I live in a somewhat remote area, but there are four houses all near each other. My cats are indoor/outdoor with a cat flap. The landlordhas two dogs; a moppy poodle kind of thing (which is no threat to the cats, just makes them nervous), and a lab/rottie cross (sweet guy, very friendly, wants to play so chases the cats, but scares them, they end up in trees). The second neighbor has a JRT, which isn"t around often (He is a problem, one of the cats had a bite that I think was from this dog). We have scared him away for the most part, but he still shows up occasionally.
We now have another new neighbor, and he has two dogs, and I don't know what they'll do with the cats. They are boxers, I met them myself (haven't met the owner yet). Both happy dogs, puppyish still, no worry of bites to myself, just jump up a lot. One saw my Hemi through the window, she puffed up as usual and he just stared at her hard, then went away. I could see these guys wanting to play...but too aggressively.
Any suggestions on dealing with the plethora of dogs around here, especially the new ones? The cats are indoor/outdoor, there is no question about that, I don't think they would do well if they were cooped up after having free reign for the last year, and I can't ask everybody to keep their dogs inside (I enjoy the occasional dog visit, I want one, but can't because I don't think the cats would cope). We can't build a fence either since we are renting (and we can't afford it!). Would it help if I built a few hiding places around the property so they have a safe place to run if the dogs come calling? (of course the JRT is small and might still get in....), put some platforms on some trees? should I make a point of sending the dogs away whenever they show up? (I would hate to...I love getting my furbag fix, they don't come by often, but if I have to I will). I'm worried about the safety and happiness of my kitties, and about keeping good relations with the neighbors, plus the happiness and safety of their pets. Suggestions?
We now have another new neighbor, and he has two dogs, and I don't know what they'll do with the cats. They are boxers, I met them myself (haven't met the owner yet). Both happy dogs, puppyish still, no worry of bites to myself, just jump up a lot. One saw my Hemi through the window, she puffed up as usual and he just stared at her hard, then went away. I could see these guys wanting to play...but too aggressively.
Any suggestions on dealing with the plethora of dogs around here, especially the new ones? The cats are indoor/outdoor, there is no question about that, I don't think they would do well if they were cooped up after having free reign for the last year, and I can't ask everybody to keep their dogs inside (I enjoy the occasional dog visit, I want one, but can't because I don't think the cats would cope). We can't build a fence either since we are renting (and we can't afford it!). Would it help if I built a few hiding places around the property so they have a safe place to run if the dogs come calling? (of course the JRT is small and might still get in....), put some platforms on some trees? should I make a point of sending the dogs away whenever they show up? (I would hate to...I love getting my furbag fix, they don't come by often, but if I have to I will). I'm worried about the safety and happiness of my kitties, and about keeping good relations with the neighbors, plus the happiness and safety of their pets. Suggestions?