Please help prospective novice cat owner - Me!

[ChrisH]

Thanks everyone.
The person who did the visit yesterday went to the wrong house ! an empty one too! Never mind, someone else came today (I gave her directions). She was the nice lady I saw last week who found all about Ebony for me. She thinks that Ebony will be okay, as long as it works out with Bob of course. There was a bit of a sticky patch cos I don`t have a pet carrier to go get her, and I can`t afford to get one till next month, but the visitor had a word with the shelter manager and she said I can borrow one to bring Ebony home. Transport is a bit of a problem (I don`t drive or own a car!) it looks like I will have to get a taxi, but that should be okay. So, it looks like she will be here tomorrow.....unless I chicken out! (joke) Though I am still sort of scared as well as being excited, it feels a little bit weird!

Got something I would value your opinions on before I bring her home. I have two rooms to choose from for her to go in for the first day or/and as long as she needs.
First is my living room, I only use it to watch tv, of which I don`t do a lot, and I think I can keep Bob out of there pretty easily. The front door opens straight out onto the path and garden but I very rarely use it in the winter. The downside is that Bob may feel a lot left out if he can`t go in there when I watch tv and to look through the window when he wants.
Second is my upstairs spare bedroom, well, its more of a junk room, it is also a playroom for my grandaughter when she is here, but thats only once a week and she doesn`t always go in there anyway. It really does need clearing out but there is still plenty of room for a cat to be, especially as Ebony is not a kitten and I think, for the first few days at least, she won`t be looking to get into mischief. As long as I can be sure of the safety aspect it should work out grand, but it does get quite cold in there at night and I do feel I am sort of locking her away.
Any thoughts welcome!!!

[sasvermont]

Well, first I would see how the dog and cat get along. Then play it by ear. If Bob doesn't car much about the cat, then I wouldn't confine the cat. I would keep an eye on both pets, especially Bob, so that the cat doesn't scratch him etc. Just let nature take its course. You may find that confining the cat is the best thing, then select a spot where it can watch but still be safe. Baby gates often work nicely.

I just wouldn't worry about it until you see how they do together....

My vet said that the best combination is a male cat and a female dog.... you have the opposite, right?

Keep us posted.

I can't wait to see a photo!

[ChrisH]

Thanks SAS. Yes, I will have the opposite, boy dog, girl cat. The baby gate idea sounds good, I do have one, well, two in fact. Sometimes I am glad I am a hoarder! lol.

[jenluckenbach]

baby gates do not stop most cats. (99%).

I would definitely confine the cat at first, and then continue to do so whenever you are not home or cannot supervise (like when you are asleep) until you are POSITIVE that 1) Ebony feels comfortable and 2) you can REALLY trust both pets together. Confrontations can happen fast. I would chose which ever room you you wish her to retreat to if she feels threatened. I have found, that whichever room I chose to start a new cat in, the new cat will always go back to that most familiar place if it needs time alone. So if, for example, the spare room will have its door closed to her at a later date, then chose the living room (they can get scared if they cannot get back to that familiar spot.). Realize that some cats will acclimate faster than others. I've been through everything from 1 day to several months until the new cat felt completely comfortable.

Hope this helps more than it scares you LOL

[ChrisH]

Thanks jenluckenbach, yes, you have helped more than scared! I was thinking along the lines you said, for example if I put her in the spare room then later on cutting a hole in the door so only she could have access. And with the baby gate it would be to keep Bob out of the room rather than for keeping Ebony in, and then only when I could supervise. I am a worrier by nature, hence all the grey hair, lol, and I think that is why it is hard, I also know that no matter how hard you try you can`t cover every possibility. I have to find a way to strike a balance.

[Pam]

Chris, I can see from your other post that Ebony (name subject to change) is now yours! First of all, congratulations are in order and she is LOVELY!!!!! I just wanted to show you what my daughter has done regarding keeping her kitty's litterbox and food away from inquiring eyes. This is her little boy, and my grandson (15 mos. old) who we certainly don't want exploring the contents of a litter box just as I know you don't want Bob to do. She has a baby gate across the laundry room door opening and Dandy's food and litter are on the other side of the gate. Dandy is able to go underneath or leap over the top - something that little toddlers and dogs (Bob) can't do. Also it allows my grandson, and in your case Bob, to watch the goings on. Just a suggestion, and hopefully Robyn will forgive me for posting a picture of her laundry room! LOL!

[Pam]

Looks like Imagestation is not cooperating. Let's try it this way.

[ChrisH]

Thanks Pam. I don`t have a small room/place like Robyn has....although I do have a pantry...that may work...what a good idea! I may try it out when she comes to live downstairs. Thanks again!