New dog causing cat problems!! (NBR)

miakrita · January 2013

I know from FBF that some of you lovely ladies have both cats and dogs. I'd like to ask for your opinions/suggestions.

DH had a big German Shepard until about 2 years ago when we had to put him down. After that, DH was heartbroken and couldn't bear the thought of another dog in his life. So we got two incredibly ridiculously awesome cats. We've had the cats as our sole pets for over a year.

Yesterday, I decide to let him adopt another big German Shepard. He's been in our lives/home for about 24 hours how.

Our cats are terrified. They hate him and they've been cowering under our bed. Any suggestions for how to deal?

TIA!

fluttergirlmoonchild79 · January 2013

They'll get used to each other, it'll just take a little time. My parents have had both cats and dogs having one before the other and it's just a matter of time to get used to each other and realize they're not a threat. Our dog wasn't a big fan of my parents' cats nor were they of him but our dog was at their house for 2 weeks while we were on vacation and now they could care less about each other.

LLPtobe · January 2013

I'm don't have any cats, so I can't speak directly from experience, but I'm guessing that there's got to be an adjustment period of some sort for both your new dog and the cats. All three of them have just undergone a major change in living arrangements, and I'm sure it will take some time for them to adjust and get used to eachother. I wouldn't let the first 24hrs color your idea of how their relationship will be forever. They'll probably end up best of friends given some time. Just my two cents.

miakrita · January 2013

fluttergirlmoonchild79:
They'll get used to each other, it'll just take a little time. My parents have had both cats and dogs having one before the other and it's just a matter of time to get used to each other and realize they're not a threat. Our dog wasn't a big fan of my parents' cats nor were they of him but our dog was at their house for 2 weeks while we were on vacation and now they could care less about each other.

Thanks fluttergirl. I hope that with time it will get better. But right now, I just feel so bad for my cats! Its difficult for me to see them so upset

dandywarhol · January 2013

Congratulations on the new family member! Blending cats and dogs can be challenging. Does the dog have a positive history with cats? If not then you're in for a challenge and be careful never to leave the dog unsupervised with the cats.

If the dog is used to cats then things should be easier. It will take time but the cats should come around. In the cats' perspective there is a giant potential threat in their territory. This can be very scary and traumatizing. The cats need to feel safe so make sure they have safe spots of their own and escape routes when they're in the room with you and the doggy. You might also want to try some pheromone collars for the cats to help them relax with the new dog in the house.

The doggy also needs to know that the cats are alpha. The cats aren't toys or chase things. Establishing the hierarchy helps reinforce this belief. Establish rules about how the dog is allowed to interact with the cats.

Good luck!

miakrita · January 2013

mlal78:
In my experience? Just let them hash it out. The cats will hide for a good week probably, then start coming out again. They should soon be ruling the roost over the dog.
I have tried introducing them slowly, having things each animal can sniff etc. I have found the above to work the best.

Thanks, mla. I tried giving the cats the dog toys to sniff yesterday. Hopefully that took some of the edge off when this 90 pound dog rolled through their door. I hope your right about the time thing (and about the cats ruling thing).

miakrita · January 2013

LLPtobe:
I'm don't have any cats, so I can't speak directly from experience, but I'm guessing that there's got to be an adjustment period of some sort for both your new dog and the cats. All three of them have just undergone a major change in living arrangements, and I'm sure it will take some time for them to adjust and get used to eachother. I wouldn't let the first 24hrs color your idea of how their relationship will be forever. They'll probably end up best of friends given some time. Just my two cents.

I hope you're right I'm just such a softy for my cats that I'm really letting this first 24 hours get to me.

miakrita · January 2013

dandywarhol:
Congratulations on the new family member! Blending cats and dogs can be challenging. Does the dog have a positive history with cats? If not then you're in for a challenge and be careful never to leave the dog unsupervised with the cats.
If the dog is used to cats then things should be easier. It will take time but the cats should come around. In the cats' perspective there is a giant potential threat in their territory. This can be very scary and traumatizing. The cats need to feel safe so make sure they have safe spots of their own and escape routes when they're in the room with you and the doggy. You might also want to try some pheromone collars for the cats to help them relax with the new dog in the house.
The doggy also needs to know that the cats are alpha. The cats aren't toys or chase things. Establishing the hierarchy helps reinforce this belief. Establish rules about how the dog is allowed to interact with the cats.
Good luck!

Thanks for the helpful suggestions!

TheatreStar86 · January 2013

It'll take awhile, but I'm sure they'll get there. We had 2 cats when we got our pup. They weren't fans for a few months. I recommend getting some gate up or making something a dog-free zone. That way, they can still have their own space and they can be comfortable. We trained ours at first not to go into the guest room, office, and bedroom. Now he's only not allowed in the master bedroom. Also make sure that they have some escape places all over the house. Cat trees help them interact, but be out of reach. Make sure to train the dog not to chase the cats. Good luck!

musicteach78 · January 2013

We have 3 dogs and two cats. We had the cats before the dogs and what has worked well for us is buying a baby gate and cutting a cat sized square in it. We usually have it at the end of the hall and the cats can come out when they feel brave. If they need to run away, the gate prohibits a big scary dog and cat chase.

miakrita · January 2013

Thank you, ladies! I appreciate your help as I expand my fuzzy family

TLR813 · January 2013

****** sig ********

We had a cat for a few years before bringing a dog in. The cat freaked out and hid upstairs. I made the mistake of bringing food and water upstairs because I thought the cat was too scared to go down near the dog. Turns out that only made the cat more anti-social. Eventually things went back to normal, and now they hang out in the same room. Not best friends, but the cat tolerates the dog now. I agree with PP's, give the cat an area where the dog can't go. That way he has a place he knows he's safe.

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