Introducing the cat and dog

buzbyjlc10

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So Oliver's home with me at my parents' again for the month-long xmas break from school... he spends a lot of his time confined to my room because my mom is a bit allergic and he and the dog dont really get along... well, we've been letting him out to roam the house (minus my parents' room) while the dog is outside playing during the days... he's been loving the extra room to explore and enjoys these new things called stairs (his favorite thing is batting all his jingle balls down the steps and either chasing after them or making someone throw them back up!) Well a few days ago, we decided to see how the dog and cat would do together in the house... at first, they were both scared and kept away from each other, but Oliver is getting more and more curious and attempts to get closer to the dog... tonight, right after dinner we were all in the kitchen and as the dog was trying to sneak out of the kitchen from behind my mom, Oliver came up and gently swatted her bum (with capped paws) and she bolted out of the kitchen! My dad got real upset and I kinda understand his side, it is the dog's house first and she is almost 12 years old and is not used to sharing attention, but i want so desperately for them to be able to at least cohabitate without Cuddles (the dog) feeling put out of her home... he doesn't invade her bed or play with her toys (he doesnt even his, growl or puff up his tail anymore at her!) at all but she usually wont go in the same room as he.. I love them both dearly, as the dog is my "Sister" and Oliver my "baby", so I want everyone to be happy! Oliver still gets puts back in my room every night (and will continue to be as my parents' must keep their door open in case the dog needs to pee at night and Ollie cant go in their room) so the dog does settle down quickly and is able to sleep all night without being paranoid that the cat will bound down the steps! I wish they could just either kiss and accept that theyre family or have a little brawl, get it out of the way and settle their differences, haha (Cuddles is a black lab, btw, so she could easily like sit on him, but she runs like an elephant from a mouse!) Anyway, basically wanted to share my situation and will appreciate any experiences or advice on making this a little easier on the old girl and the cooped up kitty! Thanks!
 

hissy

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It doesn't sound like it is going that bad. If you have a large cage, you can put the cage in a main room, and put your cat in it for about an hour, and just let the dog roam around. You can gauge their reactions by just watching them, and the dog won't be able to get the cat and vice versa. Do this several times a day for as long as it takes for them to adjust to each other.
 
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