Cats and Dogs Question

[Lisa]

We have an older cat whose been hiding upstairs for the past three days because she is terrified of our new family member. What are some tips that I can do to get them both acclimated with each other? Presently we have Harry gated off from the stairs so he doesn't startle her. On our walks, Harry gets quite excited when he spies a squirrel, so I am a bit concerned for our petite cat. Help, please! :) 

[Tammy and Violet]

Gosh,we are STILL trying to get all acclimated (spell?) I have 2 cats 12 and 5 .....Violet is just too jumpy ,bouncy , crazy with them ..I hope they all come around...Violet is 1 year...I hope it works for you !

[Tammy and Violet]

I also should say Violet only wants to play and does not see them as prey..

 

[Lisa]

I'm hoping that will be the case with our cat, or that he just isn't interested in her, when (if) she finally decides to expose herself to him. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Provide your cat with a high perch where your pup can't reach and place it in the same room as the pup. Do not leave them both in the room without an adult present. You can also put your pup in a crate and put the cat into the same room. They need to learn that they are both family members and not prey. Good Luck.

[Lisa]

"They need to learn that they are both family members and not prey"

I agree!

I'm looking for an extra high perch that is high enough for this bouncy guy to be unable to reach. 

[Pat and Traveler]

I don't have an answer, but I do have lots of sympathy!  I was babysitter for two big Ragdoll cats for a couple of weeks, and must say it was a nightmare!  Trav so wanted to chase the fuzzy intruders, and they would hide if they saw him, but also would easily jump the gate I put up to separate the house into Catland and Dogland.  I think all Trav needed was a good rap on the nose to let him know that the cats weren't mobile stuffies, but there was no way I was willing to take the chance and turn them all loose together. 

[Sarah Grace Gates]

Hi Lisa,

I'm familiar with this topic of doodle and cat introduction. Since you rescued your doodle, is he older and do you know if he was ever around a cat when he was younger? One of the things you can try is to put your cat in a room where there's a door where they can smell each other but can't see each other. One of the things I did when Chester was small was take a towel that smelled like our cat William and put it in his crate or area where he was hanging out. Also did the same with William. I think smelling each other is important even before they meet face to face. When your cat finally is comfortable enough to be in the same room with your dood just make sure you have treats for both of them. Praise is key! I also taught Chester the word Gentle and use that when he and William are around with each other. You can teach the doodle this by making him sit or do down and then when giving him a treat say GENTLE when he grabs the treat out of your hand with NO TEETH.  You might have to try this several times and only give him the treat when he does it gently. Say the command and he will learn what it means pretty quickly.  This can be super helpful when he is around your cat or children even.

[Lisa]

I don't know anything bout his life with his past owners. I think we are going to try kenneling both animals and placing them in the same room at opposite ends, so they can see each other and get used to their scents. 

I love the idea of teaching him the word "gentle". 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Our cats are slowly acclimating to our new pup. They were use to our older Golden, and in fact spent hrs kneading and cuddling with him. Once Enzo came into the picture, they needed to"adjust". One way we started the introductions was to wipe down the dog with a towel and let the cat(s) sleep on it, lie on it...and to the reverse with the dog. Wipe down the cat and let the spend time with that towel. Acclimating the animals is all about scent.
Also...try crating the pup and letting the cat sniff around the crate. The cat needs to feel secure arou d the dog, without being chased. It takes some time, but your cat and dog can soon be best buds.
I have to do a bit of bragging.....my older ( and now deceased) Golden, Dylan, and one of our cats, a Munchkin, Jax..won a Nationwide Purina Pet contest as "Best Couple", just a few months back.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

This is the pic they won with. We won a years worth of anything made by Purina. Thankfully, the cat litter we use is!

[Lisa]

Nevermind, you saved me google time! I LOVE the photo! 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Aw thanks.  Sort of bitter sweet tho.  Dylan, the Golden passed not too long after they won the contest.  In fact, he was gone, by the time we got the prize.   He was my heart....and it still upsets me anytime I see a gray muzzled Golden....thankfully, Enzo came into our lives...She has been the best "Therapist" I could ever want/ or need.  She is on her way to being loved by the cats as much as Dylan was.