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- Mar 9, 2011
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Hello all! I've searched the forums and gathered some advice but I'd really appreciate some fresh insight
My family is bringing home an eight week old purebred German Shepherd puppy in about four months. We have two cats, a thirteen year old (Mici), and a six year old (Mourek). Both are Siamese mixes, Mici is definitely not shy but Mourek needs time to warm up to newcomers. Once he's comfortable, he's very playful and sweet. We also have a twelve year old Golden Retriever (Amber) who loves the cats, they cuddle regularly and Mourek will wash her face and attack her tail.
So, what would your advice be as far as introducing a young Shepherd pup to this mix? We're hoping that raising the puppy with our cats will teach her/him to love them like our Golden does, or at least be as safe as possible. The only concern we have is about prey drive, but it seems that Shepherds are one of the best breeds to have with cats. The breeder has very laid back and sweet dogs that all get along beautifully, so we are hoping the pups follow suit.
Finally, and most importantly to me, what is the best way to reduce the stress of a newcomer on our cats?? I'm not too worried about our older girl Mici, she was with us before we even brought Amber home as a pup, but Mourek has grown up with an already sweet and loving dog.
I'm so sorry for writing such a long post and I really appreciate you all reading this!! Please let me know if I should clarify anything!
My family is bringing home an eight week old purebred German Shepherd puppy in about four months. We have two cats, a thirteen year old (Mici), and a six year old (Mourek). Both are Siamese mixes, Mici is definitely not shy but Mourek needs time to warm up to newcomers. Once he's comfortable, he's very playful and sweet. We also have a twelve year old Golden Retriever (Amber) who loves the cats, they cuddle regularly and Mourek will wash her face and attack her tail.
So, what would your advice be as far as introducing a young Shepherd pup to this mix? We're hoping that raising the puppy with our cats will teach her/him to love them like our Golden does, or at least be as safe as possible. The only concern we have is about prey drive, but it seems that Shepherds are one of the best breeds to have with cats. The breeder has very laid back and sweet dogs that all get along beautifully, so we are hoping the pups follow suit.
Finally, and most importantly to me, what is the best way to reduce the stress of a newcomer on our cats?? I'm not too worried about our older girl Mici, she was with us before we even brought Amber home as a pup, but Mourek has grown up with an already sweet and loving dog.
I'm so sorry for writing such a long post and I really appreciate you all reading this!! Please let me know if I should clarify anything!