Conference misery::feline

Boy, that was fast -- had several replies before I could even blink.

I would like a kitten, however, since I don't think it would be fair to
start with an adult.  My dogs that I do have are very valuable show dogs
and I can't risk loosing an eye or ripping an ear -- the dogs are large, 
but are house dogs, also.

dana

    Hi Dana,
    
    After the holidays would be a great time to get a cat; during the
    holidays would be a little too stressful.
    
    For information on breed, do a DIR/TITLE=<breed your interested in>
    here and in MUTTON::FELINE_V1.
    
    Abysinians are very active cats, so that may be a good choice for you. 
    I don't know what kind of personality Russian Blues have, but in order
    to be a mouser, the cats mother must be a good mouser.  Cats are not
    necessarily good mousers; it is possible to raise cats that are
    friendly with mice and other animals it would normally hunt.
    
    Good luck.
    
    Best,
    Michelle

    Welcome to the FELINE notesfile.
    
    Having had cats (and dogs) all my life - I have not professionally 
    shown any of them...so I have no advice there.  However, my Otis
    is a Maine Coon - BIG - loveable (stubborn...but I pretend not to
    notice) and a FANTASTIC mouser.  Can smell an ant a mile away and
    even perks up when people walk by the house.  Can't beat a Maine
    Coon for mousing (in my humble opinion).     ;*)
    
    Good luck on your search and keep us posted!
    
    Marilyn & Otis
    

    Dana-
    
    I don't know of any breeder that will sell a pedigreed
    cat that is not going to be an indoor only cat.  Just
    like you value your dogs, most breeders would expect
    the same value to be put on the kitten/cat.  Any
    cat will hunt....my indoor cats do, and their mom wasn't
    able to show them the ropes! (;
    The dogs are just as likely to cause injury to the kitten
    as vice versa.  An introduction to the household like a
    new dog being presented would be a good idea.  Supervised
    until such time as it looks like there is acceptance and no
    danger....
    
    L

    I know a breeder of Maine Coons. Her name is Cheryl Kearns and she
    lives on the cape, so her cattery is called CapeCoons!  She is a nice
    person altho I don't know her real well.  Her cats always look very
    good to me.  Coons do have long hair but they don't need as much care
    as a persian. A Maine Coon can become a VERY large cat and may be a
    good choice for the dogs. Another friend breeds American Shorthairs,
    that have been raised around dogs, a golden and a doberman.  They would
    make lovely mousers! 
    Karen

Rest assured that the kitten will not be "thrown to the wolves"!  After 20 years
of introducing new dogs to the household, etc.  I have a pretty good idea of
how to handle this.  I also had cats/kittens the first four years of owning
dogs.

The dogs I have right now, are gentle enough that they can be in a room
supervised with puppies 2 1/2 to 3 weeks of age that are just learning how to
make a mess -- excuse me, eat -- out of a pie pan.  They also sit there and
watch with curiousity when an occasional mouse runs across the floor!

I would be very careful to not have injury to any parties involved in this
household -- besides, who needs the vet bills!!

dana

PS

The other reason I thought after the holiday season is the dangers of a Xmas
tree and that is when my show season winds down for the dogs.  The house is
pretty quiet, I am the only 2 legged critter living in it.

    What kind of dogs do you show?
    Just curious!
    Karen and her soon to be 12 from 13 :-[

Belgian Tervuren

    Also remember that rodents carry various pests that can be passed
    along to your cat (ie. worms) that will cause health problems.  
    
    N

    Aby. I am owned not by an Aby, but in a 'dogged' household I would vote
    for an Aby, for (as far as I know) Abys are the most friendly with
    barking friends.
    
    Nat

    
    
    This is the perfect note for my questions.
    
    I have been considering getting a cat.  First I have to say that I
    have three dogs, all 40 - 50 pounds.  My next door neighbor has a
    cat that comes over and "Visits".  They sometimes chase her around
    but they would not hurt her.  They are more curious than anything.
    She is not frightened by them.
    
    I am also somewhat allergic to cats.  A short haired cat does not
    bother me unless I am exposed to it a very close range for a long time.
    
    I would prefer a female as a male will probably be joining us as a 
    pending roommate.
    
    I will certainly have her spayed and I would like a cat than can spend
    some time outdoors.  I would love an all black one.
    
    Suggestions?  Comments?
    
    Thanks!
    
    /andy
    
    

    Are you looking for an adult cat or a kitten?  In either case, I'd
    recommend looking for a pet at your local Humane Society or shelter.
    I adopted my last cat from the Humane Society here in Nashua, NH.
    Not only did I get a wonderful kitty, but I felt as if I saved a life
    as well.
    
    For many of the animals, most shelters and Humane Societies can also
    provide you with some stats (ie does not like small children, likes
    dogs and other cats, should be in a one cat household, etc).  
    
    During the spring months, there is usually (unfortunately) a large 
    selection of cats that need homes so if you're looking for a 
    particular sex and color your local shelter may have it!
    
    Good luck in your search!
    
    Sharon