This last Saturday we adopted an adult cat from someone who had to move. We have a dog but the woman giving away the cat said he was used to dogs. I know it's early yet, but the cat doesn't want anything to do with anybody, especially not the dog. When we try to pet him he just wants to get away.
Any suggestions to help him adapt?
2007-02-05 12:27:31 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
The best thing to you can do is wait. Cats can be very "snobby". Once he realizes this is his new home, he will come around. It could take awhile, so be patient. Just give him lots of love.
2007-02-05 12:38:50 · answer #1 · answered by Amber P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time is on your side in this case. The poor kitty lost probably the only home and family he's ever known and now there's all these strange people and a dog on top of new surroundings. I'm guessing that you put him in a room somewhere that has a door. If you haven't, it may be helpful to him. Let him stay in this room until he shows signs of wanting to leave (hanging around the door, scratching at it, etc.). Go into this room individually, but no more than two and hang out. Watch tv(not too high volume), read, just lay on the bed think, whatever you want, but leave the cat alone. Just be in the room. This gives him time to get used to you on his terms, while giving him an environment he can call "his". Keep the door closed and the dog out (they will be getting used to each other through the door). Also, whatever room you pick will probably be his default hang out room, so pick wisely. Move his supplies into the room for this time, he will find them when you move them later. Its always a good idea to take him to the litter box and put him in it whenever you move it.
2007-02-05 20:40:03 · answer #2 · answered by D. L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let this cat chill for how ever long it takes him. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. It can take days, even weeks for a new animal to adapt in a new environment. Just be cool about it and he will come around sooner than you think. As far as your dog goes. Just one word of advice on that. I wouldn't let the cat and dog be alone when you are out. When you go out, put the dog or the cat in a separate room. Make sure they can't get at each other while you aren't home. Good luck in your new pet, I'm sure that things will be fine soon.
2007-02-06 00:34:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cat has several things to adjust to all at once, so you need to give him plenty of time, space, patience and certain aids in order to make the transition less stressful. This is what I would do:
1. Confine the cat in one bedroom at first where he can feel secure and safe. It should be a quiet place where the dog won't be able to enter at will. Put the cat's litter box, food bowl and water bowl in that room. Make sure that the cat is able to find a bolt-place or hiding place in that room (under the bed, inside a closet, etc.). Cats need to hide for a while as they adjust to the sounds, smells and activity of a new environment.
2. When the house is peaceful - like late at night - encourage the cat to explore his new home (secure doors that go outside and of course the windows). Let him sniff and smell. DO NOT introduce him to the dog face to face yet. The cat can smell hi - let him get used to the smell of the dog first. The imprtant thing at this stage is for the cat to feel safe and secure in his new "den." The dog will just spook him at this stage. Let the cat acquire some confidence first.
3. To let the cat accept you sooner, just sit quietly in the room he is confined in and read a book. Call him once in a while. You can encourage him to come by throwing treats his way and as he responds, throwing the treat nearer and nearer yourself. This way, the cat will associate you with good things. Do not attempt to chase him! That will just spook him and make him aoid you.
4. After 2 or 3 weeks, the cat may be introduced to the dog or the dogto the cat. Put cat in his carrier, lock the door, put it on the floor. Allow the dog to come inside the room and sniff the cat inside the carrier. cat will hiss of course. Just do this several days in a row. But when its time to let the cat be around the dog outside the carrier, make sure that the cat has a place to bolt or escape from the dog if he wants to.
Good luck!
2007-02-05 20:54:02 · answer #4 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
we took in an adult male cat a few years ago my dogs where use to ruff housing the cat we already had however the new kitty did not like this idea still doesn't.. they live fine together now but it took a long time 3-4 months for him not to run at the site of the dogs but he rules the roost no dog won't walk by him if he's in the door way...lol.. cats are funn creatures they are uselly very timid when coming in to a new area.. most animal it takes atleast a month to adjust.
2007-02-05 21:42:58 · answer #5 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just going to take time and patients with the cat. We had an older cat when we got our dog almost 14 years ago. The first day we brought the dog home, the poor puppy just went to say hello to the cat and got one of her inner eyelids torn for her effort. It took a while but eventually the cat got used to the dog. You shouldn't force the cat to spend time with you. Even cats need companionship from time to time and I think eventually it will decide to grace you with it's presence as many cats I have known eventually do. Just remember that in general they are more of an independent species, unlike your dog, and have to be allowed to do things, to some extent, on their own terms. This is of course just from my own experiences with the few cats I've had.
2007-02-05 20:36:18 · answer #6 · answered by emeraldquetzal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it slow and steady. Cats, especially adult ones, can take a while to get used to new surroundings...they thrive on routine. If you chase the cat around trying to pet it, this process will take longer. You have to let the little fellow come to you when he/she is ready. Be patient.
2007-02-05 20:32:31 · answer #7 · answered by Omni D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just give him time and he will adjust to his new enviroment. its common knowledge that cats dont like change. and make sure that your dog is not aggressive toward cats. that may be a concern of his also and why he is hiding. if they sense danger they will hide. just give him some food and litterbox in an area where he feels safe and soon his nature for curiousity will drive him out to see what's going on outside his hiding place. you should also make sure that he is healthy with no serious problems. this can also cause a cat to isolate himself.
2007-02-10 17:19:57 · answer #8 · answered by my dignity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
same thing happened when we got our puppy. the cat just ran under the bed and hid there 24/7. whenever i was home (i live away at school) i would shut all the doors and keep both of them in the living room so the cat didn't have anywhere to hide. it started working after a few times but my parents just gave the cat to my brother so idk how things would have worked out.
2007-02-05 20:51:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give it some time, don't force them on each other, He may be used to dogs but this one is a stranger, it'll take time for them to get used to each other, just leave them to find their own way to get along, be patient.
2007-02-10 21:44:17 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋