pitbull and cats?

[hanako]

Hi I'm new to this fourm but i was hoping someone could give me some advice. I do not yet own a pit bull, my sister and i are thinking about getting one. We have several friends who own pit bulls and i think they are some of the sweetest, well-mannered dogs i have ever come across! My only concern is this...I own 3 cats. 1 of them is pretty old and he's very tolerant and gets along great with other animals (especially dogs), the other is a 8 week old kitten (i'm hoping that whichever dog i end up getting will bond the most with the kitten). Here's where the trouble starts...my other cat is a bengal (for those of you who are not familiar with cats, she is a domesticated hybrid from the asian leopard) my bengal is extremely tempermental! I dunno if its her wild streak, but she is unlike any of my other two cats. Typically, i would not consider getting a dog with such a tempermental cat, but my bengal and the older calm cat will be staying in the master bedroom with me (and will not be allowed to roam the home). The kitten stays in the room with my sister. My bengal is not too fond of the kitten, so im hoping that the dog will be able to become buds with the kitten. my friend's pitbull is practically best friends with her cat!!! My sister absolutely wants a dog (she recently moved in with me so she is not really a "cat" person and swears she "cannot live without a dog." :) What do you all think about this combination? Is this a big no-no? or a maybe?

[Suki]

Are you looking to acquire a pup or an adult dog? If an adult, say from a shelter, most dogs will have it stated in their file/on their cage card, if they're good with felines, or not. If it's a pup, they can adjust to the situation, and learn real fast about those claws. My two cats were 7yrs old when I got my current ABPT. My male didn't want anything to do with her, and pretty much stays down stairs with the rabbits. My female never backed off and let her have it, many, many times. After a while, they all adjusted ok. With your bengal, you'll just have to be more diligent with watching her. I have worked with this breed on many an occassion, and agreeably, I find their temperment can certainly be unpredictable. Beautiful breed, imo, tho!

Anyhow, anything is possible, if you're willing to forego the effort.

Grab some literature, research the breed, and all they entail. Read, read, and, did I say, read... ;)
Make sure they are allowed, where you live, (no BSL,) and if, after ALL you read, you are certain you can be a responsible owner, and the APBT is the breed you still have your heart set on, then decide whether an adult or pup would best suit your needs, and make it happen.

I just ask that you REALLY understand this breed, prior to obtaining one. Yes, I agree, they are a very sweet breed, but a LOT of care and knowledge is needed, and expected as part of their ownership. Your actions, as owners of an APBT will directly affect other APBT owners.

[hanako]

Thank you Suki! I just bought some books, so ill try to read up as much as i can!