We adopted the most wonderful black lab on Wednesday. He is six years old and pretty overweight -- so basically he is a big mush! The people at the shelter said he was good with everyone -- children, other dogs, cats. We even witnessed this while we were there. He is not the problem....
My poor cat is so afraid. She has looked down at the dog from the stairs and even spent the other evening sleeping on the mantel (with one eye open!). I brought her down last night while he was sleeping to eat. She ate a little, but did not use the litter box. I feel so bad. Does anyone have any suggestions for making the kitty know the dog won't hurt her?
Thanks
lulugrrl
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone get a dog and already had a cat?
I am going to BUMP this, because I have the same problem. Two cats...Terrified of my 7 month old pup. They have the basement, and a bedroom, so they just don't come out and snuggle anymore I just feel bad, their life *****, and I am not sure how to go about making it better.
july0105
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone get a dog and already had a cat?
How long has this been going on? It has been about a week and a half since we got the dog, and the kitty is becoming used to him being around. THe only thing is -- she kind of growls and meows at him. I just hope they don't go after each other when I'm not around. We'll see....
oakslady
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone get a dog and already had a cat?
the cats will get use to the dog- my 5 year old cat is the boss of the house and all the dogs listen to him - give the cat a while to warm up to the dogs - dont force it but dont seperate them either they are going to hiss / growl etc just give them the time to get to know each other
Soccer_Girl
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone get a dog and already had a cat?
My 15 year old cat has taught the dog that she is the boss. It took a while for them to understand each other but look at them now:
yeah..I have had the pup since May....I also have an older dog who the cats LOVE! I think they just like their safety zone of the bedroom and basement, and dont want to come out. I have noticed the older cat getting closer and closer to pup on the stairs, shes like 3 away now. But the younger cat, whos afraid of everything in this world accept my older dog that she cant get enough of, and me...will not have any part of trying to like new pup. I hold her in my lap, let sniffing going on. I really think once Pup mellows out, and isint all crazy trying to lick the cats, they will like him better. I have to assume with time it will get better.
MandM07-03-05
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone get a dog and already had a cat?
we've been going through the same thing for about 1 year! i can tell u that 1 year later my cat tolerates the dog. he's still a bit uncomfortable, especially since all the dog wants to do is sniff his butt. they aren't friendly but we can now have them in the same room and not have to worry! this is a HUGE improvement! i'm hoping that one day in the future they will be friends and even enjoy each others company. 1 year ago i would've NEVER had such high expectations but now... u never know! just give them time.
regi
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone get a dog and already had a cat?
Posted by oakslady
the cats will get use to the dog- my 5 year old cat is the boss of the house and all the dogs listen to him - give the cat a while to warm up to the dogs - dont force it but dont seperate them either they are going to hiss / growl etc just give them the time to get to know each other
This is so true!! Cats rule the house.
july0105
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone get a dog and already had a cat?
Thanks everyone for the advice. So far, so good. Mushy the cat is still not loving Max the daog, but she is allowing him to smell her you-know-what. Then she hisses and meows. But at least she is coming down stairs! Thanks again :)
MrsTC
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone get a dog and already had a cat?
Yes, we have 2 cats who were 2 and 3 when we got Casey, who is a Golden Retriever. Believe me, the cats were completely bewildered when we brought Casey home but now they are completely adjusted. It took a few months but now they just walk past each other and one of my cats will even snuggle with Casey. Just make sure you teach the dog not to chase the cats!
