Okay last question on the cat I found. She seems to take refuge in the bathroom. She will wander around the house at night when the dogs are sleeping. During the day she just stays in the bathroom and will his at the dogs if they come in, but she holds her ground in there. She's friendly to us and likes to be pet and all...but will she get used to us, the dogs and the house and feel comfortable enough to actually leave the bathroom during the day?
2007-01-13 15:42:35 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Right now your cat has "defined" a territory it can defend against the dogs and other intruders. I'm guessing her food and litter box are also her so she has a sense of place as well in the bathroom. It's a good sign that she is exploring at night. Her confidence is growing. When the dogs are outside I'd suggest taking her to the bedroom, living room and kitchen and setting her down. Let her explore in this "dog free" situation and gain even more confidence.
Do NOT try to "introduce" her to the dogs -- this will actually produce negative results for all involved.
I'd also suggest spending time with her in other parts of the house one-on-one when the dogs are in another room. This helps with a sense of connection and bonding that will further reassure her that you're there for her.
Also create special spots for her up on bookshelves or tables that the dogs can't get to -- put a blanket, catnip and some toys together in one of these spots and introduce her to that; this will help her establish points throughout the house that she can resort to if she feels threatened.
Hope all goes well with your new family member. --Andy
2007-01-13 16:20:57 · answer #1 · answered by Andy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, she will. Her problems are compounded by the fact there are dogs in the house. She can take care of herself. We picked up a stray about 2 years ago. At first, she would not come near us, stayed under the sofa. But after a month or two, she started to come around. And now, 2 years lated, she really is a beautiful pet. So, be patient. Also, don't make her do anything against her will.
2007-01-14 00:16:31 · answer #2 · answered by monkey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cat will eventually get used to the whole home. At night she is scoping around to see how safe it is. Since animals don't know size the dogs will probably be afraid of her, especially because she is on guard. She'll eventually get used to the dogs as well, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. She obviously has her own safe spot where she can go when she is scared. That is good. Cats like the fact that there is a place where they can be safe. The cat just needs a suttle adjustment. She'll eventually come around.
2007-01-14 01:27:40 · answer #3 · answered by t_marie_02 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes... it may take a month or so... teach the dogs to be AFRAID of the cat or at least to IGNORE the cat to keep balance in the whole home. Larger pets must always be taught to give in to the smaller pets. That way there will be no fights and there will be no stress among the animals.
2007-01-13 23:50:25 · answer #4 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will take her some time to get used to her new home. Don't force it. Give her lots of love & attention & slowly introduce the dogs. Give her treats & try to get her to play with toys, the interactive kind, like Da Bird. Get a Cat Fancy magazine at your local Petsmart. It will help you some.
2007-01-14 00:52:53 · answer #5 · answered by SoapFan1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ys i think she will right now shes prob in her comfort zone which is the bathroom but she'll become comfortable in her surroundings sometimes it takes longer for some cats than others for example my boyfriend's cat got use to his place in about a week where as it tok my cats about 2 weeks to feel really at home
2007-01-14 00:39:20 · answer #6 · answered by Princez 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try maybe keeping the door shut so she is forced to stay out of there! and once she knows that the door is shut she can explore more of the house and might get comfortable with it! Good Luck!
2007-01-13 23:50:54 · answer #7 · answered by beautifully_broken 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should adjust, just give it time. She's probably a little intimidated by the dogs right now though, until she understands they aren't going to chase or hurt her. That's good that she has her own little safe zone to go to if she gets scared.
2007-01-13 23:51:13 · answer #8 · answered by HobbesMom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People choose their dogs. Cats choose their people. If she is happy she will stay. If not, she will take the first opportunity to get out of Dodge.
2007-01-13 23:51:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats take time to get accustomed to a place, dogs, people...i once had a Persian that took 3 months to finally move in, and when he did finally, he owned the place.
2007-01-13 23:58:32 · answer #10 · answered by captsnuf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋