Cats and Dogs

[Swamp Roo]

We will be getting an Aussie mix shortly. We already have two cats that used to be indoor/outdoor cats, as in they know what dogs are and don't like them. They are just indoor cats now. We have too many five lined skinks around. Not to mention I shoot cats that go after my chickens, I expect the same of others. We need everyone to tolerate each other for starters, but we would have long term harmony as a goal. The Aussie (female, two yrs old) has been over once, and I introduced the bigger cat to her by holding the cat out of reach for the most part, just to see how the dog would react. The dog just sniffed in curiosity, the cat took a swipe. I can't blame the cat, he had no control, and probably thought he was being fed to the dog. I was more interested in the dogs reaction. Sorry kitty, had to be done. So we will now have some "safe" rooms for the cats with kitty doors, one of which contains the food and litter. The dog is crate trained, and we plan on having some extra "give attention to the cats" time with the dog in the crate to avoid some of the jealousy that will happen. Since the dog is used to being in the crate overnight, we will keep that practice till things calm down, hopefully that will let the cats walk around without having to interact directly until they are ready. Any ideas on how to reduce the inevitable trauma and drama? Dos and don'ts (other than don't make the cat feel like he is being fed to the dog)

Thanks,
Swamp

 

[sandy sea]

Sound s like you got it under control. It will just take some time.

 

[PitterPaws]

let them do it on their own, don't hold the cat above the dog not a good idea you could get scratched pretty bad if the cat gets scared.
maybe keep the dog in a closed room so the cats can sniff under the door or vice versa that way they can get used to each other with out any blood shed. and when you have them out together keep a close eye on the dog, they can move very fast and have that cat dead in an instant.
Good Luck and keep us informed, with pictures of them Please

 

[Swamp Roo]

Thanks guys. No, holding the cat above the dog is not what I wanted to do (and it was not directly over the dog). I needed to get a feel for how the dog would react. Curios okay, lunge at cat would have been a deal breaker. The dog did fine, even took a half a step back when the cat took a warning swipe. The cat door was installed into the food, littler, "safe" room today. We are hoping to take custody this weekend.

Swamp

 

[gaited horse]

Picuters you forget to tell us that part.

 

[Swamp Roo]

No pics yet. Every time we visit, we just get caught up interacting with the dog and forget to shoot some pictures. My folks are bugging me for pics too.

Swamp