I'm looking to get an ISBT, but are they OK with cats? (We have a one year old)

Opinions please...

(also, anyone know where I could get an ISBT puppy from?)

Cheers

Hi Azz, i cant help you on getting hold of a isbt but can help with the cats. Firstly all dogs are ok with cats aslong as you tread carefully. I have two cats who live with four dogs ( one staffie, two bulldogs and a french bulldog ) and their fine. Both our cats are totally different, one is a big persian cat who is independant and strong, however the other cat is very loving to people, doesnt go out much and my main worry when i got the first dog, the staffie was that the more timid cat would find the puppy really hard work, after all staffs and isbt's are big boistrous dogs as you will well know. We discovered the dog wasnt at all aggressive towards the cats but more curious about them, she would go over to the cats and smell them to suss them out- try to work out what they were. We just made sure from the beginning that the dogs new the cats were to be left alone and not bothered and the dogs quickly realized, plus when the cats gave them a good swipe with their claws i think they learend even faster. Your cat should be fine with the dog aslong as you are firm and install into the dog that the cat would prefer to be left alone. Hope that helps?

Hi Azz, Totally agree with bullboy. Of course it is probably easier if you are getting a pup. I have ISBT (link to her photos on my details) Shakey is a 2 and half years rescue dog. I have two cats. After three months she is slowly starting to know it is unaceptable to chase the cats. Not that I would trust her alone with them yet. You have to be firm. I am awaiting mail from Mr Murphy with some more training tips for Shakey. I am sure with patience we will get there with her. Good Luck

Another thing i was going to add was that when the pup takes interest in the cat distract it with something more interesting. A friend of mine has a Bull Terrier and Alsation and the BT was causing their cat problems so she got a water pistel and squirted him everytime he went near or so much as looked at the cat for two long, he quickly responded to it so maybe that could be a idea.

Hi Just thought I'd add this thought, I owned 3 bulldogs and a cat, the cat used to leap at there necks for no reason, cling on and bite as hard as he could, while the bulldogs tried to run away in a panic with the cat still attached! Sorry to say the cat had to be rehomed with no other animals:)

sorry to be thick i was wondering what is an isbt i was told its anouther name for pit bulls
regards Matt and Sox(sbt)

Hi Matt, Their not another name for a Pit Bull. Irish Staffs were specially bred to be leggier than the common Staffordshire Bull terrier. Theirs still little known about them however their becoming popular due to their very staffie like temperament. Alot of people confuse them with Pits because their quite a bit taller than most staffs, their about a labradour size.

ive never had any problems with mine. As long as i prevent her bounding up and licking them (as she usually would) and just let her have a sniff then as long as the cat is ok with dogs then there is no issue.

Andy

Thanks for taking the time to answer guys! Would also be greateful for your input in my latest post... (headed: Interesting/Controversial/Been done b4?)
Cheers