Insecure cats?

My girls are beginning to act pretty strange since Jello, the ShihTzu, came to live here. I've made sure the cats are fed first, petted first when I get home, playtime is the same...as a matter of fact, it is only when they are napping that the dog gets my full attention. Well, QT has decided that the dog's crate is her sleeping quarters now.Jello doesn't mind though. Skinny makes the dog whine because she will be friendly and willing to play but suddenly she either slaps him with her paw or gives him the cold shoulder. Joji meows so loud when she sees him that I think she's in for a bad case of laryngitis.Jello is deaf to it, but I am not! Is this behavior normal? None of the girls show sign of aggression like hairs standing on end, or hissing, or claws out (not that please!)...just this weirdness. Should I be worried?

Originally posted by yayi
My girls are beginning to act pretty strange since Jello, the ShihTzu, came to live here. I've made sure the cats are fed first, petted first when I get home, playtime is the same...as a matter of fact, it is only when they are napping that the dog gets my full attention. Well, QT has decided that the dog's crate is her sleeping quarters now.Jello doesn't mind though. Skinny makes the dog whine because she will be friendly and willing to play but suddenly she either slaps him with her paw or gives him the cold shoulder. Joji meows so loud when she sees him that I think she's in for a bad case of laryngitis.Jello is deaf to it, but I am not! Is this behavior normal? None of the girls show sign of aggression like hairs standing on end, or hissing, or claws out (not that please!)...just this weirdness. Should I be worried?

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There isn't too much to worry about with QT reassigning sleeping quarters.

Cats and dogs play differently. The slapping is how cats play. They slap and paw at each other, then wrestle and bunny kick and one will punce on the other when the cold shoulder is given. Jello doesn't understand this play. At least that's what it sounds like. Or perhaps Jello wants to play and Skinny doesn't, hence the slap and walking away.

Joji meowing loudly. Does it sound like an angry meow? Is it loud and deep? Joji may not be happy with the situation and isn't content with the idea of Jello. Sure it has fur and four legs but why does it have to be here type of attitude. Does she show signs of being stressed? If so, you may wish to isolate her for a week and then slowly re-introduce her to the house.

How long have you had Jello in the house now?

Thanks! Jello has been here a month.
Joji's meow is just loud and she doesn't seem stressed. I was thinking that maybe she's trying to communicate, like let's say if I speak to a deaf person and I don't know he is deaf. Anyway, I always cuddle her when she does it (just to shut her up) and hopefully she will realize Jello does not speak cat.

Be careful with cuddling her every time Joji meows this way. What you may teach her instead is that when she wants your attention all she has to do is scream.