Service dog in a house with a beloved cat?

[gone]

Just wondering if these dogs are trained to not piss off your cat. Seriously. My cat has number-one place in my heart.

But I would love to have a dog to help me feel safe. (My cat tries.)

 

[Justmehere]

Yep. Mine is trained to ignore my cat, random bunnies that run by, squirrels, etc. I love my cat very dearly, and I was hesitant to have a service dog myself. Even if the dog can ignore the cat, not all cats can handle a dog even being in the room. However, if you get an already trained service dog, or introduce one as a puppy, then it has a greater likelihood of working out. My cat now occasionally hisses at the dog, but the dog listens and goes away. She knows who is boss. My cat also occasionally curls up and sleeps on top of the dog. They seem to have worked out a working relationship. :)

 

[desiderata310]

It's kind of a pre requisite. service dogs have to be able to basically get along with any animal and be non agressive.

 

[scout86]

I've got 2 older dogs. They were both raised around cats. They'll chase a cat if it runs and coexist if it doesn't. We share the place with an older cat who came here "temporarily" a few years ago. HE, apparently, wasn't raised around dogs, or at least not around polite dogs. It took him awhile to quit over reacting to the dogs. He still, now and then, forgets that he doesn't have to run away, and runs. Normally he goes a few feet, thinks "oh wait!" stops, and gets run over by the dog who can't stop in time. Both parties pretend nothing happened and go on from there.

I think this is going to depend on how willing your cat is to share, both you and the space.

 

[Chava]

The person assessing the dog should know if they are good with cats. But I've had a cat who was not happy with any other animals. Cats can be so territorial. But when I brought a big dog in I made sure they each had their own space and lots of love and attention. As the cat became more tolerant I also gave them both attention simultaneously (petting cat on one side of me, dog on other side) so they started to develop a good association. They slowly became friends and my cat had been a lone pet for many years. So it's partly getting the right dog but also watching the dynamic once you introduce another pet into your house, even if they are wonderful around cats. I assume a trained therapy dog would not be a small animal chaser. But even so, cats typically need lots of space and adjustment time and most dogs want to be best friends in about five seconds. Takes some time and lots of reminding your cat that they are super special to you.

 

[Deleted member 28740]

@gone my dog pal was not trained as a service dog, she is all of that by nature. At one point my dad rescued a saimese cat. Dog who does chase squirrels did not bother the cat at all. The cat however decided he was ruler of home. Peed and shit on the dog bed. Swatted at the dog at any chance. Not a nice cat. Found cat a good home where it could be top 'dog.' Bring my pal at times to vista a neighbor that has three cats (males and not sure if that has any importance…), she does not worry them or them her. One cat by the name of Crazy sleeps on top of the golden lab. Chevy busted out during the New Years fire works to come to my little cottage and the cat Crazy was just behind him. Just like people not everyone is some you want to live with. Easier to train and discipline a dog than a cat. The dog will not do well if tormented by a cat, having to behave, when the cat can do as it pleases.

 

[gone]

Thanks for those replies. They made me smile. And make me think it could be possible.

But then this morning I had to rush my cat to the emergency vet where he's been admitted and is in not very great shape getting all kinds of tests. Maybe heart problems. He's only 5yo. I'm on the edge of panic. Also feeling like I jinxed something by asking the dog question. Very very anxious. Would normally take a small chip of klonopin but feel I need to remain alert for decisions. Any and all support welcome today!

 

[Airedale 48]

As a person who makes his living training dogs I can tell you that if you get a dog from an agency that goes out of its way to antagonize your cat either that agency is doing a poor job in selection or is doing a poor job in training. Depending on what the dog is trained to do most service dogs have a bred in sense of respoonsibility as well as a kind of "nanny" like temperament.
Now, the cat is a different story. If the cat wants to attack the dog it will be your job to protect the dog.

 

[aka]

Sorry to hear your cat is not doing well. Hope he gets better.

With regards to have a service dog and a cat it would depend more on the cat I would think. Some cats handle having a dog in the household poorly. Any service dog should have a good enough temperament and training to ignore and tolerate a cat. Mine allows my cat to rub up on him and is fine when they both are snuggling on my bed with me. But my cat grew up with my older dog and is used to having dogs in the household. Perhaps you could have someone bring a dog over to your house sometime to see how your cat reacts.

 

[gone]

Thanks @Airedale 48. I wonder if the nanny temperament is stronger in a female dog than a male? Do you get to choose gender? I have no idea how this works, or if I'd ever even be eligible for a service dog. Ideally I'd like one that helps me feel safe enough to leave the house more often.

Thanks @aka that's a really good suggestion about trying out a temp dog, since I have no idea how my cat would do with a dog, and since we're both seriously (over)attached to each other.

 

[Springer80]

Perhaps your kitty could write down a list of pet peeves and your could submit to your pooch for negotiation? :D

 

[Airedale 48]

lol, depending on the breed (and this can be so subtle that it pretty much is a non-issue) males can be a bit more mushy. It wont be an issue either way. Also your dog will highly likely be spayed or nuetered.
Lastly and this is hugely important. Ask to see examples of the dogs they've trained. Sadly there are many service dog organizations that are less than ethical.