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Just got a new dog but I dont think I can keep it..
So i just got a new dog yesterday! I love it we adopted it and it is so cute. Its names is Lily. Anyways we also have a cat that we have had for 16 years. currently we have the dog in a cage in the garage b.c that is what the lady said to do becuase it is not house trained. so today to try it out we brought lily in the house and my cat freaked out. he started hissing and crying and almost attacked lily. What should we do to get the cat adjusted to lily. I want to bring lily inside so she doesnt have to sleep in the garage.
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If you have room in the house, bring the cage inside and let the dog stay in it for awhile. This will get the dog use to the house and allow the cat time to get use to the dog as well. As a general rule, dogs like to have a cage or box to call home anyways. This makes them feel more secure when they are in new surroundings. You can take the dog outside every couple hours or so to potty, and in a week or so he should be ready to start venturing out into the house more... If your cat has not been around dogs before, it may take him some time to get use to the idea, but give him/her the same amount of attention that you give the puppy and eventually he will get use to the idea.
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that's how my cat acted when we brought a kitten home, now she's totally fine with her.
it took a little bit for her to get adjusted but now they love each other :]
what you gotta do is show your cat that you still love them, because cats can be very jealous creatures.
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EXPOSURE. Just let the cat get used to the idea of the dog, and vice versa. Such as let the cat see her when shes in a cage, to show that shes harmless, and let her be present at times, but at a safe distance so the cat doesnt freak out.
ONce she understands the dogs new presence, your cat will be less reactive.
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My cat had to adjust to our two dogs as well. Once your cat get's used to Lily's prescence in the house, he will most likely leave the dog alone. Try giving the cat something that smells like your puppy, like a blanket she slept on. Later, leave the dog in the cage and bring the cat into the garage and let them see each other.
Adjustment will take time and if your cat really doesn't like the dog, he will make sure to stay out of Lily's way. Our cat even plays around with the dogs now.
Good luck and congrats to the new puppy!
-Abby
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There will have to be a period of adjustment whilst your cat gets used to Lily. I would keep Lily in the cage whilst the cat is in the house so he can get used to Lily's smell and presence and can accept him in his territory and plus, at least there is a barrier between Lily and the cat. And be sure that you're near by to ensure that not big fights occur. But you can take Lily out when your cat isn't in the house and begin the process of house training which is important if you want her in the house.
Letting Lily wander around the house will be the best way to spread her scent around and let your cat know that know it isn't the only animal in the house.
I say that because it's evident that your cat regards your house as part of its territory and will try and drive out any other animal and in this case: Lily. So , just wait for a period of time. I'm not going to give a set amount because it can vary with each home and how the animals react to each other.
I hope this helped,
triquetra
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