Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions

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LadyPact -> Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/1/2016 5:30:02 PM)
On the recent furbaby thread, I mentioned that we had just adopted Natasha. We got her at the ASPCA just a few days ago and she took to her new home very quickly. She got settled right in, shows her new humans (us) tons of affection, behaves very well... All of the good stuff. The hang up is Nermal, the cat. I've mentioned Nermal on several threads over the years. (Some people on the forums have met her.) One of Nermal's personality quirks is that she is the biggest 'fraidy cat you ever saw. She took one look at Natasha, arched her back, and ran away to the upstairs. Here's where people get to help. I know very little about introducing a new dog into a home where a cat already lives. The little I do know, I got from shows that air on Animal Planet. I thought if I started a thread here, I might get some additional advice. I know this is a thing I can't force. The ball is in the cat's corner. Nobody is doing anything stupid like sticking the cat in front of the dog to "introduce" them. I'm thinking it's best to let this happen on the cat's terms. Well, that, and I'd like to keep my skin in tact. The cat took the high ground, we're letting her have it. There's two main floors to the house, plus the basement. (The basement doesn't count because that's a no animal zone. That's the kink area.) We moved Nermal's things (food and water bowls, cat box) to the loft. The cat actually has a great vantage point from the loft, because she can be high up and still observe what is happening in the living room. We put a baby gate on the stairs so the dog can't invade the cat's territory. There was one middle of the night mistake with this, but it was resolved quickly, and Natasha hasn't gotten past the gate again. Both animals are getting separate time and attention. They both have their own toys. Without incentive, they have both adopted their own blankets. This is not going to be an overnight process, but are there any other positive things to do? Does anybody have helpful hints or suggestions? Funny stories about adding a new pet to the home where another pet already lives?

jlf1961 -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/1/2016 6:11:52 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: LadyPact On the recent furbaby thread, I mentioned that we had just adopted Natasha. We got her at the ASPCA just a few days ago and she took to her new home very quickly. She got settled right in, shows her new humans (us) tons of affection, behaves very well... All of the good stuff. The hang up is Nermal, the cat. I've mentioned Nermal on several threads over the years. (Some people on the forums have met her.) One of Nermal's personality quirks is that she is the biggest 'fraidy cat you ever saw. She took one look at Natasha, arched her back, and ran away to the upstairs. Here's where people get to help. I know very little about introducing a new dog into a home where a cat already lives. The little I do know, I got from shows that air on Animal Planet. I thought if I started a thread here, I might get some additional advice. I know this is a thing I can't force. The ball is in the cat's corner. Nobody is doing anything stupid like sticking the cat in front of the dog to "introduce" them. I'm thinking it's best to let this happen on the cat's terms. Well, that, and I'd like to keep my skin in tact. The cat took the high ground, we're letting her have it. There's two main floors to the house, plus the basement. (The basement doesn't count because that's a no animal zone. That's the kink area.) We moved Nermal's things (food and water bowls, cat box) to the loft. The cat actually has a great vantage point from the loft, because she can be high up and still observe what is happening in the living room. We put a baby gate on the stairs so the dog can't invade the cat's territory. There was one middle of the night mistake with this, but it was resolved quickly, and Natasha hasn't gotten past the gate again. Both animals are getting separate time and attention. They both have their own toys. Without incentive, they have both adopted their own blankets. This is not going to be an overnight process, but are there any other positive things to do? Does anybody have helpful hints or suggestions? Funny stories about adding a new pet to the home where another pet already lives? House cats are spies for the Kzinti empire, home world orbits 61 Ursae Majoris, and they consider humans as a delicacy. Other than that, you are on your own, I do not get along with animals that act like you exist to serve them. The cat will come out and meet the dog when it is good and ready, and allowing the dog to venture into the cat area when you are near will help ease the situation.

LadyPact -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/1/2016 7:27:02 PM)
quote: The cat will come out and meet the dog when it is good and ready, and allowing the dog to venture into the cat area when you are near will help ease the situation. That's what I was thinking, too, but I don't think it's time yet. Maybe, (when it's time) a half way point of meeting on the stairs? What about objects that smell like the other animal? Does that help?

OsideGirl -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/1/2016 9:12:50 PM)
I agree when the cat is ready,it will happen.

DesFIP -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/1/2016 9:26:36 PM)
When the stepdaughter moved in with her cat, she had no time for the dog. If he tried to come into her room, the cat smacked him across the nose. She stayed up on the top of the sofa where he couldn't reach. She never warmed to him. You can't do much to influence a cat.

GreedyTop -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/1/2016 10:30:54 PM)
The only thing I can suggest is getting some feliway diffusers. They're a bit pricey, but get 2-3 of them (depending on the general areas in which the 2 critters are likely to cross paths) and allow the diffusers at least 48 hours to work. Nermal may or may not react at first, but Squirt (my helicopter claws of death kitty) was immediately seduced at the vet's office - Cashie? not so much). It's worth a try! Love and miss you - hugs and scritchies as appropriate!

Kaliko -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/2/2016 3:02:49 AM)
I've done this twice and I found my approach depended more on the dog than on the cat. The first dog was aggressive and defensive, so I had to get all of them (two cats) used to each other. That meant the whole family sitting in the room together, with the dog first on a loose leash for awhile (so I could watch her aggression) just so they could learn that they weren't meant to be attacking each other. Then, for long after, they were always monitored. Then, I kept them apart by baby gate on the stairs, like you. Eventually, they learned to at least sit together on the couch but there was never any love. The process took about six months. When I no longer had that dog, the new dog was so incredibly mellow by comparison and so I didn't do a thing. The cats were on guard like crazy after the other dog, and poor thing, one of my cats was constantly swatting that poor dog around. But no baby gate or separation. I just let them do their own thing and eventually the cats pulled their claws out of the ceiling when they saw that they could bully this one. I don't really have any advice, I guess, other than for me it depended more on the dog than on the cat. Just be sure when you do move the cat's food back to where it normally is, put it high up somewhere where the dog can't get it. (Same for the litter box. Put it somewhere where the dog hopefully won't get at it too often. Dogs eat that stuff. LOL) And no, it won't be an overnight process at all. I have way too much patience with animals. When I look back on how long it took my current cat to finally not run away from me when I approach her (and she still does, just not all the time) I think I'm a big pushover. But what a great feeling it is when she does come over to me. You'll probably be snapping a dozen pictures the first time that the dog and the cat sleep on the couch together. (Or wherever.) Ack. I have pet envy.

Greta75 -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/2/2016 4:44:08 AM)
I have introduced a dog to a cat before. Unfortunately, maybe you won't like what I did. But cat is territorial. So the first week, the dog must be kept in a cage. Or fenced up in a confined area. Basically, the new member of the family needs to be restricted to one corner, so the resident cat can still feel safe to roam anywhere and everywhere without feeling like her territory is being invaded. I only allow the dog to start free roaming, AFTER the cat starts getting curious and sniff the dog through the cage. And I start seeing some curiosity and interaction. This gives the cat time to get used to the smell and presence of the dog. This could happen one week later, 2 weeks, later or one month later. And then, later when the dog is finally able to free roam. They will sort it out themselves better. For now..., you got a dog who might be invasive to all her normal areas and leaving his scent. The cat is gonna be super stressed.

LadyPact -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/2/2016 4:48:36 AM)
Kaliko, no, that was actually really good input! It sounds like such a silly thing, but I honestly have no experience with integrating a dog into a cat household. Nermal has 'met' a dog before because MP had a dog when I first met him. By that time, the dog was old and gentle. Not to mention, the dog had always had cats in her life, so it was a (pre) made situation. I'm hesitant to say much about Natasha's personality just yet. Naturally, she's excited to have a new home, but she's very good about her quiet times, too. If MP and I are otherwise occupied, she just lays quietly by herself. She does not seem to like strangers of either the human or canine variety. So far, those have been the only times she's barked. Too early to tell if she thinks she's protecting "her" family from other living things. As far as she's concerned, the three human members of the family have been fully adopted. (She met engie when he cooked dinner last night, so that went well.) MP is already a step ahead on the idea of putting the cat food up from the floor when the animals will co-mingle. He bought a stand for when we get to that point in the process. Nermal is an indoor only cat and has always preferred a covered litter box, so hopefully, there will be no eating of poo. There's no real rush on this. If they did spend six months on separate floors, the only problem would be dog bath time. The main floor is the only one without a full bath. But, yeah. When the day comes that they sit on the couch together, there will be sooooo many pet pics!

LadyPact -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/2/2016 5:03:18 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Greta75 I have introduced a dog to a cat before. Unfortunately, maybe you won't like what I did. I'm taking all input as relevant. quote: But cat is territorial. So the first week, the dog must be kept in a cage. Or fenced up in a confined area. Basically, the new member of the family needs to be restricted to one corner, so the resident cat can still feel safe to roam anywhere and everywhere without feeling like her territory is being invaded. I only allow the dog to start free roaming, AFTER the cat starts getting curious and sniff the dog through the cage. And I start seeing some curiosity and interaction. This gives the cat time to get used to the smell and presence of the dog. This could happen one week later, 2 weeks, later or one month later. The cat is a bit territorial. (And spoiled. Very, VERY spoiled.) Even when we had four cats, she ruled the roost. Can the smell on the humans help this process? Maybe the scent on the blankets would be stronger? quote: And then, later when the dog is finally able to free roam. They will sort it out themselves better. For now..., you got a dog who might be invasive to all her normal areas and leaving his scent. The cat is gonna be super stressed. LOL. You've got that right!

angelikaJ -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/2/2016 9:01:23 AM)
Do you have something elevated in your living area where the cat can escape to? A cat tower or shelving, perhaps? As mentioned in the other thread, I now have 3 furred babies: 2 adult cats and a now 7 month puppy. Theo (newest feline addition) has a dog in his previous situation. As I understand it they hung out a lot and there were no issues. Theo is not pleased with the exuberance of a puppy but he tolerates her...just barely. Ellie, on the other hand, I know nothing about. She is very skittish with people and I was afraid having a dog would be a difficult transition for her. As it turns out the first night she tried to get in the puppy crate with her. She likes the puppy but it all has to be on Ellie's terms. Puppy gets swatted a lot.

LadyPact -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/2/2016 9:29:51 PM)
Probably not in the way you are describing. The loft is like kitty condo terrace. It's not closed off from the living room. Just on a different floor. If it had walls instead of open space/railing, it would rival the master bedroom. Hard to describe.

angelikaJ -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/2/2016 10:17:05 PM)
A cat tower in the living room would give Nermal a safe place to escape to within the living room if her tolerance of the dog wanes.

Greta75 -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/2/2016 11:45:16 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: LadyPact Can the smell on the humans help this process? Maybe the scent on the blankets would be stronger? To be honest, no, because the cat views you as their property too. So the dog scent on you will upset her too. It will make her feel more upset at the dog usually. But that's because, also the introduction as I said, needs to be very slow. They are quite inflexible creatures, cats, they are creatures of familiarity and habit. So changes always stress them up really bad and everything needs to go at slow pace at their pace. That's my experience with them anyway. Also consider the age of your cat. The older the cat, the slower the pace. The younger the cat, the easier to integrate other animals or even new cats.

LadyPact -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/9/2016 9:06:09 AM)
Update. The cat finally gave in! I took Natsha for a late evening walk last night. Came home, there was Nermal, sitting smack dab in the middle of the living room floor. Brought Natasha inside. They got nose to nose. No fur went flying. No animals were harmed in he making of this post.

shiftyw -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/9/2016 1:46:45 PM)
Our kitty Terrence is not super into the dog, but it's a good deal of peace we've reached, just by letting the cat run the show.

oliviadovie -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/10/2016 10:44:37 PM)
Hi Lady Pact, angelika, Greta and some others that know me as dovie.,,, kiss turns face kiss/ LOL good stuff here reading. I'm going to have a dog or 2 in about 7 months and I currently have 2 cats I am slave to. They are both pretty dominant and have been around a dog before for a little bit. we shall see. Good to see all of you.

LadyPact -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/26/2016 4:48:27 PM)
Update: They aren't exactly best friends yet, but an amazing amount of progress has been made! They do have times that they will both sit on the same piece of furniture, as long as the human is present. I happened to catch a cold last week. Both animals curled up with me in sympathy. One by my head. The other by my arm. Believe it or not, that's how they found common ground.

DaddySatyr -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/26/2016 5:30:36 PM)
I'm glad I'm kinda "off" cats, these days. Don't get me wrong. It's my fault. I don't believe in mutilating animals so, I will never have another female cat (they tend to spray more prolifically, especially if there are other cats in the house) or a female dog (unmutilated, they leave blood, every month or so). I never had a cat that I allowed out of the house (many didn't want to leave, once I took them off the streets) so, not mutilating them didn't seem like a huge risk of over-population. That said, the last time I had to worry about integrating a dog with a pre-habitating cat, I was (I think) twelve years old and it was really kind of simple. This street dog followed me home (that's not just a story I told my parents. That's how it happened. I was scared to death of dogs, at the time because of the wild pack problem we had in the city.) and the cats in the house just swatted his nose, a couple of times, when they found him offensive. He went after them and I yelled: "NO!" Problem solved. This dog just "connected" with and adopted me for some reason. I'm having a different issue with my current canine: He is *very* "dog aggressive". He was attacked by an older female when he was about three months old. It was unprovoked, instantaneous, and brutal. So, I guess that must factor in, but this dog is obviously part Jack Russel because he insists upon aggressively going after Pit Bulls and Bull Mastiffs. I know it's not a drug thing, because he doesn't get any. I am forced to conclude that this dog is more insane than others of his breed. Michael

shiftyw -> RE: Furbaby thread 2 - Tips, Advice, Suggestions (9/26/2016 8:17:20 PM)
Yah- our trainer basically said "that bow is gonna tie itself and the cats gonna take care of it." I'm glad they found common ground around you- ours are kinda the same. Although Porter (the dog) is very much like "kiiiitttty! I love you!" And drops his toys in front of the cat and play bows to him- the cat is still uninterested and so now they mostly just watch one another. Although the dog doesn't like the cat up in his face around food- but who does? So we correct the cat to show the dog he doesn't need to chase off the cat and that it's our job, enforcing us as leaders even more to the dog at the same time. I want to see pics of your pets!

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