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! :) 

[Lisa]

We are definitely going to try the crate idea. 

Congratulations on your contest winner! I am going to google him in a minute! 

[Sally S Miles]

Three days is nothing - truly a miniscule blink in the time it could take.  

First rule of thumb is to provide the cat with an escape route, let the cat make the call - always - and the high perches are essential. My favorite way is to use either gates or x-pens. Allowing the curious cat to sniff, glare, and study the newcomer - safely.   Never try to force it and never take a dog into a room where a cat is - let them investigate the dog. The cats can set amazing boundaries - they will and what they teach the dog will sink in.  Always have a spot the dog cannot get to and the cat will adjust. Eventually the cat will figure out the gate safety - eventually the cat will be glued to the other side of that gate studying the newcomer.

 

The commands are definitely in order - the dog needs those anyway - so around here "leave it" is also translated to "leave her" and I do use other phrases.  

I've infused gobs of cats and dogs - rescue - those cats are picky.  Currently our 'other' cat has only just this summer gotten to accept our dog - she 's been here since Nov!  One cat has stuck to teasing the dog from under the table - then run like mad - other cat took to her right away, even as a puppy.

Always either have a quick out, have dog on lead, or something - cats have excellent memories.  Teach the dog that sweet kisses on cat equal high praise - but walking past without bothering Is a major score. 

If crating your dog is part of your routine, the cat will seek out and investigate - - there are situations where it's good and others when it's not - this can lead to a dog with a high curiosity level regarding something that is allowed to do such - altogether they work stuff out and not always the same way . We only have two now, but they adjust differently.   It can't be rushed and the cat  can do damage to a dog's eyes, nose, etc = cat sets boundaries.

Patience and specific training. Best of luck - it's worth it~

 

[Lisa]

Yep, I was expecting results too soon.

She finally ate all her food last night and her litter box had a few messes in it, which means she ventured out of our room into the laundry room. (It is gated off  in case Harry accidentally ends up there, she will have a safe place to retreat.) This morning, I spied her on the rug of my room a few times, so she finally out from hiding under my bed. Just this bit of progress thrills me and gives me hope! 

I crate him when I leave the house, so maybe she is investigating while I am gone...

[Heather & Brinkley]

We put the cat in the guest room and put a baby gate up- so she could feel safe in a spot but they could both still sniff one another. We'd bring them out to meet each other throughout the day-- and he puppy was not allowed into her space (the guest room). We just kept extending the time that they spend together as the cat seemed more comfortable. She started to come up to the gate to sniff him when he'd go to the gate. It took a couple of weeks until she tolerated Brinkley. Brinkley always loved the cat but the cat wasn't so sure.

[Lisa]

I have a feeling Harry will love the cat, but the cat won't be fond of Harry. It's taken her 8 years to let my eldest pet her. 

[Lisa]

Thank you everyone for your advice!!!