cats and dogs

Hello, all!

It's been ages. Some of you may remember my rescue-cat, Imogen, who was left alone in her house for a month when her previous owner died. She had several health issues--malnourishment, repiratory infections, cracked tooth that had to be extracted, etc.

She is now happy and healthy! She does have difficulty eating, but is simply the most affectionate cat I've ever had--or met!

I have just be given a job in Russia. Not knowing where I'll be, what sort of vet care is available, etc. and considering the amount of trauma she's had recently, I've decided to re-home her in England rather than taking her with me. (Don't get me started--this was a difficult and emotional decision...) She will be going to a loving home with one of my students. They have a young dog.

What is the best way to introduce Imogen into their home? I've used vanilla when dealing with cat-to-cat introductions with great success. Will this work with cat-to-dog introductions? I will send her favourite blanket, scratching post, litter box (uncleaned--ick, but it will smell like her) and food with her.

Many, many thanks! I didn't know who else to ask!
Kate

ps I HAVE read the articles at Little Big Cat and Introducing cats to dogs here. I'm just hoping the new owners are patient enough to coddle Imogen a bit. She's very shy at first and takes a bit of time to settle. Her new confidence may help with this transition...

Eliza (my student) is so excited to have a cat! (She's nine and an absolute gem--responsible, clever and affectionate.) I just want this to work for everyone. If it doesn't, Ims will be able to go home with another teacher--who has four cats already! I thought she'd adjust better to one dog and an adoring friend than she would to a pack of cats.

I think you hit it on the head - the new owners need to be very patient. This poor kitty has been through some very rough times, so she's going to need a lot of help.

Please let the new owners know that keeping kitty separated for the first several days is a good start. She won't be so overwhelmed in a new location that's only one room. Then they can gradually introduce her to the rest of the family.

Using the Feliway plug in modules and/or Bach's Rescue remedy can help alleviate her stress and anxiety.

Bless you so much for adopting her while you could...she sounds like a wonderful little kitty.

Thanks, Nancy for the kind words.

I think the guilt and sadness I'm feeling over leaving Imogen makes me want to ensure that everyone else (besides me) is happy with the new situation.

you need lots of high places for her to be able to observe the dog like shelves or a cat tree.

we've had our new puppy for a month now and the cats still hate him. its slow and frustrating but they will come round eventually.

Thanks, all. High places are a good idea, Maverick. I'll pass that on to them. And thanks for the link, Hissy. I'd already printed that out for them! Hopefully, they'll take all this onboard...I think they want to take her "on trial" for a week or two. I'm just not convinced that a week or two is long enough for Imogen and the dog to figure each other out...

And everybody will find happiness...think of the good time period you've given Imogen thus far...she'll be in a good family!

has the dog been exposed to cats before or the cat to dogs?

Originally Posted by imogen

Thanks, all. High places are a good idea, Maverick. I'll pass that on to them. And thanks for the link, Hissy. I'd already printed that out for them! Hopefully, they'll take all this onboard...I think they want to take her "on trial" for a week or two. I'm just not convinced that a week or two is long enough for Imogen and the dog to figure each other out...

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Hi, Maverick. I don't know if Imogen has ever been around dogs. She hasn't while she's lived with me (since February). There is a dog next door who causes a lot of hissing and posturing and fleeing when he comes near the fence.

I don't think the dog has ever been around cats. I think he is just under a year old. I'll know more about the dog this week.

well if imogen has atleast seen a dog it'll be a bit easier on her. my cats still hate the dog but have learnt to co-exist with him.

what breed is the dog? some do better with cats than others.

Originally Posted by maverick_kitten

you need lots of high places for her to be able to observe the dog like shelves or a cat tree.

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I agree with that, Imogen will be able to observe and feel safe at the same time. Most likely in the beginning Imogen will hide in dark quiet places, under beds things like that.

When she first came here she hid under an armchair for a day or so...and she wouldn't go upstairs for months!

I've found out that the dog is a 6-year-old poodle (long haired poodle?). Imogen is an adult cat--age estimates range from 4-6 years...

Does that strike a chord with anyone?