Moved my elderly Mom with her dog and my 2 cats are really scared

My elderly Mom needs me now so I moved her long distance to my apartment with her dog (3 bedrooms) and my 2 cats are in my bedroom and are terrified.  It's been 3 days now and I'm feeding my cats in my bathroom (very large bathroom).

Is there any steps I can start taking to introduce my Mom's dog (he is a mixed Terrier who is very lovable, never growls or bites and is 7 years old).  My cats are 10 years old.

Thanks!

hi and welcome to TCS!

i don't have experience with cat(s) and dog(s) integration, but i'm sure someone who does have experience in this area will be along shortly!

in the meantime, i found a great article about cat and dog integration here at TCS -- http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-dogs

@DeeVermont   how are your cats doing?

I am wishing you well with this. 

If the cats have never been around dogs before, it's likely going to take at least a few weeks to see some progress or at least it did for me. It's good that your mom's dog is quiet and mellow as this will help the process for sure!

I would move forward in the introduction process until your cats are moving comfortably and without fear in your bedroom. Once they are doing this and eating/drinking/using the litter box well, I suggest putting a baby gate up in the doorway to your bedroom so that the cats can see the dog, but the dog cannot get into the bedroom. This will also allow your cats to venture out from your bedroom if they want to.

If possible, you can also sight swap. Put your mom's dog up in her bedroom and allow your cats to venture out to check things out (the cats may chose to stay in your bedroom and that is ok...just leave the door open.)

For me, the first dog we got (surrendered to me directly) was big, rowdy, loud and clumsy. He was not raised around cats and had a fairly high chase drive (no worry that he would hurt the cats.)

We confined him to a set area in the house using baby gates (he won't jump them, though he certainly could!) and allowed the cats free access to the house. Some cats warmed up with a few weeks/months and would go in the room with him. We're right at 3 yrs of him being here and some of the cats still keep their distance, which is fine with me.

Hi all,

Thanks for all the responses and the article.  My cats are still nervous but they are eating and using the litter box in my bathroom.  My Mom's dog adores me so when I go into my bedroom to pet my cats he stays outside my door and will cry for me to come out which makes my female cat nervous but not my male cat (he is a very mellow cat).

Last night when I went to bed Oscar (the dog) stayed outside my door again and let out a few barks so I put him in my Mom's bedroom and closed the door.  Of course he cried.

I like the idea of doing the swap.  Will try that today of putting Oscar in my Mom's bedroom and closing the door and keeping my door open just to see what happens.  I think my male cat will come out and he is acting very curious.

Been very busy getting my Mom's affairs in order but will soon have more time soon!

Thanks again!!

Get the dog's scent on you at all times. Over a period of time when the cats are used to his smell on you, they will begin to accept him.

I will do that, thanks!