I am seriously considering buying a Dalmation puppy but already have 2 fully grown cats at home.

Will I be okay seen as she will be a puppy???

How does the breed normally mix with other animals????

Thanks

We have a Staffy pup and a cat ( please see the thread - puppy and cat further on ).
At first the pup was a little scared of the cat but now he is feeling braver he chases her and barks at her . Poor cat is getting fed up now and on occasion she chases him . ( its funny to watch but we have to keep our eye on the pair of them all the time ) . :)
Everyone has assured me that its just a matter of time before they accept that both live in the same house and will ONE day tolerate each other even if they dont actually become companions to each other .
It is hard not to let one feel left out or become jealous . We try to show both attention infront of the other but at the moment pup is going through his jealous stage and hates to see us show poor cat any attention - although we do - as we want him to see that we love them both .
Lel

Usually dalmatians are very good with other animals, provided they have been sensibly introduced. You may well find a breeder who has already socialised the pup with cats.

Are your cats used to dogs? I've always found it much easier to introduce a puppy to adult cats, than a kitten to adult dogs. Remember, the pup can only stay at ground level - the cats can escape onto the backs of chairs etc whenever they want to!

For a list of reputable breeders, look at www.lancedal.demon.co.uk where there is a regularly updated puppy list, and info on what it's like to live with a dalmatian. Make sure any pup you get has been BAER hearing tested, and is guaranteed not deaf.

Hi!!

I was in the same boat ur in a few months ago. I have 2 grown cats and, now a 6 month old yellow lab. For th epast few months, the cats have mainly stayed in other rooms or upstairs. (The dog was gated in the kitchen) The only time they wold come down the first few weeks was to eat. Their food was right next to the gate. But now, the older cat has seemed 2 have had enough and is downstairs a lot more now and is even sometimes jumping over the gate. so0o0o yes they will get used 2 it. it'll just take some time!!!!!