1
I have three cats--a female thirteen-month-old, a female three-year-old, and a male four-year old. The male cat gets along with both of the females, but my three-year-old female (Cleo) seems to hate the baby (Zoe). Even if Zoe simply walks into the room, Cleo will hiss and growl and chase her away. We are at the point now that Zoe will not leave the bedroom unless it's to go outside. She's terrified of Cleo, and won't allow us to give her affection anywhere but the bedroom. Whenever she sees Cleo or has to walk through a room where Cleo might be, she runs as fast as she can for cover until she knows she's safe. It's getting to the point that I'm very worried about Zoe never being a normal, well-adjusted cat. Is there anything at all I can do that will bring some harmony to my feline-dominated home? Thanks!
2
What is the best way to introduce a 1 1/2 year old cat to a 5-year-old Labrador retriever?
3
Help! We have had two cats for quite a while, and recently decided to introduce a dog to the family. The initial introduction was a disaster. Now, the cats have to live in one part of the house and the dog in the other. How can we get them used to each other without causing serious stress for the cats?
4
I have a male cat 2 yrs old and female cat 3yrs old. I am adopting a cocker spaniel. How do I make them friends?
5
We just adopted a 6-week old kitten from a local shelter. How do we introduce her to our 2 older female dogs?
6
Sweet Pea is a 3 year old cat, normally very loveable. We adopted a small 2 year old dog. Three weeks later, she is still hissing at him. How can we help her to accept him? He is very quiet and calm. I think she's just ticked off about it. What do you think?
7
How can I get my cat used to a new puppy? She lived with an older dog since a kitten but the dog died and we got a new puppy. She won't come downstairs and meet the new puppy. What can we do?
1
I have three cats--a female thirteen-month-old, a female three-year-old, and a male four-year old. The male cat gets along with both of the females, but my three-year-old female (Cleo) seems to hate the baby (Zoe). Even if Zoe simply walks into the room, Cleo will hiss and growl and chase her away. We are at the point now that Zoe will not leave the bedroom unless it's to go outside. She's terrified of Cleo, and won't allow us to give her affection anywhere but the bedroom. Whenever she sees Cleo or has to walk through a room where Cleo might be, she runs as fast as she can for cover until she knows she's safe. It's getting to the point that I'm very worried about Zoe never being a normal, well-adjusted cat. Is there anything at all I can do that will bring some harmony to my feline-dominated home? Thanks!
Dominance or territorial aggression is when a cat feels that its status or territory is being taken over by another cat or animal. When you bring a new cat or kitten into the household, some level of aggression should be expected, at least in the beginning. Whenever two or more adults get together they immediately begin to work out the pecking order. Female cats can be just as territorial as males. The type of aggression displayed consists of chasing and ambushing the intruder, along with hissing and swatting when their territory has been entered. Territorial problems can also occur when kittens start to reach maturity. It is not unusual for a cat to be aggressive toward one cat in the family while being friendly and tolerant to another. What can you do? First of all, if your cat’s behavior changes suddenly you should first consult your veterinarian. A change in behavior may be an indication of a medical problem. Have your cats neutered. Leaving a cat unneutered will only encourage territorial and dominance issues. Start the slow introduction process over from the beginning. Feed the older cats on one side of the bedroom door and the younger cat on the other. This will allow them to associate something pleasurable, eating, with each other’s scent. Gradually over time, move the bowls closer to the door. Repeat the process with the door propped open slightly. Try switching their beds or blankets so they can become accustomed to each other’s scent. Switch their living areas. Confine the two older cats to the bedroom while allowing the younger cat to roam the house without being frightened. Avoid aggressive interactions between the cats, as they may become habits that can be difficult to change. Lastly, in those extreme cases, consult your veterinarian about the possibility of medicating your cats while working with them on behavior modification.
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2
What is the best way to introduce a 1 1/2 year old cat to a 5-year-old Labrador retriever?
Introductions are best done slowly and with control. This means that the dog should be on a leash and never allowed loose with the cat or to chase the cat. The cat should be allowed to move about and/or approach the dog in his or her own time. Using food rewards can help both the cat and the dog begin to associate pleasant things with the presence of each other. Introductions can take time and should not be rushed. For the safety of the cat, the dog should be confined and kept away from the cat when not leashed or supervised.
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3
Help! We have had two cats for quite a while, and recently decided to introduce a dog to the family. The initial introduction was a disaster. Now, the cats have to live in one part of the house and the dog in the other. How can we get them used to each other without causing serious stress for the cats?
To help make the cats feel safe during introductions it is essential that you have good control of the dog. This means that the dog must be first taught to sit and stay quietly while wearing a collar and a leash that is held by an adult. Once the dog can do that well it is ready to be introduced to the cats. Use food rewards to help both the dog and the cat associate pleasant things with each other. Do not allow the dog to lunge, bark or chase the cats. Over time as they spend time in the same room the anxiety should diminish. It may take months however for the dog to learn not to chase the cats. Until the dog is more reliable all interactions must be supervised or the cats and the dog kept separately.
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4
I have a male cat 2 yrs old and female cat 3yrs old. I am adopting a cocker spaniel. How do I make them friends?
When introducing cats and dogs, a few simple rules can help smooth the transition. Having the dog on a leash will help control the dog and keep him from lunging or chasing the cats. The dog should be rewarded with food and praise for being calm and quiet. The cats can also be rewarded when they come closer to the dog. It is also essential in the early going that the cats and dog be separated when not supervised to avoid fighting, injury or other problems. The house should be set up so that the cats have access to their food, water, litter box and resting places without encountering the dog. Introductions may take a few weeks or months until everyone is comfortable and trustworthy.
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5
We just adopted a 6-week old kitten from a local shelter. How do we introduce her to our 2 older female dogs?
When you first bring a kitten home it should be isolated in its own space with food, water and a litter box. This will allow it to become comfortable in its new home. Introductions with the dogs should be very controlled and supervised. The dogs should be on leashes and not allowed to chase or overwhelm the kitten. Introducing one dog to the kitten at a time may be best. Over time as the kitten becomes more familiar and the dogs get used to the kitten, things should improve.
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6
Sweet Pea is a 3 year old cat, normally very loveable. We adopted a small 2 year old dog. Three weeks later, she is still hissing at him. How can we help her to accept him? He is very quiet and calm. I think she's just ticked off about it. What do you think?
If your cat was not raised with a dog she is probably afraid of him. Three weeks is not a very long time for her to get used to him. Be sure that the dog does not chase or bother her. Perhaps it would help if the dog was on a leash and introductions were more structured. Reward the dog for being calm and quiet around the cat and eventually the cat may learn not to fear him. Finally, make sure she has easy access to her food, water and litter box without encountering the dog.
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7
How can I get my cat used to a new puppy? She lived with an older dog since a kitten but the dog died and we got a new puppy. She won't come downstairs and meet the new puppy. What can we do?
Usually there is a great deal of difference between a puppy and an older dog. Puppies tend to be lively and exuberant and that may scare the cat. If the puppy was under control, she might be willing to venture downstairs. Try using a leash and food treats for both the cat and the puppy to facilitate introductions. Make sure the puppy is calm and controlled and does not chase her. Over time she may adjust to the new dog.
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