mamabear

[Cindy]

I just wanted to tell you how it went when I brought my new cat home to my terrier.

We kept him in the cage crate for a few hours while the dog tried to get at him. We scolded the dog, sprayed her when she got too excited. When she calmed down, we put her on a leash and let the cat roam around his new home. We followed with the dog.

She did OK! I felt comfortable enough to dropt the leash.

The cat just ignores her! That's why I chose him, I knew he would take her well, and he did. Good old Mr. Dot!

So now Lucy the dog "herds" him around the house. If he tries to get on my lap she gets between us, it is so funny! They are both napping right now, in separate areas.

Things will be fine, and sooner than I had hoped! Thanks for your help.

[mamabear]

WONDERFUL!

Please make sure you check them everyday for signs of stress. All of the animals should be checked, water intake, food,potty,licking too much or not at all, licking eachother, any odd behaviors at all ; like starting to chew on stuff or snapping at you. Basically anything out of the normal for any of them. This would be the time and for the next 6-12 months could be where trouble starts. If the dogs go after you please of course be careful and make sure you are not in danger, then think about the situation and why there might have been this situation. If the dogs start to pee pee on the floor or on your clothes.....any of these things or anything else can happen and a vet visit would be in order. STress comes out in any form when something new is going on in the home.

Also DO NOT bring anything else into the home that can stress then at this point. Although they are doing well for now, stress can still be going on and adding anything else wouldnt be a good idea at all

Herding is "normal" to do BUT remember YOU ARE the alpha and if it continues then you MUST teach Lucy that YOU say when kitty stays and when kitty goes.

I am very happy that you did the crate thing and that this was a cat that ignors dogs. That is always a plus. good luck to you and thank you for sharing this with me. How wonderful to hear that all is well. Keep us posted.