Any advice on dogs and cats?

[Squeaky]

Asha has her own door since there isn't anything around here that preys on cats. She sticks pretty close to home, but I wouldn't want her to run away because of a dog.

She's almost a dog herself. Tends to spend most of her time sound asleep flat on her back. Though she does get really tired on days when I'm busy around the house because she feels it is necessary to follow me the entire day. It's a bit hard to go to the bathroom when the cat sits at your feet and stares at you, or meows plaintively!

The next door neighbors have a yappy little dog that Asha loves to annoy. Sits just on the other side of the fence so the dog looses it's tiny little mind! If we get one, I want a medium sized dog. I don't care for little dogs- and it wouldn't be the best for Ian anyway, but I want one that can be in the house, so big dogs are out, too.

I like the cat nip idea. Gives me another thought. If we can put straps on the dog, the freaking cat LOVES anything with straps. Or somehow attach some of my shoes to the dog......If I leave my shoes around, she gets completely stoned off them! Cat is weird.

[Curious]

Does your cat have places to go that a dog can't get to?   Like a cat tree or condo?   Or just bookshelves that she regularly gets up on?

My cats pretty much rule my dog, though she's maybe 80 lbs. and often pretty wild.   She will chase the one cat when she first comes in, Purrcy races to the cat condo and just glares at the dog.   Later on I'll see the cat licking the dogs head.   Ick.    Sparky (dog) knows not to bother Tigger.   Tigger has claws and won't hesitate to use them.  Purrcy has claws too, but he likes to play.   Tigger likes to sleep.  And eat.   And be petted.  And sleep some more.

[Nmommy]

The cat will probably hate the dog, but that makes it fun!! I had a calico that was probably 6 when we got a horrible brittany puppy. The cat completely ruled, she would lick the dogs ears(a sign of dominance) and if the dog moved she would bite her, it was hilarious to watch the dog cringe but stay completely still while the cat did her thing.

Also whenever the dog would walk by, the cat would swipe at her. We actually have a picture of her with her claw stuck in the dogs back and the cat just lounging on the chair as the dog stood there. It is a wonderful combination!

I would do a medium sized dog, maybe 35lbs. That way you dont step on them. Can't tell you the number of times I have tripped on my 15lb cat.
Have fun!!!
Mary

[absmom18]

Time, and slowly let them meet.  Your cat may hide for awhile.  i had the opposite issue, I had the dog first and was worried how she would react since she is high maintenance.  The cat hid a lot (she was tiny).  Now they constantly chase eachother and probably don't like eachother, but watching the constant teasing that goes back and forth is hilarious.

[Leah]

P Jingles...get yer elf costume on and get over to the Tacky Tiki we need drinks asap!

I would suggest getting a breed of dog that is not the type to yip yip yip at the cat all the time...*no toy poodles, pomeranians, shiz tu, yorkie, types*  Something that is very calm and laid back and will ignore her highness.  Ummm a bloodhound maybe? 

[paulj_in_phx]

Yes, get a puppy her size or smaller. Get some fresh catnip and rub it all over the puppy when u introduce them.
that will sidetrack the cat for a bit.
Also keep the puppy in a small kennel until he's calmed down in your home. That shoule help

[Squeaky]

Steve finally dropped himself in it. A few weeks ago we were have coffee with some friends and he said, "Actually we should get a dog." It took me a few days to process it, but now I'm obsessed.

The problem is, we have a cat who hates dogs! As much as I hate puppies, the only way I can think to get Asha to tolerate a dog is if we get a puppy. Maybe then she can put it in it's place, and retain her position of Queen of Everything. I just really don't want to find out too late that no, she won't even try, and we don't get to see her again. I really love that cat, she's my baby, so I'm very conscience of stressing her out too much.

Any ideas on how to get her to accept a dog? Are there any techniques that worked for anyone?