German Shorthaired Pointers and kittens

This is a placeholder text
Group text

by wthenne on 05 October 2010 - 23:10

Hello All!
I have a GSP and am thinking about getting a kitten. Does anyone have experience with how these two animals do together? Also any tips on how to introduce them the best way? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

by beetree on 06 October 2010 - 00:10

I would keep them separated for a short time, so a few things can happen. First, the kitten will have time to comfortably become acclimated to its new home, with minimal stress. This also creates curiosity instead of competition from the onset. You need to determine what type of temperment and obedience level your GSP is at, and factor that accordingly for the first meeting.

I think GSP are nice dogs, by the way.

by blitzsch1 on 06 October 2010 - 03:10

whether it be a pointer or other breed if introduced good with control it can be harmony, question lies where training is, how old is the dog, i suggest keeping the kitten in a crate or pen for observation and for one another to investigate but still have physical barrier, i have always had pointers and also have a cat, now more like a dat.

by LadyFrost on 07 October 2010 - 14:10

I can help you...its actually very easy..i have 3 GSD's and 2 cats one inside one outside all have different personalities inside cat loved to sleep with dogs and plays with them...the other outside cat does not care for dogs and dogs ignore her...so you can have it either way....here is a picture of my 9 month old cat Oscar and 5.5 month old GSD Bailey..
.

by LadyFrost on 07 October 2010 - 15:10

1st thing is make sure your cat is completely comfortable in the house.. keep dog out of the house during that time cat must feel like he/she owns the place....cats are the ones that are hard to please...then bring in dog pillow..let cat smell, it, roll in it..give it a few days...let cat claim the pillow is if it's his own...then when you bring dog in, dog must be calm (tired) after exercise....keep dog on the dog pillow if he/she gets up..give it a command to lie down..and if shows interest in a cat say "no" dog will have to ignore a cat till cat is comfortable to walk by the dog and eat...also for a while (I still do it) feed your cat first that way in the house you are establishing chain of command..you, cat then dog...any other way will not work..cat will hiss, run, and start peeing under your bed...also cat must have a "safe" room where dog is not allowed...dogs tent to get a bit rough when playing so cat must be able to escape...for example..my dog is not allowed on the carpet..so after playing or when dog gets a bit rough, Oscar 'escapes" onto the carpet and still lays next to the dog (see pict. 1) but at that point both know that rough housing is done...if and when cat wants to play he moves into the kitchen area and they play...
if you have any questions feel free to PM me..if i can find another picture i will post it..i have a photo from last year where 2 of my dogs are sleeping by the back door next to a large dog bed and a cat between them smack in the middle of the pillow...
This si the way i introduce them and keep it under control...i am sure others have more opinions. :)
Thanks
LF

by LadyFrost on 07 October 2010 - 15:10

Also, almost forgot....kittens from 2month-5 month have a window where they are fearless and will go along with anything...during that time I gave my cat a bath every sunday (not that he needed it) but to introduce him to water and blow dryer, then i took him for rides in a car, put him high on the book shelf, vacuumed in a room next to him, then in the same room with him, introduced him to all dogs (same way as above) all this was done gently and slowly....if you miss that window of opportunity with a cat it will be harder to achieve later on. My Oscar now hops in the shower with my daughter when ever mood strikes him, he plays in dog water by dropping balls into the bowl and then tries to fish it out with his paws....not afraid of vacum., or dogs, or loud noises, so if you gonna get a kitten...introduce him/her to everything....dog is the easy part if it has any obedience training and listens to you. Hope that helps.

by Adreya on 07 October 2010 - 15:10

I have a friend whose daughter has a GSP that she shows in Junior Showmanship. As far as I know, the dog was never trained to hunt, but they recently got a kitten, and the GSP would stand motionless in a perfect "point" for hours watching that kitten.

GSPs are wonderful dogs with such great facial expressions.

by GSDtravels on 07 October 2010 - 15:10

I grew up with GSPs and I'd say they're not much different than other breeds. If they're raised with cats, they'll be good with cats, if not, no.

Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top

German Shorthaired Pointers and kittens - Page 1

Pedigree Database