Greyhounds and cats

[RattySarah]

As you may have seen in another post, I'm hoping to adopt an ex racing greyhound in the next couple of months and was wondering what advice you can give with regards to cats. I have an 18 year old cat who sleeps ALL day and she's very placid and getting a bit wobbly in recent months. I'm very worried about a greyhound upsetting/attacking her! Any tips/postive anecdotes you have?
Obviously I'll ensure the doghas been cat tested and how it has been.

[KatzNK9]

I know you're going to get some great info about rescuing a grey here. I can't comment on that subject specifically; however, I'd be more inclined to worry if you had a spry kitten who was always scampering around as if to be a "lure". All the greys I've ever known have been very gentle, docile & kind to other animals. Again, I have no personal experience on this subject.

[RattySarah]

Well I thought it might be an advantage that my cat is so placid and lazy but she's getting quite frail too so I'd be very concerned about her getting hurt. I'm sure they'll be some people here who have experience with cats and greyhound so hopefully they'll have some tips for me.

[Borzoi mad]

The only advice I can give you is to introduce the dog and cat gradually to each other and do not leave them on their own together until you are absolutely certain that you can trust both. In one respect it is good that your cat is not frisky and playful but on the other hand at 18 she is frail and could be easily hurt. Has she ever been in the company of a dog before? I have a 14 year old Birman who get son fine with my present Borzois and the Dachies but I can remember when I go her as a little kitten I had my old Borzoi Sam who was about 3 and a half years old, and he was always a gentleman not just with the kitten, but with other dogs and with humans. So a lot will depend on the greyhound you get they are sighthounds, but most can learn to get along with cats, so as I say introduce them gradually and I am sure all will be fine. I wish you the best of luck with the both of them.

[vagreys]

You need to do your best to ensure that you receive a "cat-safe" hound. Either that, or you must plan to keep your cat and hound in separate parts of the house. I have three Greyhounds living peacefully with two cats. Even so, my cats have safe places in the house where they can retreat behind barriers, on both floors.

I assure you, it can be done. In fact, the majority of Greys I've fostered have been fine with cats, inside. The same cat, outside, is often considered fair game. As others have suggested, introduce them gradually. Have your Greyhound muzzled and on lead, at first, so you have complete control over the hound's ability to reach the cat. Be aware that, even muzzled, if they want to attack the cat, they will try to break its back with their paws. So, with the initial introduction, you want to be sure you can pull the hound out of reach.

I think your caution is well-founded and appropriate. That said, it is also entirely possible to have cats and Greyhounds living together quite well. If you want visual proof, look in my gallery for photos of our (15+ year old) calico rescue sleeping with my Greyhounds.

[RattySarah]

On the plus side, the bottom floor of my house can be shut off by a door, so I coule either shut the door to keep them separate, especially at first, or get a gate at the bottom or maybe a cat flap so she can get through and the dog cannot. Most of the Greyhound's stuff I expect will be on the bottom floor anyway so the cat could then have all three floors to roam/sleep on.

I'd certainly make sure the greyhound was cat tested amd would definitely introduce them gradually.

I know it's not the same but I've done lots of rat (to other rats) introductions over the years, and sometimes they just take time and patience too.

[vagreys]

You sound like you're going to do fine. Just let the cat set the pace of interaction. Don't be afraid to let the cat cuff the hound, if need be. Sometimes all it takes is one good swat across the nose to make the hound leave the cat alone. On the other hand, sometimes, all it takes is one good swat across the nose to set off WWIII, so you take your chances. Sounds like you are developing a good plan though.

[katch_this]

Where abouts do you live?

The group i got my grey form (greyhound rescue west of england)

Check all the dogs to see if they are cat-friendly before they are adopted. Mine isn't but he doesn't have a really high prey drive so he's safe to be near cats as long as he isnt loose with them.

[RattySarah]

I'm in Dover, Kent. Unfortunately the greyhound rescue nearest me doesn't cat test, but the second closet (Croftview) does and they have about 25 greys and a good few that have, in the last few days (I check the website v. regularly) been deemed cat friendly. So this is positive. Although it's quite a long way away probably 40 miles, I'll have to take my time, there's no rush. Not ready to drive that far yet only passed my driving test on Tuesday

[borzoimom]

Well- even a 'cat safe" sighthound needs to be watched. That drive to chase is so strong- put it this way- they will even chase a white plastic bag. Your cat being older and less active is a help- but supervision is necessary. My older male was okay with an older cat, but the cat only lived due to health problems for a few months. ( he was also young and wasnt much of a chaser.) Now- none of mine would be cat safe. Yes their are borzois, but its still a sighthound. While they say cat safe, there still is that drive to chase. Even the rescues here will say " cat safe" but also tell you to keep an eye on them and seperate if you can not watch them or you leave.
One note though, racers are use to wearing a racing muzzle. And most rescues even give you one to help with transition.

[GreyhoundGirl]

If your cat is that old and only sleeps, your new grey may not even be too interested. I was very shocked when I found out Jenny was quite content to lie next to a cat, and this cat was walking around and such! Realy though, prey drive kicks in when the animal moves, if your cat is always napping, prey drive probably wont start.

Best of luck! :)