Peaceful Coexistence for Dogs and Cats

Can dogs and cats living together really equal mass hysteria?

Before bringing a dog into the home with a resident cat, consider the dog’s age, breed and individual personality. A mature terrier with intense prey drive may view your kitty as a rabbit. Issues to consider:

Because prey drive develops with maturity, most dogs taught to respect the family cat as puppies never regard her as prey.
Breeds known for a gentle nature, such as Golden Retrievers and Collies, coexist most easily with cats, making adolescent or adult adoptions more likely to succeed.
The flightier the cat, the less prey drive is desirable in the dog. Darting cats elicit prey instinct.
If you want to adopt an adolescent or adult dog with strong prey drive, find one accustomed to living with a cat.

Any doubts concerning your cat’s safety demand professional help to ascertain the dog’s suitability for your home and subsequent training. Hopefully your dog and cat become friends, but tolerance suffices.