Dear Cathy, My daughter requires an emotional support dog for anxiety. Her previous mixed-breed dog died three and a half years ago, and she is still grieving. We already have two three-year-old male cats (brothers).
The cats are indoors and can access most of our big ten-room house. What can we do to help these animals eventually accept one another? Would a smaller, say 30-pound, dog be a better pairing than a larger dog? Is one dog breed more likely to be less aggressive and more accepting of our cats? I realize that so much depends upon the dog's disposition and personality. Thank you for any advice.
– Laura, Amityville, New York Dear Laura, I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's loss. The pain of losing a beloved pet is something that can remain with us for a lifetime. Introducing a new dog into a household with cats can be challenging, but it can be done successfully with careful planning and patience.
Here are some steps to take during those early introductions: First, choose the right dog. Every dog and cat is an individual, and their ability to get along with other dogs or cats depends on their unique personalities and early exposure to other pets, much more than breed. Big dogs can be friendly with cats, but a smaller dog might be less intimidating to your cats.
In general, look for a dog with a calm and gentle disposition, either a puppy who can be raised around the cats or an adult dog whose temperament with cats has already been assessed by a shelter or rescue .
