	AllExperts > Ask the Veterinarian
	Search

About Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I cannot diagnose diseases nor will I try to. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I DO NOT do birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I also do not know much about reptiles, so post those to the reptile experts also. Thanks!

Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a nutritional consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Ask the Veterinarian > can they be friends?

Ask the Veterinarian - can they be friends?

Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 8/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a cat ragdoll(1.5 yrs old) and I am thinking of getting a puppy west highland terrier.

I am just wandering whether they can stay together
under the same roof.

Thank you!

ANSWER: Of course they can. It will take some adjustment from the cat but after a few weeks of hissing and swatting she will accept the puppy.

Just watch them together for a week or so so that she doesn't scratch his eyes and train him/her that the cat is not a toy or something to attack and shake.

Terriers have that instinct so you have to be firm but gentle with him/her. Westies are great dogs and actually very gentle for terriers so you shouldn't have a problem.
Have fun!!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for the information. I have being doing research...no homepage seems to answer my question

I narrowed it down to westies but actually bcos of the color (white) difficult to take care..it is actually not my first choice.

Actually, I was thinking about Beagle, wire fox terrier and westies. but I am very worried about their hunting instinct.

Can you tell me which breed will be easier for my cat to get along and please feel free to suggest a few breeds that
I am not thinking about. My first concern is that the dog must get along with my cat.

Thank you very much.

Answer
I would go to the pound then and find a lovable little dog that has lived with cats. Why buy a purebred when there are so many amazing dogs waiting for a second chance at being loved? You will find the best dog of your life there.

Terriers shouldn't be your first choice then. Beagles are hounds and are not the greatest pets. They wander off all the time, are hard to train and howl.

My first pick would be a mixed breed. Less disease issues, less inherited problems and lots of love.

If you insist on a purebred then go for a lab or retriever. They are great with cats and kids. Most dogs that are good for kids love cats too.

I have no idea what your living arrangements are so that has to be taken into consideration also.

Let me know and I can then suggest others.

Add to this Answer Ask a Question

Email this page