Taz has made a new friend

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Tambrey
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Taz has made a new friend

Post by Tambrey »

As you know, Mysti passed away earlier this summer, totally unexpected...Taz has been lonely since then so we try to give him some extra attention. However, lately I noticed that he does NOT try to shove his way in to the house when I go out there...lastnight, before bed, I found out why...

The calico daughter that we had spayed a couple weeks ago has taken to living with Taz! Taz...who has killed cats in the past, as well as woodchucks and other critters...loves this cat!! He came out of his sleeping area when I opened the door, and pretty soon she peeked her head out around the corner of the sleeping nook..I petted her, Taz nuzzled her...she just sat there as if she owned the place!

I had seen her back there previously, on the outside porch or step and would hurry and remove her before Taz sensed her, but now I guess I do not need to worry....they sleep together!

If I can, I will try to sneak out with the camera some time
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Traci
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Re: Taz has made a new friend

Post by Traci »

Sorry, but I don't believe this is a good idea. While some pets can make a "turnabout" in behavior, I believe it to be rare, and if he has killed in the past, whatever is going to prevent him from doing it again. Just because he's older now, and blind, does not mean he isn't going to at some point, display the same behavior. If he has any cognitive disfunction even, you can't predict anything. If he is painful anywhere at any time, a nip could seriously harm the cat (or worse). Remember, that eye problem, and the pain.

You could be right that he is lonely, but I'm not sure the cat is the best companion for him. Have you tried allowing another of your dogs with him?
..........Traci
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Re: Taz has made a new friend

Post by Tambrey »

We have done introductions at the kitchen door with Ghost. I would not leave them unattended, but either let Taz in the house or Ghost out there some time when hubby and I are both home to supervise.

When Taz is in the house, he is fine with the cats here...so I am thinking that since the porch is attached ad enclosed, that he considers it part of the house, so a cat there is okay.

I am wondering, too, if Mysti was truly the instigator when it came to animals coming into their yard uivited
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Traci
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Re: Taz has made a new friend

Post by Traci »

I still contend that you should not allow the cat to sleep with Taz. It would be better if you could spend time in introducing one or more of the other dogs to Taz, making it a daily excursion, encouraging the dogs to feel safe together, encourage bonding if they seem to want to. Not that I encourage dogs to acclimate to each other if one or more has a problem behavior, I'm saying it would be more beneficial for all involved in this case if the dogs stayed with the dogs, and the cats stayed with the cats. Taz being blind, older, etc, would definitely benefit from companionship, especially while sleeping, at night, since his senses are diminished and "special needs" dogs consider their siblings or companions their protectors as well. I would never trust a dog with a cat when the dog has previously displayed killing behavior, blind or old or not.

Please seriously consider alternatives, don't put the cat(s) at risk because you feel Taz needs a companion. If he needs a companion, it should be a dog companion, and this is only because of his prior history. Yes, he is probably a sweet little guy, he needs comfort, companionship, attention, loving, bonding etc, as ALL senior pets or special needs pets do, but I suspect he needs it most from a dog companion. Remember also, you're not always there to supervise.
..........Traci
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