a bit but we use a couple of local daycare centres for dogs once or twice a week. She learn so much from the other dogs and at her stage of development it’s money well invested.

[Dalianwanda]

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We’ve had our puppy for two and a half months now and it begins to get easier soon. First two or three weeks are so intense.

It costs a bit but we use a couple of local daycare centres for dogs once or twice a week. She learn so much from the other dogs and at her stage of development it’s money well invested.

What have you got?

Yeah two weeks in & I did neither of us had a clue what we were in for. The days where he just seemed to ignore me altogether were soul destroying (mixed with the lack of sleep)..But then hes only 9 weeks & I probably had a shorter attention span at the same age

That sounds great but nothing like that in my village. Good thing is the beach is right beside me & its massive so theres plenty of space but also plenty of folk with dogs to introduce him to. Beach fronts the same. Not too hectic but enough people & pooches to get him used.

[Dalianwanda]

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sounds like you're smashing it mate. with the cat, encourage the dog to sit and watch a treat and focus on that, then treat. keep it short but it teaches that cat isn't that cool after all. otherwise keep chipping away and do what works for you and him just be consistent.

and photos!!

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Ah thanks appreciate that. In the short space of time Ive defo felt like a failure a couple of times but its all learning as you know. As an update yesterday he got a wee bit too close and the cat gave him a biff (no claws just a pop on the nose)..That sent him hiding behind my legs Its hearting to see they arent just all out war as thats what Id envisaged (more from the cats side than the dogs prey side)..

IMG_3318.jpg

[Just_Jimmy]

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Ah thanks appreciate that. In the short space of time Ive defo felt like a failure a couple of times but its all learning as you know. As an update yesterday he got a wee bit too close and the cat gave him a biff (no claws just a pop on the nose)..That sent him hiding behind my legs Its hearting to see they arent just all out war as thats what Id envisaged (more from the cats side than the dogs prey side)..

IMG_3318.jpg

he's gorgeous!

here's my two right now as inspiration...



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[Northernhibee]

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What have you got?

Yeah two weeks in & I did neither of us had a clue what we were in for. The days where he just seemed to ignore me altogether were soul destroying (mixed with the lack of sleep)..But then hes only 9 weeks & I probably had a shorter attention span at the same age

That sounds great but nothing like that in my village. Good thing is the beach is right beside me & its massive so theres plenty of space but also plenty of folk with dogs to introduce him to. Beach fronts the same. Not too hectic but enough people & pooches to get him used.

Lab/pointer cross. One in Dundee, one by Auchtermuchty depending on where I am with my work for day care centres. Even if it’s just finding people you know with dogs and letting them run about together it helps. The more variety of dogs (and people) the better.

I honestly thought we were going to need to consider putting her up for adoption in those first two weeks, the lack of sleep, the constant accidents in the house and the stress were off the scale. My partner was in tears almost every night.

Also built her up to being on her own - two minutes at first, then four and so on. It’s something we rarely have to do but we also want to ensure she’s good in all scenarios.

We’ve been really lucky though, she’s a beautiful dog with a lovely temperament. She’s learned the cuter she looks the more attention she gets so if there’s a human within range she sits down, wags her tail and looks up with her puppy dog eyes until she gets clapped or just acknowledged!

[Dalianwanda]

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he's gorgeous!

here's my two right now as inspiration...



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i’ve stuck that photo on the dogs den & cats basket to be clear of expectations 😅

[Dalianwanda]

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Lab/pointer cross. One in Dundee, one by Auchtermuchty depending on where I am with my work for day care centres. Even if it’s just finding people you know with dogs and letting them run about together it helps. The more variety of dogs (and people) the better.

I honestly thought we were going to need to consider putting her up for adoption in those first two weeks, the lack of sleep, the constant accidents in the house and the stress were off the scale. My partner was in tears almost every night.

Also built her up to being on her own - two minutes at first, then four and so on. It’s something we rarely have to do but we also want to ensure she’s good in all scenarios.

We’ve been really lucky though, she’s a beautiful dog with a lovely temperament. She’s learned the cuter she looks the more attention she gets so if there’s a human within range she sits down, wags her tail and looks up with her puppy dog eyes until she gets clapped or just acknowledged!

I completely understand your partners tears! We are still a bit like that and it’s two weeks today since we got him. Just trying to stay calm & notice all the improvements.

I was actually out teaching ‘calming a busy mind’ (ironic) to a live class yesterday. One of the group was comparing bite & scratch marks with me. Hers is 5 months! But it was getting better for her. I forget the breed but it kinda looked a bit pointerish.

haha..the power of cuteness can never be underestimated.

[Just_Jimmy]

How's things going?

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[Dalianwanda]

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How's things going?

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In terms of him & the puss they are doing OK thanks. Still separated in the house but Ive allowed the cat into the same room a couple of times if they are both calm. Out in the garden Ive had him on the long lead and they are had fairly close to each other. Dog gets too close & the car quickly lets him know. Dogs showing no signs of aggression just the odd sign of wanting to chase when the cats backs turned.

Gutted at the moment as we just found out the pups broken two toes!? We were on a sandy beach so he must have skidded when running. So thats him crate confined for 4 weeks!? Its gonna be a tough month ahead Im away to get him a slightly bigger crate today as hes growing fast..Ordered a snuffle mat as I need to think of things I can keep him entertained with while he heals in confinement.

[Dalianwanda]

Well its a year to the day Chroi came to us at 8 weeks old & hes turning into a fine young mutt. The original post was about him living with the cat and whether that was possible especially with the 'prey drive' built in....So where are they now? Well Chroi loves the cat (Hobbes) if only he was allowed the sniff the cats ass, Hobbes puts up with Chroi, unless he tries to sniff his ass. The sit near each other but never against each other, the dog might be up for it but the cat wouldnt be. At the moment they are lying in a similar spot in the garden. I can leave them along in the same room no bother. Yes if the cat runs the dog chases but as soon as he chases the cat turns stands his ground and bops him on the nose if required.....dog just wags his tail Thanks again for all the advice it really helped.
catdog.jpg sleepy.jpg

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

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Well its a year to the day Chroi came to us at 8 weeks old & hes turning into a fine young mutt. The original post was about him living with the cat and whether that was possible especially with the 'prey drive' built in....So where are they now? Well Chroi loves the cat (Hobbes) if only he was allowed the sniff the cats ass, Hobbes puts up with Chroi, unless he tries to sniff his ass. The sit near each other but never against each other, the dog might be up for it but the cat wouldnt be. At the moment they are lying in a similar spot in the garden. I can leave them along in the same room no bother. Yes if the cat runs the dog chases but as soon as he chases the cat turns stands his ground and bops him on the nose if required.....dog just wags his tail Thanks again for all the advice it really helped.
catdog.jpg sleepy.jpg

Lovely dug and cat mate, glad they’re getting on alright. We’ve just got a wee sphinx cat recently (Christ, we’ve 3 now) and had a ragamuffin an a rag doll first. The rag doll thinks it’s a toy and keeps cuddling up to her while the ragamuffin keeps bopping her on the skull if she wants to play


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[Dalianwanda]

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Lovely dug and cat mate, glad they’re getting on alright. We’ve just got a wee sphinx cat recently (Christ, we’ve 3 now) and had a ragamuffin an a rag doll first. The rag doll thinks it’s a toy and keeps cuddling up to her while the ragamuffin keeps bopping her on the skull if she wants to play


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I only they could just follow the Hibs.net lead and all get along

[Just_Jimmy]

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Well its a year to the day Chroi came to us at 8 weeks old & hes turning into a fine young mutt. The original post was about him living with the cat and whether that was possible especially with the 'prey drive' built in....So where are they now? Well Chroi loves the cat (Hobbes) if only he was allowed the sniff the cats ass, Hobbes puts up with Chroi, unless he tries to sniff his ass. The sit near each other but never against each other, the dog might be up for it but the cat wouldnt be. At the moment they are lying in a similar spot in the garden. I can leave them along in the same room no bother. Yes if the cat runs the dog chases but as soon as he chases the cat turns stands his ground and bops him on the nose if required.....dog just wags his tail Thanks again for all the advice it really helped.
catdog.jpg sleepy.jpg

Cracking. They'll get better yet, my two are 4 and almost 4 so have had almost 3 years together.

The dog will run around the garden going mental because a cat is on the fence while our cat sits in the middle of the grass looking at her like she's an idiot. I often wonder why the dog and cat accept and actually want to be with each other yet, will chase other cats and run from other dogs.

I'd love another dog but I don't want to upset the balance.



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[Dalianwanda]

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Cracking. They'll get better yet, my two are 4 and almost 4 so have had almost 3 years together.

The dog will run around the garden going mental because a cat is on the fence while our cat sits in the middle of the grass looking at her like she's an idiot. I often wonder why the dog and cat accept and actually want to be with each other yet, will chase other cats and run from other dogs.

I'd love another dog but I don't want to upset the balance.



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haha...My mrs is saying she'd love another cat..I dont think either of them would be that happy :-) Like you Im quite happy we have them settled at the moment & dont want to spoil it...Knowing her, one will just turn up one day & we'll all have to deal with it.

[Just_Jimmy]

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haha...My mrs is saying she'd love another cat..I dont think either of them would be that happy :-) Like you Im quite happy we have them settled at the moment & dont want to spoil it...Knowing her, one will just turn up one day & we'll all have to deal with it.

I reckon a new cat will be easier than a dog because you can just train the current dog again. The cat will learn in time.

They have a habit of curling up together in my seat so I've got to feel twice as bad moving them.

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