Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/1/2009

Question
I have recently moved in with my son and daughter-in-law and brought my two cats with me.  My son has two West Highland Terriers.  My cats pretty much stay in my bedroom, however, the dogs have started lifting their legs outside the door.  What can I do to resolve this problem.  My son questions that my cats are spraying, which I have never seen eithe one do.  One cat is 13 years old, the other is 2 years old.  They both go in the liter box and are trained.  My sons dogs are housebroken,but this has become a problem.  HELP, I don't want to get rid of my cats but it is my son and daughter-in=laws home and dogs.

Answer
Nancy,

Unfortunately you have a recipe for disaster! The dog(s) must be introduced to cats when they are young to have any control over them because they will chase cats instinctiely when they get older. West Highland terriers were bred to chase down small prey. If a cat runs away, it will chase it. Westie rescue organizations report that the terrier's inability to tolerate cats can be a problem.

The only thing I see that you can do is keep them in your room for them to be safe. Your 13 year old cat is approximately 68 years old in human years and a cat at that age will NOT take stress like a younger cat can. The stress of the move to a new home PLUS the dogs can bring on serious health problems, personality changes, emotional problems (like pulling it's fur out), and/or behavioral problems.

Hopefully you can work out a compromise somehow with your son. I would hate to see you get rid of your beloved cats which would even be MORE traumatic for them.

I'm sorry I can't give you better news or hope that they will all get along.

Tabbi