scared cat

[JenBKR]

Hi, I am new to this site. I have a question...I have two cats and just got a dog last weekend. One cat seems to be adjusting ok (Belle), but the other cat (Katie) is really scared of the new dog (Rosco). Katie hides under the bed or behind the couch, and has not beed eating much. Is there anything I can do to help her adjust? Thank you!

[momcat]

Hi, JenBKR! Welcome to Pet Talk! It might take your kitty a bit of time to get used to the new resident in your house. The only thing I can suggest is give it some time and be patient with both of them. Hopefully, they'll work this out on their own. Meanwhile, try to reassure your kitty that all is well and you still love her (or him) as much as ever. Be sure to give kitty a lot of affection. Kitty may see your dog as an invader of 'HER" turf. Good luck and let us know how everything works out.....

[Shady]

Hi and Welcome to PT.

The fact that she's hiding and not eating much I would think, suggests that perhaps she's afraid of being 'exposed' to the dog while she's at her dishes, she may feel it's not safe to be out there.

It sounds like to me that the 'introductions' were too fast for her.

What I would do, is put her and her dishes somewhere where the dog cant get to for a few days, somewhere where she can feel safe, that includes the litter box, hopefully she's using that. After a few days (you have to go in and spend time with her though) leave the door open, and see how things progress.

It's not good for a cat to go without water/food for an extended period of time. So make that always available to her wherever she is.

Good luck.

[G535]

Give her plenty of attention and time to adjust. We were lucky years ago when we adopted a stray dog as the resident and only cat was the same size as the dog and soon told her who was boss around here.

[JenBKR]

Thanks for your help guys, I will try those suggestions. I am probably worrying too much, but I don't want kitty to think I don't care about her. I just want to do this the right way. The dog is a lot bigger than both cats, but hopefully time will help them be friends. Thanks again! :)