Cats afraid of new dog....PLz Help! :0)

[Freedom]

Hi Ktty Crazy! I do remember you, and now that you posted, you are going to have to show us Ozzie as a big boy, and dear Molly as well! I seem to recall when you brought Ozzie home! That siggy pic is OLD.

Do you have any room gated during the day? You know the dog cannot have access to the cat food OR the litter boxes.

I have a gate at one spare bedroom. In there are the food dishes and one litter box. Our cellar door stays open, there is a gate towards the end of the kitchen to stop the dogs.

Point being: the cats have places to "escape" to when ever they want. Initially, you will need water bowls back where the cats are secure, as well. I went to one big water bowl just this summer, 2.5 years after adding the first dog.

Cats take time to adjust; unlike dogs who sniff butts and make new friends in a matter of moments. If you can set the food, water and boxes in a place for the cats where the dog can see them but not get in, just leave the doors open. The dog can roam the remander of the house. The cats will come and go as they please, in and out of their "safe" place. And if you don't go visit them, they will come out, for their cuddles!

From my experience (and remember I have small dogs, 3 of my cats are bigger!), closing the doors, you have just prolonged the adjustment period. It helps initially, but a few days for the newbie (dog or cat) to get used to the room layout is usually plenty. I wouldn't "force" the issue by putting everyone in a room together. Let the cats come out when they choose.

Hope this helps!

Edited: you posted the pics while I was typing! Thanks so much!!!

[KittyCrazy]

Thanks, Freedom. That's what I figured, too, but it's been 5 weeks! LOL I live in a multi-level home. The main floor has the kitchen, dining, and living room. The upper level is off limits to the dog and has 3 bedrooms (including mine) and 2 bathrooms. This is where the kitties have "their space" and can roam without haing to worry about the dog getting them. Trouble is though, if they hear him down on the main floor, they won't come out of my room at all! They have everything they NEED up there so I suppose they figure they don't have to get to know the dog but I feel like they are living in solitary confinement now.
They only come down to the main floor if they know the dog is outside or in my son's room down in the lower level.

Should I ask my vet about putting them on an anti anxiety med until the can learn to chill out ad get to know him better?