A cat and dog story

joanlawson

This week I have gained a dog ( Venus, a springer spaniel who is old, has arthritis and heart trouble, and is going blind ) She is my son's beloved dog, but he has gone to live in Canada and it wasn't possible to take her with him. Despite all her health problems, she still has a good quality of life, and is very lovable.

However, I have a cat (Tommy) who is also old and can be quite aggressive with other animals. At the moment, we are keeping the dog and cat apart, which is a bit of a juggling act. When the cat goes out in the garden, the dog has to come in, and vice versa. We haven't dared to put then together in the same room yet. They have seen each other through a glass door, but Tommy was not impressed and hissed very loudly. We think he might attack Venus if he got a chance, so don't want to risk it.

Has anyone got any advice as to how to get the two animals to tolerate each other and live in peace?

Joan

dreamdaisy

Hmmmmmmm. No, I can't say I have. I know that cats and dogs can live together quite happily but what's struck me about this situation is that they are both getting on a bit and as we humans know it's harder to adjust to new situations the older one becomes. I think keeping them apart for the time being is the right thing to do, perhaps leave toys and blankets around so they can get used to each other's scent may be an idea but as I've never had either creature as a pet I really don't know! Good luck with it, Joan, I think this could take some time to achieve. DD

fowls48

Sorry Joan

I have 4 cats and 2 dogs , the dogs chase the cats rotten , we have a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs so the dogs cannot go up , When they corner a cat they just sniff it , i think more than anything they just want to play .I hope you can get some good advice from someone .Sorry i was not very helpful .

karen xx

julie47

sorry joan i am not much help either :roll:

Just wanted to say that I hope Venus and Tommy can get along soon.

Good luck

Love Juliepf x

Numptydumpty

My only advice would be to take it very slowly. Introduce them gradually, and don't try to push them together. They may well tolerate each other from a distance.
My dog and cat get on brilliantly together. They sleep together and play together, but the cat has to be "TOP DOG". He was five years old when we got the dog, (aWestie). We introduced them gradually and luckily they got on from day one. I know this isn't always the case. I've always had cats and dogs and never had a real problem, but this is the first time I've had them be such friends.
Be patient.
Good luck,
Numpty

joanlawson

Thank you for all your replies.
We have made a little progress with Venus and Tommy today. Venus was in the lounge lying on her favourite sheepskin rug when we let Tommy come in the room for a while under supervision. I held onto Venus' collar so that she couldn't chase after Tommy, and Tommy walked slowly around her a couple of times, but he didn't hiss at her as before. Eventually, he jumped up on the back of the sofa, his favourite spot to watch the world go by. Then we separated them again, but I think they might get used to each other in time if we keep doing this.

joanlawson

Tody wrote:

joanlawson wrote:

Has anyone got any advice as to how to get the two animals to tolerate each other and live in peace?

Joan

Joan, when you posted the topic about letting go, I advised you to get a pet.

Some people took it the wrong way - they thought I was being smartass again.

Coincidentally, around about the same time, I watched a documentary on BBC 3 about Elsa - the Lioness who lived with humans.It was a very interesting story and it made me realise that I have actually given you the best advice.

Because animals...are so good, aren't they? They have souls. Think about a nice lovely cat - how not to love a creature like that.

There are writers who have dedicated their lives writing about animals.

You being a smartass, Tody :?: :shock: Never :!: :roll:

I don't imagine that you are a parent. Much as I love animals, they can never be a substitute for a son or daughter.

joanlawson

Update on the Venus/ Tommy situation:

Progress is being made on the dog/cat harmony front. Tonight Tommy slept on the sofa with Venus just next to him on the floor. When Venus got up and moved, Tommy looked up and yawned in a bored sort of way, as if to say, ''Oh, it's just that dog waking me up again!'' No hissing or spitting, so maybe they are getting used to each other.

dachshund

Hello Joan
you are doing well joan good luck.
joan xx

joanlawson

Thanks Joan

Venus and Tommy are both here beside me as I type.
The wonders of nature :!: I would never have believed that the two animals would have begun to accept each other after such a short time.

marrianne

Sounds like you are all well on course to harmony .What a lovely outcome ,Guess Tommy has enough love to share please keep us updated Joan ,Do you feed them at the same time to ? Marrianne ,

joanlawson

Thanks for your reply, marrianne. I haven't fed Venus and Tommy together as Venus hoovers any food up very quickly, so might try to eat Tommy's as well as her own. Both animals are very loving, and both are quite old, so hopefully the harmony will continue.

dachshund

Hello Joan
i think Tommy and Venus have settled so well because you are relaxed about them and they are happy and relaxed.
you are doing well.
take care.
joan xx

joanlawson

Update: Tommy and Venus are now living in complete harmony, which has totally amazed me. I bought a new bed for the dog, and as soon as I put it down, Tommy went and curled up in it and fell asleep. Venus didn't bother and just lay at the side of it. Now I'm waiting for the time when they both curl up together in it.

marrianne

That day shouldnt be long Joan ,what a lovely ending to what could have been trouble Marrianne

dachshund

Hello Joan
i'm so pleased tommy and venus are getting on so well together.
take care.
joan xx

joanlawson

Thanks Joan. There was a slight setback today when I heard a commotion in the lounge and found Venus cowering down behind the coffee table with Tommy looking very angry and guilty. I think that Tommy is more territorial in the house than in the garden, so I think he was just warning Venus off from his no-go areas of the room :roll: He just hisses at her if she crosses the line, and she is learning fast.