Cross Breeds - How to re-introduce our dogs and cats after a bad beginning?

How to re-introduce our dogs and cats after a bad beginning?

One of our cats was chased by our two adopted dogs at the initial meeting. Now he hides in my closet and won't come anywhere near them. Nothing we have tried helps him to become less afraid and willing to give them another chance. They do not chase our other two cats, but this one shows fear and I think they sense it. He lives in my bedroom and the dogs aren't allowed in there. I want to have them all get along and I feel awful for the poor guy! I can't afford a 'cat whisperer'. Please offer suggestions!

Public Comments

Cat owners report that biting is the second most common behavioral problem in cats –second only to inappropriate urination. This is because personality traits are as varied in cats as they are in people. Early experiences have considerable bearing on later aggressive behavior but genetic diversity is a greater cause of problem aggression. Some cat owners just accept the unique temperaments of their pets but others find aggressive behavior intolerable and search for a cure. Unlike other personality quirks, aggressiveness can be a real problem for owners and other pets alike. Cat bites hurt and can lead to infections. Kitten And Adult Aggressive Play Acting Although we keep them as pets, Nature designed cats to use their claws and teeth to defend themselves and to hunt. Even the most finicky gourmet feline still has these natural urges to lay in wait, stalk and pounce. They derive great joy in attacking feet, sleeping owners and unwary birds alike. Cats love to explore, stalk anything that moves, and bat and pounce on small objects that they pretend to be prey. This activity is most pronounced in kittens during their learning period but many adult cats still love to play hunt. If you encourage this activity rest assured that it will eventually get out of hand. Kittens that play attack one another quickly learn the limits of biting and scratching. Their playmates bite back when play gets too rough. But kittens adopted out at an early age transfer the activity to their owners who don’t always let them know when they have gone too far rough housing. Play aggression is easy to recognize by the exaggerated postures that cats assume. They crouch, flatten their ears, their pupils dilate and their tail swishes back and forth while they stalk or pounce at the owner. Some cats remain “kittens” in this respect well into their adult years. The Solution: As cute as it may seem at first, do not encourage rough play, scratching and biting. Be sure this is a rule for all family members and not just some. You can put a bell on the kitten’s collar so you know where he is at and you can deny him his favorite pouncing places. You can also clap your hands or use a loud noise when you see him begin to stalk you. Some of my clients make a rattle from a tin can full of pennies and shake it to startle the kitten and redirect its attention. The problem with using startling techniques it that they tend to make the kitten shy. I prefer to simply not encourage the behavior and wait for them to grow out of it. Territory-based Aggression The Problem: aggressive cat bite scratch behavior aggression I have owned cats that have been intensely territorial - even more so than dogs. In the wild cats are solitary hunters, each with its own separate territory. Territory-based aggression usually begins when cats are about a year or two old. Cats that go out of doors often become intensely possessive of the area surrounding their home. They let out a very distinctive cry if another cat should venture into their space but usually ignore strange dogs, other animals and people. Cats can become extremely upset over these incidents and may transfer their pent up aggression to other housepet or their owners. It may take them a half a day to calm down. When territory-based aggression occurs within the home, cats hiss, spit and growl at their housemates. When outright attacks occur the aggressor or dominant cat will be the one that jumps at another cats rear lumbar area. When wounds occur they are on the tail and loins of the more submissive cats and on the face of the aggressor. Cats in this situation often urine spray mark the house to reassert their dominance. The cues that cats give to one another can be very subtle. Cats that live harmoniously with one another have learned to live with smaller territories – such as a favorite room – or through sharing space at different times of day. Generally, only one cat will be on a prized object such as a sofa at one time. Sharing is very precarious for cats so anything that disturbs the situation can lead to aggression and fights. A new apartment, new furniture or even moving a sofa or bed may lead to turf arguments. Adding a new cat to the household always causes stress and battles over turf and authority. When we are lucky, the cats work these arguments out over a period of months. Territorial disputes among cats can develop gradually in the home. The most assertive cat in the household gradually begins to guard favorite objects and space and threaten or attack lesser-ranked cats in the house. Depending on the temperaments of the lesser cats, they may make concessions and cease to frequent a given area or only use it when the dominant cat is away. In these situations any of the cats may begin hiding, urine spraying, excessive licking and grooming or other stress related activity. The Solution: When you add a new cat to the household introduce it to your other cats in stages. Start with the new cat in a separate room in a carrier for a week or two. Enough scent from the new cat will permeate the house for your other pets to know it is there. Later, release the cat but keep it closed off in its room. When you do introduce the cats to one another do it for short supervised periods. Only when you are sure that you have control of the situation should you allow the cats to mix with one another. Even then, remember that it may take up to a year for the cats to fully adjust to a new member of the family. Give each cat a food treat to encourage good behavior. If cats get into a fight separate them with gloves or a bath towel or blanket. If you were scratched or bitten scrub out the wound until it stings from the water and then soak it in alcohol for as long as you can tolerate. Take the separated cats to separate rooms to calm down. If you are coming back with a cat from the groomers or the vet leave them in the carrier for an hour before you release it. Punishment never works in curbing aggression in cats. It simply makes the problem worse. Your cat will become fearful or turn its resentment toward you and the other cats. Instead, simply withdraw your affection as soon as an incident occurs. Cats quickly learn that life suddenly got more boring after they became aggressive. With the exception of hunting activity and maternal protectiveness, facial pheromones can be very helpful in calming cats. Pheromones seem to have a calming effect on cats and encourage a mellow, friendly attitude. Synthetic facial pheromone is sold under the trade name Feliway. It is marketed to discourage urine spraying but it is quite useful in managing aggression. Be careful not to spray it on the cat because the product contains alcohol. Instead, spray it on a folded sheet of Kleenex and rub it on the sides of the head and back of the cat once the tissue is no longer damp. Be sure your cat(s) have plenty of scratching posts to sink their claws into and plenty of stuffed toys to attack.aggression Keep the toe nails of your cat clipped short. File them with an emory board if the cat will let you. Be patient. Improvement takes time. A good way to socialize with your cat is by brushing it down with a slicker comb. Be happy with small successes and don’t push the cat too much. Try to read the signals and body language that your cat is giving you before things get out of hand. Aggression Toward Humans a The Problem: Cats that threaten their owners usually have star-crossed beginnings. If they were not adequately handled, petted and socialized when they were between five and twelve weeks of age they may grow up to be fearful, wary of people or easily upset and angered. Cats that are frightened assume a characteristic position. They crouch with their ears laid back, their tails curled inward and they tilt their bodies away from the perceived threat. They will likely lash out and claw or bite anything that approaches them. This behavior often occurs when the cat is in new surroundings or being approached by a stranger. The se cat’s eyes dilate and they hiss and show their teeth. Their hair may stand on end. The Solution: Begin to correct the problem as soon as it first occurs. Do not wait until the behavior is ingrained in the cat’s personality. The best time to get cats used to owners, strangers and children is when they are still kittens. Take time to get kittens used to being touched everywhere and introduce them to dogs and other cats while they are still young. To accustom a cat to be touched, begin when the cat is relaxed and content. Start off scratching and rubbing its head. Make no sudden moves. Progress to stroking its back and the base of the tail. Talk to the cat while you are doing this and watch for any signs that the cat is becoming agitated. Finish this short lesson with a food treat. Eventually the cat will enjoy being touched and handled. Fear aggressiveness in adult cats present a much harder problem. When they feel threatened by strangers or a new owner it takes much longer to overcome the problem. Let the cat get hungry and then have the person hold the cat’s favorite treat. Do not let the person approach the cat. Let the cat overcome its fear and approach the person on its own terms to develop confidence and trust. If the cat is too shy to approach have a member of the family with whom the cat has a good relationship give the treat while the second person is in the house. Over a series of weeks the visitor can be closer and closer when the treat is offered. Redirected Aggression The Problem: Redirected aggression is a phenomenon I see frequently in cats and parrots. In this situation a strange person or animal upsets the cat. But instead of showing aggression toward this new individual the cat turns its wrath on the pet owner(s) or another pet. We see the same event occurring in marriages when an agitated wife or husband takes
try coaxing him out with some wet food then take the cat out of youroom and close the door and then try re-introducing them if that dosent work dont no how else i can help good luck!!!!!!!!!!!
Well I'm no cat whisperer, but I've had cats all my life and I think I get inside their minds to a small degree. My advice would be to maybe introduce something with the dogs' smells on it...maybe a toy or something they sleep on, so he can get used to their smells. Then, ever so slowly (as you've found, these things can't be rushed), let kitty see the dogs really briefly but then make them disappear just as quickly. If you're persistent and let him see them without them actually chasing him, he may get up some courage to leave the room and give the dogs a chance again. If you're still not sure, try asking your vet (probably your best bet) or emailing a reputable pet website...one here in Australia is www.petalia.com.au and they have an "Ask the Vet" section. Good luck....cats can be fearful creatures and it must be awful for them.
When it is cold out a fire can have an amazing effect bringing enemies together for a temporary truce that can become permanent. I guess cool watering holes serve the same purpose when it is hot. Food will cause a fight though.
Pet them both.Then feed them and let them play together,supervised for a while.
I had the same experience! Three cats had to be introduced to a big old mutt! We saved him, just in the nick of time, but one of my cats (Tiger) took exception with a dog living with us. (A few months later we had two dogs.) I was afraid. She lost weight and we hardly saw her for months. No sooner was I getting very afraid, she started to show herself. I told the dogs they were fabulous, but cats have claws! Beware!!! She found her way! After a few months she was out and about. Now, she will stand on the steps as the dogs run down without flinching! She knows who she is. She knows now the dogs will not hurt her. I would never allow that! Just like people we have to find our way. Our home was open to extra love from pets that needed us. Tiger took a few moments to consider this and then realized I would never allow anything bad to happen to her. We all co-exist. If I could I'd send you a photo of me, two kids, two dogs, and three cats all living together happily. It is possible. Additionally, when I introduced "The Mutt, Browser," to our new puppy, COCO, he attacked! I saved her by holding her over my head. I put him in a crate and let her out. Then I turned it around. She was in and he was out. After less than a week they were so anxious to be together they became fast friends. This is another idea that might work. Thanks for asking. Good Luck!!!
Yes, supervised play. Make sure you bring things that smell like the other animal around each other.