Boyfriend's dog chases cats, my cat is my baby; we want to live together
Question Posted Saturday October 6 2012, 8:17 pm
Hi, 24/f.
So, my boyfriend and I have been together about a year, and we live an hour or so apart. Because of the distance, and our insane work schedules, we don't see each other a whole lot. So when I have a three-day weekend, I pack up my kitty, and the two of us stay with him for awhile. We plan to move in together eventually.
He has a two-year-old German shepherd who outweighs me by about 15 pounds, so he's a big guy. I'm kinda falling in love with him and his sweet brown eyes, which is huge for me, as someone who's been afraid of dogs most of her life.
My cat is about five. She's my baby - as in, when something scares her, she runs to me instead of hiding, and she sleeps with me every night. Needless to say, I'd love our pets to get along.
My cat is afraid of EVERYTHING. She runs away from any open door, and is very easily startled. Right now, we're at my boyfriend's house watching the dogs, and my cat is in the basement. I hate it. I want her curled up on the couch next to me. I don't want to have to isolate her for fear that the big guy will rip her to shreds. I've seen him try to chase cats outside. He's very... determined.
How can we introduce them in a safe way so they can learn to get along and my boyfriend and I can live together without having to give up one of our fur-babies? :(
If they don't get along, put your kitty in another room for a second to have a chat with your boyfriend. Talk to him about trying to see if your boyfriend's dog can go in another room at times, and your kitty has to too. It'll be hard, but it'll be good for your relationship.
You can also teach your kitty and his dog to get along somewhat. When they're getting into a fight, go up to his dog and say "No!" and point your finger at him. He should eventually stop. That's when you say "Good boy" and give him a treat! :)
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