We just adopted a new black lab, and our cat of two years in already hating her. He's gone after her already, and the dog is terrified. Is there any way to help our cat get used to her?
2007-01-24 07:00:58 · 12 answers · asked by Sheri 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
actually no. i was in ur same situation. although my dog only weighs 3 lbs and my cat weighs 9 lol. but what i did when i first got my pup is just let them do whatver they wanted to. if the cat was mean then the dog would learn. eventually my dog got enough guts to try to play with it. now 6 months later they are the best of friends, they really had no choice i live in a small apartment. but give it time. the cat will deff give in and fall in love with its new buddy:) best of luck!
2007-01-24 07:05:58 · answer #1 · answered by Amos&Asher=MyBoys 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's to be expected. Cats are very territorial animals and tend to be more solitary than pack.
Give the cat time, once he figures out that the dog isn't going anywhere he'll calm down. He may be very angry with you and cat's can sometimes be spiteful so don't show any lack in love for him just because the little one is now here.
You have to teach the puppy boundaries also. Where the puppy is and isn't allowed to go i.e. the litter box etc.
The dog - ESPECIALLY labs are very affectionate and persistent. He'll learn his boundary and to respect the kitty. He'll over come the fear.
I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. Believe me, they will coexist. It might be at a distance for a while but eventually the cat will at minimum learn to tolerate the puppy.
Make sure to give the proper training to a puppy because labs tend to chase (as all dogs do) and that might upset Mr. cat. Oh..and the food - be wary of the cat food!!!! It's higher in fat and protein than dog food and the puppy is going to LOVE it!
Good Luck
2007-01-24 07:14:29 · answer #2 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will take some time. Make sure that the cat has it's own space. A place the cat can go without fear of the dog following. A place up high, or a room that you block off from the dog. This should help. Otherwise, just wait it out, and hand out lots of catnip!
2007-01-24 08:00:53 · answer #3 · answered by Garfield 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
been there done that. I had 2 sister calico cats for 3 years then we brought home a female husky puppy. Let me tell you my girls (cats) went down to the basement and didnt' come up for two days. And these cats are my babies. They tolerate the dog, but keep her in her place. Eventually the cat will tolerate the dog as long as the dog learns who is the boss right off. Everyone will be just fine.
2007-01-24 07:11:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the intro went poorly there is VERY little you can do now to fix it sorry. Keep them separated for a while, and give the cat a LOT more attention and affection then the intruder, I mean puppy... well, that's how the cat sees it. Give the cat safe zones that are puppy free, keep the cats food and water out of puppy reach (the litter box too). Not a whole lot to do now, sorry.
2007-01-24 08:21:00 · answer #5 · answered by Noota Oolah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs like to chase cats. Cats do everything in their power to stay away from dogs. It's just going to be a matter of time. The cat has to know that the dog isn't going to hurt it and this is only going to be shown through time.
2007-01-24 07:10:02 · answer #6 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cat's are not very good at handling newcomers, especially into what they consider "their" space. You'll have to except some hissing and spitting from your kitty. Hopefully, he'll get use to her and begin to share the area. Almost the same thing happened with me. Only I introduced a kitten to my almost 2yr old male cat. Even though he is neutered, he was still aggressive toward the kitten, not to the point of any real danger, but still. Eventually he accepted his new little sister and they are as thick as thieves. So be patient and good luck!
2007-01-24 07:13:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat will adjust eventually. I brought home my yellow lab and my cats terrorized him constantly. The kitties have since learned to live with The Thing.
My dog has a very healthy respect for the kitties.
2007-01-24 07:10:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two cats Clea (F) 16 years old and Caesar (M) 15 years old. Clea is the dominate as she came first even though Caesar out weighs her by 20lbs, she only weighs 6lbs. Inlaws came to visit over x-mas and did not want to leave 50lb dog home alone so we said go ahead and bring her. OMG, Our dominate cat Clea, all 6lbs, was very confrontational to the "intruder", following around the house ready to pounce. We could not leave them alone as they would have joined forces and carried out Jihad on the dog. Very territorial, so don't be surprised if you have a similar reaction.
2007-01-24 07:42:18 · answer #9 · answered by Xam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ya, I certainly think so, because my dog, Juliet, came into the house like 3 weeks ago, and my cat, Sappho hated her at first, but after a while, they got used to eachother, I mean, their still at it, but their not as bad now... *flames* But... my other cat...Joey! Hates Juliet, and will do anything to get rid of her, ONCE..AND..FOR..ALL!!! *flames* 0_o
2007-01-24 07:14:42 · answer #10 · answered by xXxSPARTAxXx 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋