Question:
: We've heard all the horror stories about JRT's and cats. We have 5 great cats, and have just gotten an 8 week old JRT. We're prepared for all the rest (we think!), but are VERY concerned about compatibility with the cats. We're almost always home, but sometimes may leave him at home. Do you recommend that we crate him whenever we have to leave him alone with them?
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Hi AX,
YES!!!! PLEASE crate your dog when you are not home! Crating him in a room that you can then close the door, leaving the cats outside is not a bad idea either. If you leave them out unattended at any point in their lives, you are taking a huge risk.
Also, please do not let any number of peaceful days fool you into complacency. I can not tell you the number of people who have said, "Oh, it won't happen with MY Russell. They've lived together just fine for [fill in any number] years." So, they trust them and guess who has one dead cat? It isn't pretty, but it's true. If you love your cats, please don't take huge risks.
My cat enjoys when I am not home. It is her most house-free time, and I usually come home to find her sprawled out in the sunbeam Robin usually lays in. Please trust me, the ONLY reason Chloe has lived to be 6.5 years old is separation from those who used to be her playmates and those glorious little things called crates.
Enjoy your pup!
Heather
