Cat & dog

Some animal rescue organizations don't have an actual "shelter" but rather a list of foster families who will provide temporary care. Sometimes these foster homes may include cats. You might see if there is such an organization in your area, and then contact them, explain your situation, and ask if they currently have any dogs that are good with cats.

PS I would recommend you don’t buy a puppy. A dog can easily live until it is at least twelve years old and will need exercise etc for all of that time. Also, they are much harder work than you might think!

We are the same age as your husband and we would recommend you home a cat-friendly dog from a rescue centre. In May we rehomed a six year old Chocolate Labrador from Lab Rescue, in Eccleston, Chorley.
She is an absolute delight and is wonderful company. We call her ‘our personal trainer’ as we have to go out on walks, whether we want to or not! She is also ‘in-house comedian ‘ and ‘a big hug when you need one’ ?. Good luck!

Go ahead a have one by all means, they bring one into contact with lots of people whom you would never have met previously and get you walking which does you good.

Some cats and dogs do well together, some don't. Our Jayda is afraid of dogs, but Gatsby was around a dog (black lab) when he was a kitten, and Biggie tried to make friends with a dog once. (We suspect he thinks he IS a dog. The dog appeared not to know quite what to make of him.)

Get a young rescue dog that is ‘good with cats’. If you wait until after Christmas, about Easter time, there will be plenty to choose from as people realise the reality of keeping a dog and they get dumped.

The spring is a good time anyway with warmer days for walks and getting into the garden.

We have three dogs and a cat also a neighbour's cat which comes in every day. They exist harmoniously together in the main just the odd spat over food. Usually rescue centres are able to tell you if their dogs can live with a cat. Your cat has been used to being an 'only' though and may not be keen on a new addition.

RSBA? ...I meant th RSPCA of course.

When I fostered Guide Dog puppies, it was encouraged that they went to households that already had a cat so that the dogs got used to them and learnt to respect them, equally children! You could always ask GDBA or RSBA for their opinion.