Basenjis and cats -- Prey or Friends? [Archive] - Basenji Forums

AZShade

02-13-2008, 04:59 PM

I've read some threads and seen the cat sleeping on Basenji and read about baby-gates being required forever with others. Just wondering about a show of hands from those who have experienced bringing a Basenji into a home with cats -- how many have been successful at becoming friendly, how many are having to stay separate for safety? Thanks for any responses.

For those with time to read a few details:
I just adopted a Basenji mix and have found that for the first time in my life, I have a problem introducing my dog to my cats. My last two dogs lived with three of the cats easily, and I've brought a neighbor's dog in since my two dogs died last year to introduce the two new cats to the idea of dogs.

Honey, my new dog, shows GREAT interest in the cats, but made little feinting snaps (while on a leash) at one, and I've been working on desensitizing her to them (and now them to her after that incident) but am worried that permanent separation of the species might be required. I've never had this come up before (had Norwegian Elkhounds, Schipperke, Schnoodle-mix, and Lhasa-mix). I tried to "cat-test" her at the shelter, but none of the cats would come up to the front of their kennel when we were there, and Honey seemed to show some expected tentativeness and no obvious signs of aggression.

JazzysMom

02-13-2008, 05:15 PM

I have always had dogs with cats and have never ever had a problem until the Basenjis. My dogs and cats have always been buddies: grooming each other, sleeping together, until the Basenjis.

Both my Basenjis were brought into the home as puppies, and both want to KILL THE CATS. I have had no success with different approaches -- controlled meeting on leash, crating the cats, crating the dogs --- to try to get them to be able to at least cohabitate in peace. Keoki is the more determined of the two, but both have a very strong prey drive directed at our cats - who are confused because they've never met a dog that didn't love them. Keoki even hears or thinks he hears the cats and he starts getting frantic and running back and forth. Sometimes the younger cat torments the dogs by sitting and peering down through the banister. I have to put the dogs outside sometimes because they get so worked up.

So, we use a gate and the cats live upstairs, the dogs live downstairs. Fortunately, the cats still get lots of love because the kids' bedrooms and family room are all upstairs. The cats come down at night once the dogs are crated, and they hang out with Gypsy, who is not crated and whom they have loved their whole lives.

dash

02-13-2008, 05:27 PM

we have 2 cats and 1 does not move much and Dash is not terribly interested in him. My younger one is not the least bit fearful and torments him sometimes. He gets to rough with her and has to be separated or the cat will jump on the table to get away. Although my young one is pretty comfortable around him I separate them during the day when we are not home. The cats stay in the basement and the dogs up stairs. As long as I am home we can control any issues that come up.

I think overall it can work but you have to be dilligent that all are safe.

Vanessa

02-13-2008, 08:01 PM

Maddox (our cat) just loves Chance. We have 4ft baby gates in various areas of our house to separate when the play becomes rough. Chance enjoys putting Maddox in his place every so often and the poor cat just takes it. I really think the cat is an idiot at times. He keeps coming back for more!
I have already been forwarned about two B's and 1 cat. I expect things to be different once Kiya joins our family. The cat im sure will be "prey" and he just might enjoy it as odd as it sounds.

JazzysMom

02-13-2008, 08:15 PM

I think overall it can work but you have to be dilligent that all are safe.

I think it depends entirely on the personality of the dogs and cats involved.

With Jazz, we were able to control the situation somewhat -- she never interacted with the cat in a positive way, but if the cat was sleeping on back of the couch, for example. Jazz would not jump up to get it. If we were aware when the cat jumped down, we could control the outcome. If the cat jumped down w/out our awareness, a chase would follow.

Keoki becomes so totally focused on the cat that he almost seems to be deaf to our voices, and almost violent in his fight to get free of us if we hold him. I'm honestly afraid he may hurt himself. he appears totally unaware, once the cats appear w/in striking distance, that anyone or anything else is around.
Without bringing in a professional, there's not a lot we can do to solve the problem. He is just too intense.

dash

02-13-2008, 08:39 PM

I think it depends entirely on the personality of the dogs and cats involved.

With Jazz, we were able to control the situation somewhat -- she never interacted with the cat in a positive way, but if the cat was sleeping on back of the couch, for example. Jazz would not jump up to get it. If we were aware when the cat jumped down, we could control the outcome. If the cat jumped down w/out our awareness, a chase would follow.

Keoki becomes so totally focused on the cat that he almost seems to be deaf to our voices, and almost violent in his fight to get free of us if we hold him. I'm honestly afraid he may hurt himself. he appears totally unaware, once the cats appear w/in striking distance, that anyone or anything else is around.
Without bringing in a professional, there's not a lot we can do to solve the problem. He is just too intense.

Wow! that is really intense. Dash hasn't been that bad. Once we say "leave it" he stops for at least a second.

AZShade

02-14-2008, 01:41 AM

I'm afraid that I've made a major mistake in choosing Honey (only due to the cats). Today we had a good session on the back patio with the cats freely walking around the back yard and Honey (leashed) lying down "looking" more relaxed than when we started last week (she was standing and pulling towards the cats to start with), but after a car ride to PetsMart, we were out in the front yard talking with a neighbor and one of the cats came up very close. I had a good grip on the leash, but released the tension to allow some contact if friendly - the cat was ready to give her a head butt, but Honey made a darting motion with her mouth towards the cat (as she has done before). I asked the neighbor what she saw, and she said that she saw no teeth, but a definite snap/grab towards the cat. She and her husband kept some hunting dogs in Germany, and she believes that Honey shows definite "passion" for hunting. :(

I am willing to pay for a behaviorist to work with us but my goal would not be having the dog/cats living in separate sections of the house. I feel strongly that the animals who were here first deserve to retain their home privileges and that it is my duty to make it possible for them to have free run of their home WITH the dog or WITHOUT the dog. If Honey had been here first, I'd feel the same about protecting her sense of wellbeing in her own home.

I think Honey would get adopted again if I took her back to the shelter, but I hate to put her thru all that again. I may look for a rescue that would let me act as foster parent for her while they look for a suitable home for her (don't know if any would do that, but it makes sense to me). I feel like a traitor to even think about this, but I'd feel worse if she maimed or killed one of the cats.

I guess I'll start with my vet - he said he could recommend a behaviorist; I can at least see what their evaluation recommends...

Honey has learned to "sit & wait" for permission to approach her food dish after it's put on the floor, and will sit and wait before going out the door for our walks (although that requires a food reward usually). She is better about letting me go into another room behind a closed door and doesn't bark/whine right away. I was proud of her accomplishments so far, but the most important thing for her to learn may be more than her instincts will allow... :(

RockysWoman

02-16-2008, 04:21 AM

Okay, deep breath here. Breathe in... breathe out. Alright, now that we've got that out of the way...

You say you just adopted Honey... so give her a little bit of time to relax into the home. Yes, the cats will be put off (they were once worshiped as gods and have never forgiven humanity for dethroning them), but in time, Honey will relax and the cats will too. Or they will feign indifference and you'll catch them boxing with each other...or worse... sleeping together!
1224

It takes time... but patience and calmness (as well as giving each critter its own "safe place") will win the day. Even after living together 3 years, Rock & Ron still love to harass each other and play "chase" and "guess where I'm hiding before I beat you senseless"... Honey will come round. Channel the energy into playing ball or with a toy when ever she starts to get excited about the cats. I'm not an expert trainer, but it worked with my crew.

Best of luck!

jaclempner

02-16-2008, 06:45 PM

I have 7 cats and 2 basenjis right now. In the past I had a basenji, a mixed breed and a few cats and they all got along fine. I brought kittens into the house when my two dogs were old and they slept with the basenji. He was pretty quiet by then and he never had a strong prey drive.

The crew I have now is pretty interesting. Two of my cats really love to play with my bboy. My female can get a little rough sometimes. Some of the cats would rather not play that way, but I have a gate at the top of the stairs so the cats can slip through if they want to get away. I had a cat tree for a while, also, so the cats could escape if they wanted to.

I have always had dogs and cats at the same time and never before have I seen a dog that my cats could not train. All my cats trained my puppies by simply smacking/scatching them if the puppies/dogs came near them. That's how they learned to respect the cats. The basenjis are another story. The cats are just too much fun to chew on to let any scratching stop them. And I've noticed they go after some cats more than others. All in play, but the cats that aren't afraid of them have much less trouble - or maybe they simply think it's fun to be chewed on! If things get too rough, the cats will go under the couch and play with the dog from there (they play mostly with my bboy.)

Good luck, and I think you'll find that a behaviorist can be a big help.

AZShade

02-17-2008, 04:20 PM

Okay, deep breath here. Breathe in... breathe out. Alright, now that we've got that out of the way...
...Yes, the cats will be put off (they were once worshiped as gods and have never forgiven humanity for dethroning them)...

:) Thanks for that -- after reading some of the "Basenji aggression" posts here, it was good to laugh AND take a deep breath!

It takes time... but patience and calmness (as well as giving each critter its own "safe place") will win the day. Even after living together 3 years, Rock & Ron still love to harass each other and play "chase" and "guess where I'm hiding before I beat you senseless"... Honey will come round. Channel the energy into playing ball or with a toy when ever she starts to get excited about the cats. ...

That is what I have been doing, and will continue with the behaviorist. I've had dogs and cats together all my life, even when I was growing up. Some of the posts about Basenji "prey drive" and "hunting instincts" added to her behavior with the cats has me worried that this particular mix of animals doesn't always work out well -- for the cats. :( Thanks for the encouragement and the photos of your crew being congenial together. If I knew exactly what would happen if I let Honey t-o-u-c-h one of the cats, I would have my answer, but I still can't tell whether she is "just boinking them with her nose" or "preparing for a kill"!

... I have always had dogs and cats at the same time and never before have I seen a dog that my cats could not train. All my cats trained my puppies by simply smacking/scatching them if the puppies/dogs came near them. That's how they learned to respect the cats. The basenjis are another story. The cats are just too much fun to chew on to let any scratching stop them. And I've noticed they go after some cats more than others. All in play, but the cats that aren't afraid of them have much less trouble - or maybe they simply think it's fun to be chewed on! If things get too rough, the cats will go under the couch and play with the dog from there (they play mostly with my bboy.)

Good luck, and I think you'll find that a behaviorist can be a big help.

Thanks! I got 2 names from my vet and have contacted one so far, and will call the second on Monday. If Honey will "only" play with the cats, my worst fears would be over -- then there's the fears about what happens to the house during the dog/cat chase - but that's a minor issue compared to my fears of mangled/dead cats. At least now I have more stories about Basenji/cats living together safely -- hopefully she is just trying to get them to play with her.

sharronhurlbut

02-17-2008, 04:36 PM

I would get the cats bed and let the dog sleep on it, or have it in the crate so that the dog will get used to the cats smell.
Maybe once the smell becomes part of the dogs mind, the need to chase off might slow down.
Couldn't hurt anyway...but be sure to keep the dog from the cat until the dog settles down.
Hugs..its awful when the "kids" don't get along!

tanza

02-17-2008, 08:58 PM

In reality, all hounds (sighthound) will most likely chase cats.. as will Terriers and especially herding dogs... Terriers have a very high prey drive... and herding dogs do to the extent that need to control..... so your problem is not really limit to Basenji...

gemurray

02-18-2008, 12:56 AM

Whenever Samantha gets rambunctious or wants to show off for us she'll go after the cat. Otherwise she does that thing that B's do by lifting her paw and tilting her head and try to paw at the cat to get her to play - dumb cat never really wants to play with the B!

I do know for sure though that basenjis are definitely faster than cats - Samantha can catch the cat in the back yard and send her tumbling even if the cat has a head start!

Then there are the days that we find them both snuggled up on someones bed getting along peacefully - but I think the cat is just tolerating the situation!

tanza

02-18-2008, 01:02 AM

When I got my first two B's, Maggii could not have cared less about the our cat... until OJ showed up... and then.. it was a pack thing. As long as he didn't run, it was OK, however OJ was determined that all that hair should be plucked out... when we added Mickii the pack thing was worse... also our cat didn't fight back... had he when they were pups and swiped them a few times with his claws.. I think it would have been different... We did wind up separating the house with perm gates.. installed a cat door for him off the master slider to the deck...

wullis

02-18-2008, 01:36 AM

tanza

02-18-2008, 02:19 AM

JazzysMom

02-18-2008, 03:01 AM

I have found that as long as you introduce them when one or the other is a puppy/kitten they will almost always live as peaceful as basenji life can be. But putting adult cats and dogs together that were never raised with cats or dogs can be tenuous with any breed.

Sometimes (if your there to make sure it doesn't get out of hand) sometimes if they "duke it out " once they come away with a heathy respect for each other and that ends it.

In my experience, I must disagree. It really depends on the particular dog and the particular cat.

I know I've covered it in previous posts, so won't bother again, except to that I've never had problems introducing dogs of various ages to cats of various ages, until the Basenjis. We've introduced adult dogs to our cats with very little trouble at all, and we've never had a situation, in 22 yrs of marriage, where our dogs and cats were not fast friends.

Both my Basenjis were puppies when we got them. With Jazz, we had one adult cat and one kitten when she moved in. Three years later, they cannot stand each other. With Keoki, he was a puppy, both cats were adults; they HATE him, and he wants to kill them.
The dogs both go nuts if they even catch a glimpse of either cat or hear them. And God help the cat that even thinks about coming over the gate.

And trust me, it ain't from lack of trying on our parts!

wullis

02-18-2008, 02:13 PM

It is true that every situation is different.

We always worked our dogs with other animals, training horses, herding horses, cattle, geese ect. So maybe that made a difference. Also when I brought a pup or kitten into the household I would give to the dominent female or bitch and "put them in charge" of it. Once the maternal instinct takes over she will make sure the "pack" accepts her lead.

All that being said it doesn't always work, my ex and I had a coydog rescue that had been severly abused. She attached herself to my ex exclusively. We never had a problen introducing animals UNTIL she became the households dominant bitch (like seven years in) and then we got a kitten that bonded to my wife and she killed it instantly. She wasn't sharing my ex's affection with anyone

wullis

02-18-2008, 02:20 PM

One more thing on a lighter note, basenjis non lethal cat attack cracks me up!!! You know when they charge across the field at full speed and then drop their front legs and use their chest as a battering ram. The cat goes tumbling like a ten pin....... but is none the worse for wear.

I've never seen any breed but a senj do that

Kirk

02-18-2008, 07:24 PM

We already had 2 cats when we brought Dingo home and the cats immediately tried to show him who's boss. It didn't take long for him to realize that A) he was a dog and B) he was bigger than they were. My wife layed the dog on his back and held him there in a submissive position and let the animals smell each other. It has worked for the most part because they all seem to coexist quite nicely. However, at least once a day Dingo and one of the cats ( Indy) get into a tussle which they both seem to enjoy and it's 50/50 as to who starts the fight. All the other cat (Kion) has to do is raise her paw and he backs off. Oddly enough though, one minute it sounds like they're tearing each other to pieces and the next minute Dingo will be licking (grooming) her. If I can ever post a video of it I'll do so. It is a sight to behold.

scarlettsmomma

02-18-2008, 09:38 PM

My cat Cali is what we consider an anti-social little brat, ane when you combine that with HYPER, and outgoing Scarlett, the basenji mixm, who like Honey is a shelter rescue, things become amusing. Cali has taught Scarlett over the last year that there are certain things that she can play with and places she can be and where she can't, etc. I still have to monitor them when together during the day and when they are playing, but come bed time all is well, Cali has her bed on the floor and nine times out of ten Scarlett starts off at the foot of the bed and by morning she is curled up at the cat's bed and Cali is using Scarlett as a pillow. Cali was sick about a month ago from excessive stress and trauma, she lost her littermate sister that she had grown up with about a month before Scarlett arrived, and every night Cali was not at home Scarlett laid on the floor beside the cat's bed and cried for her. I never thought that would happen seeing how the acted towards each other a little over a year ago, but now they are wonderful together.

nala121498

02-18-2008, 10:48 PM

That is a sweet story...

AZShade

02-21-2008, 12:29 AM

When I was a kid, we had a Collie, Major, and when he was old, my mom got a Siamese kitten. Poor Major was so nice to that kitten. Major would lie down and the kitten would curl up inside Major's legs, which was cute, but then he would start grooming Major's paws, and Major would give us a "long-suffering look", get up and move away to lie down somewhere else. Then it would happen all over again. The kitten would continue until we picked him up and diverted his attention.

My Elkhounds didn't play with the cats, but they loved to watch the cats play inside grocery sacks, etc. My Schipperke, Shadow, would break up cat arguments, at least those with his favorite cat, Cupcakes (also black like my Schip). Shadow would give a body block to the other cat that was arguing with Cupcakes -- never did it to Cupcakes.

Squirt followed me home when I was walking Shadow. One of my cats was lying in the front yard, and Squirt walked by her without even giving her a glance -- passed the cat test. Tater was cat-tested by my male cat, Blackjack, when he came as a foster dog. Blackjack walked towards Tater until Tater stepped backwards two steps. Then Blackjack stepped forward again, and Tater backed up again. Blackjack then turned around and walked off, as if to say "You passed the test, you can stay."

I've scheduled an appointment with the behaviorist/trainer, and am adding a new technique to the desensitization sessions - giving yummies when Honey "looks at" a cat. Cats = receiving yummies. Honey liked today's session. :)

I appreciate hearing all the stories and tips, especially the "happy ending" stories! Thanks!

elena86

02-27-2008, 03:54 AM

Two nights ago, Senji woke me up at about midnight and acted like he needed to go out. So I opened the sliding door leading to the fenced-in patio area. He didn't like how hard and crunchy the snow was and couldn't get "comfortable" to do his business. My street is usually quiet, so I decided to let him out the front door, since the sidewalk was shoveled clean of snow. BIG mistake!!! Someone's cat was out roaming the streets, and Senji made a mad dash up the street to chase it. The cat ran back the other direction and eventually ended up crawling down into the storm sewer. I can't believe how fast Senji was running! I called him back to the house, and he actually came!!! He was huffing and puffing, but I can tell he was mighty proud of himself for scaring the cat away. :rolleyes:

MomOfMya

04-04-2008, 04:16 PM

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x174/murminator2/OlMya.jpg

These two get along quite well. Mya has the dominant position over the cat, Oliver, and will prance around every once in awhile with a mouthful of cat hair but they remain still buddies. Gates really seem to work in my house when Mya gets to be too much. We also have a cat tree which seems to help as well.

Quercus

04-04-2008, 05:47 PM

CUTE pic!!!!!

MomOfMya

04-04-2008, 09:28 PM

Thanks! Doesn't she look harmless??? LOL!

sharronhurlbut

04-04-2008, 11:16 PM

This is a great photo.
Thanks for sharing.

WBL

04-04-2008, 11:58 PM

Awe how cute!! They look like good friends.

JazzysMom

04-05-2008, 03:37 AM

Adorable photo!

NOT NOT NOT Not to send bad vibes or anything, and NOT to paint a pessimistic picture because I know that many of you have cats and B's that live in peace, but Jazzy started out this way with our cats, esp the younger one {it's only about 6 mos older than Jazz}. Then one day, for no apparent reason, Jazzy took out after her at full speed and never went back to the peaceful existence. That cat is prey...pure and simple. I'll never know what triggered the change, but it surprised us -- and sure as heck scared the cat spitless!

I'm just saying, keep a watchful eye as the puppy ages; that's all.

kng

04-05-2008, 04:41 AM

My last dog was a basenji mix and he loved cats. He made cats friends where ever he went. I had as many as 5 cats with him and never a problem. Though, he would chase off other cats who picked on his cats. After he died, I brought my present dog into a home with 2 cats. She was adult dog when I bought her in. I had more issues with one of my cats being pretty mean to her the first week. After that the cats settle down. She always gotten along pretty well with them. She made a few attempts to chase them when I first got her, but just gave her some correction and she stopped. The cats did have to adjust to her since she was not as low key and layed back as my other dog was. They got used to each and got along really well. I never had to separate them after the first week. I think basenjis and cats can live in peace but it is a good idea to set some rules. Just be patient. Anytime a new animal or person for that manner comes into a family, there are always some adjustment for everyone.

MomOfMya

04-05-2008, 04:53 AM

JazzysMom

04-05-2008, 06:22 AM

I think basenjis and cats can live in peace but it is a good idea to set some rules. Just be patient. Anytime a new animal or person for that manner comes into a family, there are always some adjustment for everyone.

I think it largely depends on the individual dog and cat. I will say that I do believe MOST dogs and cats can live in peace with one another, some more at ease than others, but there are those for whom it may well never be an option.

Patience, yes. But also realistic when the corrections don't work and the rules aren't followed.

AZShade

07-14-2008, 05:34 PM

For future reference, I want to update readers on Honey's progress with the cats. The behaviorist has not yet worked with Honey, but she did give me tips on using rewards while Honey was in the presence of the cats to help counter-condition her behavior. Honey's weakness is chicken and she will do anything that I have asked her to do so far for bites of shaved chicken.

I worked with Honey in the back patio with the cats loose and Honey on a leash. She quickly calmed down while in the presence of the cats, and after numerous sessions became easy to manage even without the chicken to distract her. She still showed a lot of interest in the cats, but allowed them close enough to her that they started relaxing in her presence also. (Three of them had lived with my other cat-friendly dogs who passed away last year, and two young males had never been around a dog until Honey moved in this year.) One male, Silver, started coming up towards Honey in a very assertive manner, and Honey reacted by avoiding his stare and stepping back from his approach. She shows more interest in the other cats who show less assertive behavior towards her.

Last week, for the first time, I opened the pet gate and let Silver step into the part of the house where Honey was UN-leashed. Silver walked slowly, but assertively around Honey and sniffed her. He walked around the living room and then rolled over on his back and stared at Honey -- Honey followed him around as he walked but did avoid looking at him when he came close to her -- until Silver started drinking out of Honey's water dish. Honey looked at him with concern then, and I stepped in to claim the dish and keep Honey from advancing. When Silver was done, he walked around some more and Honey went back to just following at a distance. I put Silver back on the other side of the gate after a few minutes, and things were fine.

Since then, I let Pepper, a female who lived with my other dogs, thru the gate and she and Honey did well for a few minutes also. This morning, I let Silver thru the gate and got my camera to document Honey's progress. Silver is looking aggressive in this photo, but he never growled or swatted at Honey, he just gave her "the look", and Honey behaved by giving him space.

There is still much work to do before I could let them all together, and I know that Honey will chase a running cat, but I am more confident that her intentions are only to "play", and that her behavior can be modified to interact with the cats in a manner that is safe for all. :)

1677

sarahlorrain

11-13-2008, 04:20 PM

I managed to snap a couple of pictures of Lady and our little kitty Fuzzy. I apologize for the quality of the photos, I had to take them with my cell phone. I outline the cat to show where he is laying.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa289/momsforlife/Sarah%20is%20the%20****/ladyfuzzy1_edited.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa289/momsforlife/Sarah%20is%20the%20****/ladyfuzzy2_edited.jpg

Shaye's Mom

03-19-2009, 05:01 PM

[QUOTE=JazzysMom;35279]I think it depends entirely on the personality of the dogs and cats involved.

I also believe it depends on the personalities of the cats and dogs. I have two older cats - a male tuxedo and a female calico. My B wants to play with them, and runs up to them constantly. The male cat tolerates her until she goes around behind him, then the growls and bats the crap out of Shaye's head, claws IN, not harming her, but telling her to get out of his way. Sometimes this exchange goes on for 3-4 minutes until finally Shaye backs off. The other cat, however, the calico, hated Shaye on sight, and when she tries to play with her, the ears go down, the fur comes up, the hissing and growling is constant, and she goes after Shaye claws OUT, intending to do her harm. Shaye has been caught once on the back of her ear, which bled, and a few other times we've heard her yelp, so the cat got her, but not enough to cause any damage - slowly, Shaye is learning to stay away from that cat. Down the road, I can see the male cat and the dog actually being friends - but the female cat will never. Of course she doesn't like anything anyway.

AZShade

02-02-2010, 05:34 AM

Time for another (probably final) update: I've learned that my pound puppy is probably a lab/aussie mix instead of a Basenji mix. The pound informed me a year later that she had been in the system another time before I adopted her, but for some reason they gave her another id number and another guess at her heritage. Then they realized she was a dog that had been there before as a lab/aussie mix. I may get a dna test someday just because I'm curious, but it really doesn't matter.

Another update: My brother, who rescued cats and wasn't always quick enough in the spay/neuter department, died in August 2008 and left me with over 50 cats -- just as the economy tanked and the rescue groups became even more swamped with foreclosure pets. After a few adoptions, a few deaths, and a large transfer to the one rescue group that would accept some, I brought a dozen cats to my home to live with Honey and my five cats. A dozen more cats who had never lived with a dog, and many of which were afraid of me. I laughed and I cried. (I also started a blog: http://eastsidevalleycats.blogspot.com/ )

My blog entry for May 19th of last year states: "...When I was home for the weekend, I would leave the pet gate open for hours and things went well, but I didn't want to leave all day for work with it open until I had a good deal of experience seeing their interactions. Well, Honey now acts much like my other dogs always did around the cats -- sneaks bites of yummy noms from their bowls and runs to check on them when she hears yowling/squalling/hissing, and so I unscrewed the fasteners, took the gate down and put it away in a bedroom. I now have one less thing to trip over, and the cats and dog officially live together... except for the closed, locked door that helps retain some of my sanity at night when they willingly traipse into the bedrooms to enjoy their bowls filled with canned food, and I run out and shut the door before they can escape, er.. follow me to the rest of the house."

So there is a happy ending to the story of Honey and 17 cats - but is she part Basenji, and does it relate to this forum??? ;)

Patty

02-02-2010, 09:43 PM

You have done very well and I'm glad there is a happy ending. When I saw the picture of Honey I din't think she had Basenji in her. Some rescue kennels see a white blaze and need nothing more. It doesn't really matter does it? She is still your lovely Honey!

AZShade

02-02-2010, 10:14 PM

When I saw the picture of Honey I din't think she had Basenji in her. Some rescue kennels see a white blaze and need nothing more. It doesn't really matter does it? She is still your lovely Honey!

That is absolutely true - she's my Honey! :)

lindenb2

03-08-2010, 06:02 AM

Hi everyone,

This thread seems pretty relevant to a problem that's been worrying me lately. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

To make a long story short, I'm graduating from school in two months and will most likely be moving in with my boyfriend for what will probably be a very long time since we plan to be married someday. He owns two basenjis, an 11-year-old female and a 4-year-old male. (I won't name names since they're not mine.) I have two adult cats. Neither of us know what to do about the cats when I move in. Ideally, I would like to slowly introduce the dogs and the cats to each other, but my boyfriend is very skeptical about the basenjis' response.

The 'senjis have lived in this house for four or five years, so it is definitely their territory. The female basenji is the better behaved of the two. This might be hard for some of you to believe, but she's sweet and calm and fairly obedient. The male is all basenji. He's a counter-surfer, a fence-jumper, a food-stealer--you name it. My boyfriend seems to think that both dogs have a strong prey drive. They'll dart after anything that moves. The female has killed several squirrels and rabbits in her lifetime. The male is very interested in other animals, but (at least according to the boyfriend) probably wouldn't know what to do if he caught one. The female came from a breeder and was probably not exposed to cats, and the male is a rescue and may or may not have been exposed to them.

As for my cats, Finnegan is outgoing, affectionate, and playful. Callaghan is shy and timid. Both are shelter cats. Finnegan has all of his claws, but poor Callaghan is a four-paw declaw. I'm willing to take the time to introduce the four slowly, but would be devastated if anything happened to my cats. I'd have a hard time forgiving the basenjis if either of the cats were killed. My boyfriend feels the same way. He's afraid that no matter how "cool" the basenjis seem with the cats when we're around, the situation could change for the worse if we left the cats and hounds alone. The male basenji can probably get over baby gates since he's climbed over the three-foot high fence in the backyard countless times, so I'm no sure how many escape routes there would be for the cats, especially since my boyfriend closes the bedroom door during the day and doesn't really use the basement for anything other than laundry.

The worst case scenario is that I relinquish the cats to my mom, who loves when I bring them over, but I've lived with cats for most of my life and would be very sad (and possibly resentful toward the 'senjis) if I had to give them away. I made a commitment to these cats when I adopted them from the shelter and I don't believe in giving away pets just because it's inconvenient. You could say that I'm more of a cat person than a dog person, in short. :/

For those of you who were able to successfully introduce basenjis to cats and vice versa, how were you sure that the cats wouldn't be hurt when you left the animals all alone together? What are some tips and tricks for getting the basenjis and cats used to each other? Does a cat's temperament make a difference in how basenjis get along with it? Will the basenjis' regard for me make a difference in how they treat my cats? (When I first met the male basenji, I was warned that he wasn't very keen on women, but he is obsessed with me! He's a tail-wagging, yodeling fool when I walk in the door, and respects my discipline as much as he respects my boyfriend's discipline. The female likes me, too, but she's generally a lover with everyone.) Have any of you been in a similar situation?