hi, Just joined and brought my first lab puppy home last week which he shares with Sapphire our 3 year old ragdoll cat. Sapphire was our only pet and still rules the house. After a week, they are now eating in same room but Selby (lab pup) started chasing the cat who finds safety at height stops and hisses. No physical fight yet fortunately. Would welcome any comments from others with similar situations and experiences and an ideal how long (if ever) will it take for the, to be best buddies! Watched videos on YouTube about labs and cats sleeping/ eating and playing together....are these real??? Look forward to any advise.
I had 5 dogs when I had my last cat. They were not allowed to chase him. Two of the dogs would play with the cat and snuggle up together. Two others were indifferent and the last dog would stare non-stop at the cat.
Hi, an update 3 weeks in. Selby and Sapphire are now eating and sleeping in the same room, so some improvement. However, Selby still tends to want to play/chase the cat and I need to constantly distract him. Main problem is about 30mins before bed time when puppy energy kicks in. Does anyone have any idea how long the chasing will last and if Selby will grow out of this game? On a good note, I think, Sapphire gave chase to Selby for first time last night and nearly caught his tail? Thanks in advance for any replies. John
Can you put the puppy to bed 30mins earlier before the "main problem" time? Regarding how long Selby will chase the cat for- as long as he is allowed to. Mine were not allowed to chase the cat at all.
Thanks for your reply. Things seemed to have calmed down a bit and pupp6 now less interested in the cat. I’d be interested to know how you discouraged your labs to not chase cats...you said they weren’t allowed so how did you enforce this demand? Thanks again john
Hi John, I too have a puppy that would love to chase my cat. The cat is very tolerant and likes dogs. But I only allow them together under total supervision - with the puppy on a house line so that I can completely control things. I then continually reinforce the puppy for focusing on me in the presence of the cat. I also use baby gates in doorways so that the cat can hop over and the puppy cannot follow. Hope that helps and good luck with your pup
