New pet in the House
New pet in the House
I just moved in with a friend and he has a 6 year old Cat. She has never had to be around any other animal except his bird and I own a pomeranian. My pomeranian tends to love all pets and want to "make friends" with her and she is not all too happy about this situation. My room mate says for me to stay away from her and her area because now she has gotten to where she doesnt want to come home. My feelings about this was he should keep her inside like you would when you first move because these changes in her life are as much as a move. If she is kept inside then she will learn to "deal" with the changes and in time become more comfortable with the situation. Please let me know if I am right and if not what the best course of action is to take to make this transition more comfortable for the cat.
I am what I am because of you....
Re: New pet in the House
Crystal, you're right, kitty should stay indoors (not to mention all the outdoor hazards)...and with a combined effort between you and your roommate, she should adjust fairly well to your dog. Since she is the resident cat, the new stress is probably overwhelming to her.
It only takes a little time, love and patience to introduce new pets. Your supervision is necessary however, during the initial introduction stages. Kitty needs to know she is safe, secure, non-threatened, and if she has never been around a dog before, it's up to your roommate and you to ensure she is ensured a safe environment with your dog. Your dog may be loving and curious and wanting to engage with the kitty, but kitty may not feel that way at this point, she is probably quite apprehensive, non-trusting and will have to adjust on her own terms.
Slow introductory periods for them both are the key....short intervals in the same area or room together with your supervision. Expect some hissing and growling on kitty's part, but that will be normal behavior. Teach your dog not to intimidate her, and seperate them if kitty gets too stressed during an interval together...wait a few hours and try again. Be consistent if you can but do provide a safe haven for kitty in which to retreat if she feels threatened or put off.
Give it time, and be patient. Your roommate needs to be as comitted to this task as you, after all, she has relied on him thus far for a secure and comfortable environment to this point, he still needs to be actively involved in the transition and introduction period. He also needs to spend quality time with her during this time to help lessen her stress and so she feels she is still number one with him and in her home.
Thanks for being so concerned about her
It only takes a little time, love and patience to introduce new pets. Your supervision is necessary however, during the initial introduction stages. Kitty needs to know she is safe, secure, non-threatened, and if she has never been around a dog before, it's up to your roommate and you to ensure she is ensured a safe environment with your dog. Your dog may be loving and curious and wanting to engage with the kitty, but kitty may not feel that way at this point, she is probably quite apprehensive, non-trusting and will have to adjust on her own terms.
Slow introductory periods for them both are the key....short intervals in the same area or room together with your supervision. Expect some hissing and growling on kitty's part, but that will be normal behavior. Teach your dog not to intimidate her, and seperate them if kitty gets too stressed during an interval together...wait a few hours and try again. Be consistent if you can but do provide a safe haven for kitty in which to retreat if she feels threatened or put off.
Give it time, and be patient. Your roommate needs to be as comitted to this task as you, after all, she has relied on him thus far for a secure and comfortable environment to this point, he still needs to be actively involved in the transition and introduction period. He also needs to spend quality time with her during this time to help lessen her stress and so she feels she is still number one with him and in her home.
Thanks for being so concerned about her
..........Traci