[Jbenson091]

I just brought home the sweetest little 4 month old bored collie-poodle mix and my cat is FURIOUS. I understand why, this is her home and hes new but i dont know exactly what to do. I have been keeping them seperate with a touch of interaction but she juts likes to swat at him and its terrifying the little guy. He definitely knows whos boss and has no problem letting her run the show. Im hoping they will calm down in a week or so, is this realistic? Shes already less stressed around him after 2 days but i dont want him to get hurt. Thanks!

 

[Loki Love]

When we brought Loki home (he was 8 months), our two cats stayed in the basement for a good 3-4 days, completely separated from him. They could hear him, but that was it. Then we transitioned to a baby gate between the basement door and upstairs - they could see each other if they chose to, but still no interaction. Once we decided to have everyone 'together' we kept Loki leashed until he learned the cats were not to be chased (with a good 'leave it' command). We went so slowly.. it took us at least 2 weeks to work up to the leash togetherness. Today, we have zero problems. Granted, it also depends on the cat(s) and dog.

I would make sure your cat has her own space.. lots of high spots to get away from the dog with and continue to limit interactions until the cat is a bit more comfortable and the dog shows less interest.

Good luck!

 

[Jbenson091]

Thank you so much, that sounds easy enough! i appreciate the quick reply. We just want a happy, comfortable household for everyone!

 

[Hambonez]

We're four months in and things are still iffy around here. We have 3 cats. None are terrified of the dog, though the oldest cat is the most cautious. The youngest cat will sit near the dog, and will swat at him and he swats back (the dog thinks its a game), and they'll sometimes play chase. The middle cat just hates him, and will hiss at him for existing (I'm like "seriously? the dog is asleep. you are hissing at him for sleeping"). The oldest cat wouldn't come downstairs for a little bit after we brought the (3.8 lbs) puppy home, but now he'll come down, and hang out in the same room - high up where the dog can't get to him when he's awake, and lower down when the dog is sleeping. All the cats swat at the dog, but none of them use their claws ever. Hamilton was afraid of the cats at first, then just decided they were playing with him and doesn't care if the swat or hiss anymore. We're working on it... I generally leave him and the youngest to their own devices since that cat can handle it and isn't distressed by the puppy play, and more closely regulate his interactions with the older two.

 

[melundie]

We have a very "dog savvy" cat. He doesn't run anywhere and knows if he wants to get away from the dogs to just jump up and out of the way. He actually chases the dogs around from time to time and will swat at them without his claws. With that said, he's grown up his entire life with a dog in the house.

Now, there's no way to make your cat like your dog, though he will most likely mellow out a bit after a few weeks. I think most cats would be more likely to avoid or hide from the dog rather than attack. So, I would let your cat sort of run the show in terms of letting the cat come to the dog and not forcing anything. Also make sure the cat has a safe place to go to get away from the dog (either with baby gates or kitty doors that the pup can't fit through). You have a very smart and high-energy mix that should learn early that the kitty is not a toy and definitely should not be herded!!!!!! Trust me, as your pup gets older, he'll get more bold. Ace used to be TERRIFIED of the cat, but he's certainly not anymore. >.< I think if your cat can teach the dog to back off now, it'll be a lot easier to train him that the cat is not a toy or a sheep later. With that said, if your cat is really being aggressive or attacking unprovoked, it would be best to separate them.

 

[Galathiel]

I don't think it's a bad thing for the dog to learn a healthy respect for a cat. It can cut down on some problems later on. I had a grown Siamese cat when I got Rai Li. She was 3 or 4 when I got Rai Li and lived to be almost 16. Since he has always been around cats, he was wonderful when I brought home our new 1 year old cat. She had issues, but because he was very respectful of her space and understood that hissing meant don't come any closer, she quickly got over her anxiety. She now charges at him (trying to play), but he's not interested. He thinks if he pretends not to see her that she will leave him alone hehe.

I would just make sure to watch them. Be sure to keep your puppy entertained so that it doesn't have so much energy to burn when around the cat.