Integrating a rescue cat into the family?
We have two large dogs and have had a rescue cat for a week now. He's (understandably) scared of the dogs still, any ideas on how to get him used to them? We have just been being patient but can't allow the cat to go outside until we know he won't be scared to come back - he's getting pretty fed up of being cooped up now.
To the second answerer - The cat has lived with dogs before, that's why we chose this one. There were plenty of others who also needed homes but had not lived with dogs. This as thought out, not a spur of the moment thing.
Public Comments
1. Pick the calmest dog and slowly introduce him to the cat keep feeding the cat treats and take his attention away from the dog. He can get used to his presence but also provide somwhere for him to hide if he really freaks out. Good luck!2. Maybe you should have checked his love or hate of dogs before bringing him home. He might be terrified of dogs due to a bad experience and never get over it.
3. I went through this a year ago - two large dogs and a humane society cat. Fortunately, I chose an adult cat with a lot of attitude. I supervised closely and made the dogs back off and respect the cat's space. I gave the cat beds in safe places (one is still under the dining table) and a cat tree where the cat can get up on a perch high away from the dogs can help a lot. I also set up a space from the cat in the garage as an escape for the dogs when he wanted to get away. He still goes there and it was a transition area to outside.
When you do go outside, supervise closely for the first several times. We started after about one week and it went fine. Within a few days he was OK on his own outside. He is always inside at night (as are the dogs).
A vet friend told me it can take up to a year to integrate a cat into a household. I think she is right. Be patient. We are living in peace now.
4. i think sheena's idea is worth a try,god bless you.
5. get a cat leash so at least he can eat some grass
6. The web sites below offer advice on how to introduce a cat to the existing dogs in your home.
http://www.thecatsite.com/Behavior/50/Introducing-Cats-to-Dogs.html
http://www.fabcats.org/introducing.html
It can take some cats a couple of weeks to settle into a new home, and when people move, they're often advised to keep their cat indoors for the first couple of weeks to get them used to their new surroundings. Your cat is coping with new home, owners and canine companions all at the same time, so he's understandably feeling a little insecure at the moment. Continue being patient and when he's feeling more settled in your home it will be safe to let him out. Make sure he goes out on an empty stomach, as this should help ensure that he doesn't roam too far.
Good luck
