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Post by sunsetpainter on Oct 1, 2018 17:41:51 GMT
My DD has 4 cats, but she needs to re-home one of them. It's a nice cat but doesn't get along with her other cats AT ALL. She asked me to take it. I really like this cat, and DH and I have discussed getting a cat, BUT we have 3 dogs right now...2 German Shepherds and 1 terrier (Jack Russell?) mix. Honestly I'm not worried about the Shepherds, but the terrier might pose a problem. She's 14, going blind, and a total alpha dog in this house. She's the one who starts trouble. (Well, really not so much any more, but she's still ALPHA DOG here)
How could I or should I even introduce the cat to the dogs to see if it would work out? Or should I just give up on the idea? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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kritter
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When we lose sight of how we treat animals, we tend to lose sight of our humanity
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Post by kritter on Oct 1, 2018 18:20:12 GMT
I would start off with giving the cat her own room so she can get used to the new surroundings. The dogs will be able to sniff her under the door and she will smell the dogs that have been in that room. From there you play it by ear.
After the cat gets used to you and the new house on her own timeline, leave the door open and let her make the next moves. The cat has the advantage as she can get on top of furniture that the dog can't.
She may not come out of the room for days but that is OK. Let the cat make the moves when she is comfortable.
I don't have any dogs but our ACO has several dogs at her house and she took in a neighborhood rescue cat that doesn't like other cats and I am out of single accommodations. The cat stayed in her bedroom for a period of time and then slowly made her way little by little to the main living area where the dogs are.
Just don't rush it or try to make it happen. Patience, grasshopper.
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Post by sunsetpainter on Oct 1, 2018 18:43:27 GMT
I kitty sat for this cat when DD went on her honeymoon. She stayed in one of our bathrooms. This is good advice kritter. Thank you! |
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Post by sunsetpainter on Oct 1, 2018 18:44:42 GMT
I really do like this cat. She's totally black and sleek. A beautiful cat.
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kritter
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When we lose sight of how we treat animals, we tend to lose sight of our humanity
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Post by kritter on Oct 1, 2018 18:57:45 GMT
She is worth it to give her a chance. Give her lots of love, attention, and plenty of time to adjust and feel at home.
Don't try and rush it; let it be on her terms.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2018 0:42:41 GMT
You might also try a baby gate that the cat can jump over but the dogs can't? I've only ever had one dog in my lifetime and the kittens used to sleep on her!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2018 0:54:47 GMT
I think it's so awesome that you're thinking about taking her ~ we adopted a couple of cats when we had our old dog and they all adjusted just fine (and then the old dog died and we got two puppies and the cats adjusted to the new dogs).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2018 1:02:06 GMT
With all cats I try to get them in a non-threatening interaction where they can observe or ignore one another - what works best for me is playing with one with a fishing pole toy while the others watch, and the player is absorbed in the toy. Rotate around so all take turns playing.
If you crate the dogs, maybe feeding them in their crates while the cat watches or plays, or playing with the cat while the crated dogs watch (would also maybe work on opposite sides of a baby gate.) I would not crate the cat though (or dogs if they're not normally) - cat should always be able to get away and control the interaction.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2018 19:55:47 GMT
Just curious............did it work out with the kitty??
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Post by sunsetpainter on Oct 31, 2018 21:29:47 GMT
No, my little mutt mix would have no part of it. She was practically foaming at the mouth trying to get the cat. DD is going to keep her for now, just separated from the others.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2018 21:39:48 GMT
My three older cats lived side by each for years with the only interaction being a loud hiss and/or a well timed swat. To their horror three youngsters joined the mix earlier this year. They get along great with each other and my older boy interacts with them but the two older gals want no part of them. And most likely never will
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Post by sunsetpainter on Oct 31, 2018 22:12:51 GMT
I honestly think my 2 shepherds would do fine with a cat. Maybe someday.
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