My cat(s) and a new puppy ...

Hi. I'm a cat person and right now have 4 cats. But my kids have bugged me for a dog, so we got one.

I think it was the very first day we had the dog one of my cats, Little One, came around a corner and there was the puppy ...... Little One jumped back, back arched, hissed, turned and ran.

My cats are indoor/outdoor cats. The new puppy wouldn't leave the cat food alone (& dogs aren't supposed to eat cat food) so I moved the cats food and water outside on the deck, since they are out there most of the time anyway.
Since doing that I fear we have also been feeding a couple of neighborhood cats because I see them here all the time, even up on the deck, and I've heard more cat growling and hissing than ever before. I'd rather have the food/water inside but haven't yet figured out what to do about dog.

Anyway, since all of this Little One has lost weight (she as healthy, not fat), her coat is lack luster (was beautiful shiny black before), and she's shedding with dandruff. I'm worried about her but she doesn't seem to be getting any 'worse'. However, not better either. I read that coat could be dehydration (put more water outside) or lack of essential fatty acids (squirted an Omega-3 capsule in her mouth but don't know how often to do this.) Maybe she's lost weight just because of the food being outside with the other cats around; but that (or does it?) doesn't explain the dull fur.

We all know vet bills aren't cheat so I usually leave it for the last resort. Does anyone think there may actually be something wrong with Little One or perhaps just the stress of the new dog, moving of food, other cats around, etc. My other cats aren't crazy about the dog, but they put up with her and they are fine.

Thank you in advance !!!

First off, welcome to TCS. I've found this site to be educational, informative, and very welcoming. I hope that you find it to be the same...

Without knowing your situation as a whole or seeing Little One in person, it would be difficult to determine whether she was dealing with anxiety over the new puppy or an underlying illness. That being said, I would urge you to consider taking her in to the vet for an exam. I know that, financially, it is not an easy thing to make a vet appointment for an issue that may be nothing more than stress, but, even if that is the issue at hand, the vet would be able to offer suggestions to you about how to handle the situation with Little One, the new puppy, and your other cats.

As far as some suggestions as to how to better the situation in the meantime, I would consider bringing the food and water back inside. Since the puppy is fond of cat food and Little One is fearful of the dog, I would put the food and water dishes on a higher surface -- one where the puppy could not get to. Many individuals who have both dogs and cats will put the kitties' dishes on a counter or table so that the cats can get to their food and water without having to feign off a curious puppy. As an owner of both cats and dogs, I chose a different route and had a room in my house where the cats could go to get away from the dogs. I did this by simply using a baby gate and cordoning off one of the spare rooms. Over time, I've been able to remove the gate, but, in the beginning, it was the cats' safe place. And, it was in that room that I fed the cats. That way, they were separated from the dogs so that they were more comfortable and so the dogs could not get at or eat their food. Using Feliway in the house and scent-swapping can also be beneficial, but I hesitate to give too many suggestions as I truly feel she should be examined by a vet to ensure there is not something more sinister at play. I am sure there are others who have dealt with this type of situation as well and who will chime in, but that is what worked for me. And, if I were in this situation, the above and below would be my plan of action.

Regardless of how you move forward, I do think it is necessary for Little One's stress to be reduced. She needs to have a safe place in the house where she can go to get away from the puppy. I'd suggest making sure that she has access to food and water in that space as well. It may not need to be a forever situation, but Little One is in crisis at this point. My first step would be to take her to the vet to rule out an underlying illness or injury. At that time, I'd also discuss the anxiety she is experiencing. After that, I would ensure that she had a safe place to land both in the house and outside. It may very well be that she just needs time before being reintroduced to the puppy. But, I would be concerned that something else might be at play and would not rely on the fact that her condition is solely based on stress. But, if it is, I would be ready to do whatever is necessary in order to ensure that her stress can be reduced both inside and outside of the home.

Again, welcome to TCS. Congratulations and good luck with your new puppy and many vibes that Little One improves going forward .

Thanks Alison.

I had a cat die once from Hepatic Lipidosis - her illness started with losing weight. But she was overweight and the weight loss was what caused the illness. I never did figure out why she stopped eating/lost weight. I sure as h*** don't want this to be the same case. I hadn't thought of putting the cats food 'up'; maybe I can figure out some place to do that because all of the cats aren't in the house like they used to be .... and my cats are my babies !!! I had my last 2 cats for 16 years each

And of course you are right about the vet; finances are just rough right now. Nothing worse than spending that $70+ for nothing !!

Okay, broke down and make appt with vet for Little One tomorrow evening. And I've moved the food and water indoors up on a dresser in my back mud room. Now let's hope the cats will come in and out so they can eat (plus it can get so hot and humid and it's cool in here !!!!)

Nuts' food is up on the counter. When we get another cat I'll have to figure out where to put the food depending on the size and ability of the cat/kitten(have to talk to the vet when I take Nuts in for the final shot today, I still have 2-4 FeLV+ cats outside.)

Taryn

Yup, I have to keep my cats food downstairs on top of the dryer or the dogs would be in it all the time....