Cats & Dogs question

borichfan2

We have 2 female cats, ages 11 & 13. They are indoor cats. My son & daughterinlaw has a dog (pomeranian) that is 11 or 12 yrs old. They recently went to the beach & asked us if we would keep their dog while they was away. We hesitated because we knew our cats would not like it. But we agreed since they talked us into it. Their dog is loving & friendly & was quiet & calm, did not bother the cats. But the dog is spolied to sitting in people's lap, so my husband had to let the dog lay in his lap most of the time she was here with us, also the dog had to sleep with us as she slept in the bed with our son & daughterinlaw. Problem is, one of our cats is my husband's lap buddy also she sleeps with us & she did not like that dog being in her place, for the 4 days & nights while the dog was here the My question is, will she get over it? & Will she get to laying in my husband's lap again & sleeping with us again? We missing her being her usual self. But that dog being her for 4 days & nights, just turned her world upside down.

ReenieHJ

I have no experience in this type of situation. All I know is cats can be fickle and she'll get over it when she d@mn well pleases. I'm sure she'll be fine with lots of extra love, hugs and reassurance from your husband and yourself. Everything is an adjustment for them just as much as it is for us when something changes.

Fuzzipeg

I feel for your situation. I have one cat now aged about 12. She hides from the two Ggc's, one room is hers they are not permitted in it though they say hello and wave to her, giggle. Other than this she is the only house pet. I'd not let another indoor animal in the house unless it was the one in a room with the door closed to keep each safe. Its how you introduce new cats.

Years ago in a different life with other cats I did take in two neighbours different dogs on different occasions. The first a pure spaniel was known to the 4 cats and they would follow me on visits across the road, so they were known to each other very well. By instinct the dog knew to keep himself as number 5 though I did wake up with him in the bed! Rather unnerving. I knew this was safe because these animals were so well known to each other.

The other dog, (both were male) was equally well known to the cats, he was older and very well behaved. I had more worries that my then 18month old granddaughter would be a problem, he had little ones of his own, once she even managed to put her foot on his delicate part and his eyes rolling was the only indication anything was wrong. I praised him for being so good. He knew to stay down stairs over nights too.

I have taken in rabbits for two of my family members once there were both groups, 6 at one time. Segregation in the shed was an issue. The lawn for the 4 runs was easier to segregate. The cat loved to visit the rabbits, it was her choice and the rabbits had their run bedrooms, they learned not to need it.

I hope you are never put in that position again.