Cat can't get along with dogs - help!

[Annah T.]

My cat, who is about 1 1/2 years old, has never been around other animals. I got him when he was a very tiny kitten and he's lived in my house as the only pet since then. He hasn't even been allowed outside because I live in an apartment complex.

My boyfriend has a beagle and a pit bull, who is really a very nice but overly friendly animal. As it becomes more and more evident that we will someday be living under the same roof, we decided it couldn't hurt to start getting the animals familiar with each other. This has NOT been going well. We caged the pit bull and first introduced Roy (my cat) to the calm, easy-mannered beagle. They seemed cautious, but OK. When we let the pit bull out, however, my cat freaked out and scratched me and even though we re-caged the pit bull, he now won't even be near the beagle. We're leaving the cat at his house for a week in hopes that they will eventually work it out - but my cat has been hiding in the basement for two days now and won't even let me touch him. He hasn't eaten either.

Is there anything I can do to help this process? This is not the first time he's had a problem getting along with other animals (my parents have a kitten and a tiny beagle and he hid in the basement when they took care of him for a few days too). He is normally very calm and affectionate and friendly. What can I do? Help!

Thanks!

[jason]

getting along with dogs, that can be tricky for sure.

first and foremost is to get your kitty eating, drinking and "moving it out" normally. he is under enough stress as it is to be undernurished as well. not eating or drinking for even short periods of time can have serious effects on your cats' health, short and long term.

if i was in your situation, i would probably give my feline introductions method(s) a shot.

Feline Introductions, click the link between the two cat faces.