- Joined
- Dec 11, 2020
- Messages
- 14
- Purraise
- 29
I have two dogs, a very old 150 pound Saint Dane, and a 4 year old, 40 pound mutt. I was scared to death to introduce a kitten to the home because of the big dog, and over the course of 2.5 months I have acclimated them to each other so that I can finally let the cat free roam the house when I am home. No issues with the big dog (whew!)
BUT.... the smaller dog is terrified or something of the kitten. This poor dog gets up and leaves the area whenever I have brought the cat out of her cat room. If we try to force him to get close to her or sniff her, he turns his head away, tries to hide under me, and runs away as soon as he's able. He won't be on the same level of the house that she's on, and has even gone out the pet door in the freezing cold to stand outside until I drag him back in. This has been going on almost 3 months and I'm at my wits end. I feel so badly for my dog - he probably feels replaced or displaced and is spending 90% of his time alone and away from us humans due to this cat. My heart breaks for him, so my question is do I try to force some interaction (as in enclosing them both in a small room with me supervising) or do I continue to give him his space and hope he will come around in time?
This is NOT a problem I anticipated when deciding to become a failed foster to this kitten!
Sue
BUT.... the smaller dog is terrified or something of the kitten. This poor dog gets up and leaves the area whenever I have brought the cat out of her cat room. If we try to force him to get close to her or sniff her, he turns his head away, tries to hide under me, and runs away as soon as he's able. He won't be on the same level of the house that she's on, and has even gone out the pet door in the freezing cold to stand outside until I drag him back in. This has been going on almost 3 months and I'm at my wits end. I feel so badly for my dog - he probably feels replaced or displaced and is spending 90% of his time alone and away from us humans due to this cat. My heart breaks for him, so my question is do I try to force some interaction (as in enclosing them both in a small room with me supervising) or do I continue to give him his space and hope he will come around in time?
This is NOT a problem I anticipated when deciding to become a failed foster to this kitten!
Sue