[Kotone]

I've had Logan about 3 weeks now, and he and my cats just won't get along. It's more that they won't get along with him, because at the vet when there are cats sitting on the chairs there he just sniffed them. I think it's when they move that he gets freaked out. And my cats move a lot, whenever he comes into the room. If they're out and about, they hiss at him and if they can, run away and under the bed(their current hideout). When they run, Logan chases them and barks. And now a lot of times, just seeing them he'll bark and run after them, because they start hissing as soon as they see him.

What I've done so far is have one of my cats on the bed and whenever Logan got too close and she hissed and he barked, I backed him up and made him sit and gave him praise, treats, etc. I only did this 2 or 3 times and I don't know how much it helped. It's getting rather frustrating because sometimes when the cats(who are always under my bed now because of Logan) want to move around, in the middle of the night, Logan barks at them...I have 2 roommates and I'm sure they don't appreciate this, lol.

I also tried putting the calmer of the 2 cats into Logan's crate, and keeping Logan outside of it and working with him from there. This seemed to work really well, as I had Logan in a down right next to the cat in the crate, and the cat was relaxed with me petting her through the bars, and everything was peachy. I gave Logan treats for good behavior, and he only had 2 moments where he started barking at the cat. But the next day it just started all over again. I'm thinking this might be the best way to go about it, but again Logan likes to chase them when they run away. He's gotten scratched a few times because of this, I think, lol.

Another thing to note is that the weekend before I got Logan I moved into this house. The cats got adjusted to it pretty quickly. They were exploring on the second day and by the third they were moving around the house with ease and laying out on all the furniture, etc. I realize it was kind of soon to bring a dog into the house after the stress of the move, but I fell in love with him and was afraid he would get PTS or adopted by someone else(he was in a kill shelter).

So, basically, what can I do to make the cats and Logan get along? It's kind of stressful having to make sure the cats aren't out when Logan goes into my room, and I feel bad for the cats hiding under the bed all the time. It's been 3 weeks since I got Logan. Do they all just need more time to adjust? I would love for them to get to the point where they can enjoy each other's company...*sigh*

Thanks for any advice.

[MegaMuttMom]

It took a really long time for my dog and cat to come to some kind of "agreement". Now, when Cherokee chases, it is usually initiated by the cat. She is quite the instigator.

I have a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs so she has a place to escape to that he doesn't have access to. Being trapped under the bed would not be a comfortable position for my cat and I think it would fuel the excitement of my dog. I don't know what the set-up is of your house, but giving them a place where they can be free of the dog might be a good idea for now.

We did a lot of keeping the dog on leash so we could control him and reward him for walking quietly by the cat. Attention work with him when she is around reinforces that we want him not to "hone in" on her and to get his focus back on us. He also has a very good leave it and no mouth command that we use when they get to playing. But, it was a good 6 months before they could get to the point of playing. I'm not sure they will ever be cuddling together but this situation sure beats all the barking we dealt with at first

If someone could teach my cat to not meow every time she walks into a room would be fantastic.

[Kotone]

I wish I could confine the cats, but outside of closing the door to my room I can't do much. I live in a small 3 br 1 bath house with 2 roommates. There isn't really anywhere besides my room that I can keep them. My bed has drawers underneath it so when they're under there Logan can't see them, they're hidden. They're also really lazy and don't move that much as it is. But I still feel bad for them having to stay under there.

Logan is still very excitable. I'm working with eye contact and stuff, and this weekend I'll definitely work some more. I've been busy with my new job, but now I'll have some more time.

[briteday]

I second the motion for a baby gate that can give the cats some sort of peace and quiet in a separate room. After that, then I say the chase is good exercise for all involved. If your cats have front claws then you just need to keep an eye on the dog to prevent any serious facial wounds. Cats often give the first several lessons for free!

Just in case you're curious...one of our dogs doesn't care about the cat and they co-exist without incident. The other two dogs chase the cat right over the gate every time. However our cat has figured out (took a few months) that the dogs are crated all night, every night. And the dogs are also crated when I'm at work for a few hours each day. I also moved the cat food and water to the top of the laundry dryer and the litter box is behind a baby gate in the laundry room as well. Now everybody has their own spot.

[Shaina]

I dunno if you can do this, but they have pet baby gates that have a smaller door to let cats pass through but would be way too small for Logan...would keep him in your room and let them wander about (if that's allowed).

I know they have them at Petsmart...not sure where else. Here's the extra-tall walk-through version from Petsmart, so you can see what I mean:

[Kotone]

Oh, that's neat Shaina. But at this point the cats wouldn't dare walk past the dog or into the same room as him lol.

As I said, I really don't have much space to work with. I rent, and have 2 roommates, so I have my room, the kitchen, and the laundry room. The bathroom is used too much to work. But the kitchen and laundry room are connected and neither have doors. The kitchen has 2 entrances. So far it seems like I might just close the door to my room when I'm gone so the cats can at least stretch their legs a bit. Until they can get along, that is. And yeah, my cats have all their claws...They've swatted at Logan a few times. I think he's gotten a few minor scratches, but nothing that bled.

Logan is out and about in the house when I'm not here. He does fine, besides a bit of whining and watching out the window when I first leave. Until now my bedroom door has always been open because that's where his crate and food/water bowls are. But I suppose I can close the door and move the bowls out.

But this is really only a temporary thing. I'm mostly looking for advice to help me introduce the two so that they won't want to get at each other.

[shell07]

I have a bit of the same situation here..our 2 big dogs (rotty and border collie) scare Lucky (our rescue "kitten") but he plays with Junior our Yorkie- wrestling, playing chase, etc..they are best buddies and Junior was the one that found this kitten in our hanger-but he does not want to "bond" with the others. The neat thing is that even though he doesn't like the other 2 he still manages to lounge around in front of them and they don't chase him so I think he feels he is relatively safe-but we have had him since October of last year, so maybe it is just the "getting used to each other" thing that they have to do...we also have the baby gate in front of our kids bathroom (where our cats eat) so he knows if he HAS to run from anything he is "safe" in there. I have a friend who had an older mastiff (rescue) that had the run of the downstairs and the cats had the run of the upstairs because the dog could not climb the stairs-so the cats felt secure up there, but if they dared to come down stairs the chase was on.. It seemed to work for them. I would just give it time-and be consistent with whatever methods you are using to form a peace treaty If it is still relatively new to all of them it will just take some getting used to-they will have to realize that no one is going anywhere and maybe they will tire from the "newness" .

[MegaMuttMom]

I really do think it's an issue of time. I think you are comfortable that Logan doesn't want to eat the cats. For us, that was a happy first step. Working with Logan on attention and maybe even a quiet command will help your sanity while they figure out how to co-exist. I think there are things you can do but, sometimes, if the animals figure it out themselves, the peace comes faster. As long as the kitties have access to their food and litter box, harassment free, I think, eventually, they will come to an agreement.

A plus side to bringing in our dog, the kitty is far less bored than she used to be. She goads him into a chase instead of attacking our legs when we walk by

[Criosphynx]

Originally Posted by MegaMuttMom

I really do think it's an issue of time. I think you are comfortable that Logan doesn't want to eat the cats. For us, that was a happy first step. Working with Logan on attention and maybe even a quiet command will help your sanity while they figure out how to co-exist. I think there are things you can do but, sometimes, if the animals figure it out themselves, the peace comes faster. As long as the kitties have access to their food and litter box, harassment free, I think, eventually, they will come to an agreement.

A plus side to bringing in our dog, the kitty is far less bored than she used to be. She goads him into a chase instead of attacking our legs when we walk by

i agree completely. its probably going to take time, and more time because of the space issue.

Since you can't go into more rooms can you go up in your room? Can you buy a cat tree or mount a large kitty friendly shelf on the wall? My cats food and litter boxes are all elevated and i swear one of the cats never touches the floor.

I know its a little late now, but why didn't the shelter staff ask if you had other pets ? Every shelter i've gone to wants the make sure the dog is "cat friendly" before placing it.

I've been very lucky. Two cats, four dogs , no issues, they are all buddies. You may also want to try Feliway spray for now, just to calm your cats down because im sure they are stressed out

[MegaMuttMom]

My dog was fine with cats but the only cats he had ever met were ones that sat still. My cat is friendly yet skittish, it's the running away that is so hard to call a dog off of but it can be done with a lot of work. If I could get my cat to sit still it would be so much easier. I can't hold her either because she will scratch the crap out of me trying to flee.

What I can't figure out is why there are times where she will just sit on a chair and let the dog nuzzle and mouth her and other times she runs away. She will roll over and grab his whole head in her paws and try to nibble on his ears. It is really cute and my biggest worry is that she will accidently scratch his eyes. I think it's all a game she is playing and she is yanking Cherokee's chain. and, in the process, she is taking us all for a ride.

[LucyGoosy]

I second the cat tree/perch idea. I have 5 rescue cats that I took in the end of summer 2007 and then adopted Lucy in January 08. All the cats were strays and only one acted as if it had been around dogs. Except for the dog-familiar one, they were terrified of Lucy, which didn't get better by her running after them and barking a few times during their first few days.

Luckily, Lucy was pretty good about listening to me when I told her to leave the cats alone. But, they were still scared--even just looking at her. I already had several cat trees--at least one in every room in the downstairs of my house--and I was able to gate off the upstairs, where the cats' food and litter boxes are. I know you have less space to work with, but I think you will find that cat trees in each room will help the cats and dog to learn to be safely near each other AND they are visible to each other, so it's not like the cat disappears under the bed. I really think cats and dogs need to see each other frequently to adjust. The cats also need to feel safe or they will continue to spaz out, which will increase your dog's excitement. At least that's how mine were.

I had one cat that wouldn't even come near the top of the stairway where she could see Lucy for a couple of days and never came downstairs for the first week. After that, she would come down briefly and run up a cat tree to safety and then watch Lucy below--just kind of studying her to figure out what she was all about. Tall cat trees are wonderful for this purpose.

Everyone learned to co-exist, but I still have to stay on Lucy and let her know that chasing/barking at the cats is not acceptable. She still does it occasionally and I have to stop her in her tracks and remind her that it's not OK to chase the cats. Personally, I don't think it's enough to just use positive reinforcement--I think the dog needs to be taught that it's just not OK to chase the cats. Dogs figure things like this out if things are consistent.

Except for her buddy Tiger, the dog-familiar cat who buddied up with her right away, Lucy considers the cats to be on the lower end of her pack. She and Tiger play together, sleep together, and he can go near her food and toys without her getting upset--the rest of the cats can't do this around her. It's interesting how Tiger has a completely different relationship with Lucy than the rest of the cats do.

Good luck. I know this can be a tough thing.

[MegaMuttMom]

We have a cat tree on top of a piece of furniture and the kitty has lots of other high-up spaces to escape to. So, I third the cat tree suggestion She really does sit and study him and it was from on high that she decided he was going to be an OK addition to our house. If he barks at her when she is perched on high, she doesn't budge and we can work with him on being quiet.

[Lorina]

It took my cats between a year and a year and a half to come to terms with Beavis. Gracie still doesn't know what to think of him. Gypsy took longer to accept him, but is now better with Beavis than she is with Gracie.

And the kittens adore him, but are afraid of the other cats.

I have a dysfunctional family.

[DogMomma]

Ohhh... I'm soooo in this boat with you.

So I have four (yes, four) cats and now the pup.

When Sam got here, I allowed the cats to have free reign of the second floor; I put their boxes up there, they were fed up there, etc. They also got to sleep with me at night, and the hubby slept downstairs with the puppy to ease anxiety.

There came a point where I had enough of the separate floor living, jumping gates and dealing with the cat fur all over my sweaters they burrowed in, and I just threw up my arms. I kept the gate at the bottom of the stairs and I separated a room just for them -- and I put a gate up juuuust enough that they can scoot under it, Sam can not. So with their food and box downstairs, I basically forced the issue. Plus, I wanted Sam to get used to them.

Anyway, I figured I wouldn't see my cats for about 2 years. To my surprise, one has actually come to terms with Sam (the "top cat" of the house) and two others are getting there. The remaining cat, well, let's just say I should rename her "shadow" because that's about all I see of her. I'm exaggerating, but I don't expect to see her cuddling with Sam anytime soon.

It really, really helps that they have their own space. Any area where they can lower their guard and feel safe in is crucial. I'm trying to let them take the lead as to how much of Sam they want to be exposed to now. The one came around, so I figure it's just a waiting game for the others to follow suit.

PS - That pet gate with the cat door is awesome!

[Love's_Sophie]

As a currently 5 cat household, I know what you are going through...although my family gets along well, but I also make sure to manage the canines well too, especially the little dog, who likes to occasionally think she can chase the cats...

Anyway here is a really helpful article for 'introducing cats and dogs'...

http://www.greytinspirations.com/tip...gs-to-cats.asp

I would do some serious practicing of NILIF too with Logan, so he begins to realize that the cats are his dominants...not the other way around...he needs to respect them, not try to rule over them and every move they make By practicing NILIF with him, you will become a better leader as well, and you can 'show' him, through how you manage him, that the cats are higher ranking in the home than he is...

http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

[tigress]

Originally Posted by Shaina

I dunno if you can do this, but they have pet baby gates that have a smaller door to let cats pass through but would be way too small for Logan...would keep him in your room and let them wander about (if that's allowed).

I know they have them at Petsmart...not sure where else. Here's the extra-tall walk-through version from Petsmart, so you can see what I mean:

I have that gate. I love it but you have to have a pretty big dog or one that won't try to escape. Aurora was 36 lbs last I checked (a few weeks ago, she's 7-8 months now) and if she really wants she can still fit through the door (she's husky shaped to give you idea of shape and size of chest). At 26 lbs she didn't even slow down going through it, now she won't try unless she really wants through and she'll still slip through though more carefully.

[Shaina]

Originally Posted by tigress

I have that gate. I love it but you have to have a pretty big dog or one that won't try to escape. Aurora was 36 lbs last I checked (a few weeks ago, she's 7-8 months now) and if she really wants she can still fit through the door (she's husky shaped to give you idea of shape and size of chest). At 26 lbs she didn't even slow down going through it, now she won't try unless she really wants through and she'll still slip through though more carefully.

Haha, that's pretty funny...I guess I don't really know how big the little gate is (hard to really tell from the picture and I didn't look at the numbers). It does seem excessively big if it's meant for a cat though...

[Love's_Sophie]

Originally Posted by tigress

I have that gate. I love it but you have to have a pretty big dog or one that won't try to escape. Aurora was 36 lbs last I checked (a few weeks ago, she's 7-8 months now) and if she really wants she can still fit through the door (she's husky shaped to give you idea of shape and size of chest). At 26 lbs she didn't even slow down going through it, now she won't try unless she really wants through and she'll still slip through though more carefully.

My little dog would fit through that hole easy...Lol!!!

I do have a pet gate though, and my cats have no problems going over it... Well, the adults anyway...the baby kitties haven't even left the nest yet...Lol!

[Alpha]

I've been extremely lucky introducing three wild cats into a multi-dog household and everyone just magically gets along.

Caine, who was visiting the past few days had a cat incident the first day he was here, which I didn't witness, but an intense leave it session was laid out. Absolute avoidance of the cats at all costs. No looking, no moving towards if anything move away. That's the dogs taken care of.

As for the cats, we've had a handful of incidents where the cats, on their perches have swatted at poor Hades tail when he walked by and we just spritzed them with the spray bottle we keep around to stop them from darting outside.

Other than that I don't have too much advice, other than keeping it fair. If Logan isn't bothering the cats and they swat at him, to me, they're fair game for getting some type of correction and mine seem to hate the water spritzer. I'm in no way knowledgable about cats, lol (perhaps spraying them is similar to shocking a dog) but it's worked for us. The cats no longer try to dart out the patio door and they don't swat at Hades tail.

Good luck!

ETA - It's typical for dogs to chase cats when they run away. It's just instinct. Teaching him to leave them ALL the time and avoid them at all costs for however long, may give the cats a chance to come around and warm up to him. So they won't run away, and therefore Logan won't chase them if they're not running.

[Criosphynx]

[quote=Alpha;297936]

Other than that I don't have too much advice, other than keeping it fair. If Logan isn't bothering the cats and they swat at him, to me, they're fair game for getting some type of correction and mine seem to hate the water spritzer. I'm in no way knowledgable about cats, lol (perhaps spraying them is similar to shocking a dog) but it's worked for us. The cats no longer try to dart out the patio door and they don't swat at Hades tail.

QUOTE]

Im the same way, fair is fair. The cats have the same rules as the dogs. I've since traded the water sprayer for a hissing sound that they hate, i got sick of not having a water bottle handy.

I hope this doesn't sound stupid but i practice NILIF with my cats as well. They know several tricks as well as a couple commands. I think it makes their lives interesting. It makes them easier to manage and plus its a great entertainer for when people come over lol