[Ter]

I recently adopted a year old chi/terrier pup and the Cats are not happy. Its gotten better over the past month, but I'd like to have a united household. Cats are living on one side and the dogs on the other, I'm tired of stepping over gates. Any suggestions?

[Lorina]

I let (and am letting) the cats set the pace. When they're ready, they'll come around. It took my younger cat (now three) a full year before she started to come around the dog. It's been about a month now that she cohabitating (more or less) with him. The older cat (now five) still won't come around him, but she's the definition of scaredy cat.

I had the cats gated upstairs, and moved the gate to the side just enough so the cats could get through, if they wanted to. Technically speaking, the dog could get through the same size space (he's 16 pounds, the cats are 15 and 13 pounds), but he's not as slinky or graceful as a cat, and would probably knock it down squeezing through the same space.

[TheChinClique]

I've had Henry for a month and Roscoe, my cat, absolutely HATES him. The only time he'll be in the same area with him is if Henry is in the crate. It's weird, because Roscoe loves the other two dogs. I wasn't expecting him to be so weird with Henry but I'm hoping he'll come around soon. I agree with Lorina...you should let the cats set their own agenda as far as getting along with the pup goes. Make sure the pup isn't chasing the cats around...mine has tried that and I quickly scooped him up and corrected the behavior because that REALLY gets my cat in a bad mood. I'd suggest moving the gate and letting the cats in with the dog. Just watch the pup closely and make sure he doesn't chase the cats. That way at least they'll sort of be co-habiting

[bluesbarby]

Riley thinks the cats are dogs and chases them around, pouncing on them etc. the same way he plays with other dogs. I have 3 cats. Bailey, my big cat lets him do it for the most part although I've seen him put Riley in a headlock a couple of times. When they get tired of him pouncing they jump up out of the way. Koko the little one disappeared the first couple of months but now comes out. Koko is only 6 pounds but Riley is afraid of her so he basically leaves her alone. I've actually seen her chase him. But mostly she just sits and stares him down.

[briteday]

Our 2 year old dog that we've had for a year still thinks the cat is fair game to chase and torment. Luckily for the dog the cat has no front claws.

Our cat has her food on top of the dryer and litterbox in the laundry room (gated) as well. There are days when I get tired of the freight train chase game in the hallway and gate off the master bedroom, as well, for the cat's privacy.

My experience is that eventually the dog tires of the chase game and eventually the activity dies down.