Reg: 07-27-2009
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Loc: Southern California
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I'm going to be taking care of my sister's cat for a few months. Said cat will be living with me, with two dogs. Said dogs are high drive dogs.
The cat is close to 10 years old and had never seen a dog in her life, as far as I know. I know basic introducing animal stuff, but I feel like this case is a little extreme. Because of everything going on at my sister's house, the cat has recently started pottying everywhere in the house.
I'm just mortified for this poor cat. I can't imagine the terror she's going to experience with new people, a new home, and new super high energy large strange animals.
I want to make this easy on us all. I need advice. Please give me anything you can think of.
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004
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Do you have a seperate room or bathroom that you can use as a cat room? That can help you control the whole household & any & all interactions. It will also give the cat an opportunity to settle in & the dogs a chance to get used to the cat's scent. It will also minimize the stress on all of them, especially the older cat. Then progress to using crates for all.
If no room then you either have to crate the dogs or the cat & alternately let them out. Using crates gives everyone a chance to interact without contact. Then go from there as you see fit, based on each animals individual personality.
I think that LB has an article about intoducing cats & dogs.
God luck & take is slow.
ETA...hahah Betty & I were typing at the same time.
Figure out where you can make a safe haven for her - a dog free zone where she doesn't have to deal with anything.
FWIW, all of our adult cats have always just adjusted given time and space. They don't necessarily become friends with or even like the dogs, but they learn where they're safe and that the dogs can be ignored when they're in their "safe" place. The cats have also learned that you just don't move when in close proximity to the dogs - they just kind of saunter away if they come in contact for some reason.
But the big thing is just giving them a dog free space so they can figure it all out and making the dogs ignore the cat as much as possible.
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
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I'd go the safe haven route too Katie. The neighbors yard maybe. 3 Years from now when you're still trying to get rid of the cat urine smell, you'll know why.
I would correct dogs for looking in the direction of the cat, for noticing that there is a cat present. THERE IS NO CAT. A super firm correction, "I MEAN IT!"
That, and put it away someplace for about a week until it's somewhat comfortable.
If it's not a super fraidy cat, with your well trained dogs you should do fine!
When I brought home my kitten, Gulliver, I gave him the bathroom as his room. He had regular contact with Paul and I and we controlled the dogs' access. It worked great...well.. kinda.. the little freak liked to attack feet in the middle of the night...
Anyway, this kind of arrangement should work well for your situation- the best part about putting the cat in the bathroom is that it's rather easy to clean and disinfect should there be some "accidents" on the cat's part. (if you do this, lock up the toilet paper though- cats seem to think it's the world's BEST toy!!)
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Okay Leerburgers, I need your help.
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