Expert: Becky - 4/9/2007

Question
Hi Becky,
I came across your email surfing the web on advice about my cat.  
I have a cat, Kasey, and she's going to be 15yrs old.  We  adopted a 1yr Doxi mix approx. 3 months ago.   Still the transiton isn't going too well & Kasey will not come out of our room.  I have now placed Kasey's food outside our room forcing more interaction.  I have also isolated them both in the bathroom on a few occasions.  My attempt at cat/dog intervention.
Our newly adopted dog, Maddy, is no harm to her at all.  Curious more than anything.   What would you suggest?

Thank you,
Kristy

Answer
Hi Kristy!
Cats do not like change, and since your cat is older, it is double so!  This is a situation that is just going to take time, and may never be what you want. She may not ever accept your new puppy, and if I had to bet on it, I would say not. It is probably very stressful for her, and I would not force them to interact.  She is too old to change, and I think you probably should go out of your way to make sure she is not unduly stressed.  If possible, give her an area or room of her own where she doesn't have to deal with the puppy. You say she won't come out of your room, well that is because she is scared and stressed.  Because of her age, I would not suggest isolating them together in the bathroom anymore. That has probably been really stressful for her.
If she were a younger cat, then I would tell you to just give it time and they will be fine.  But since she is 15, I suggest you give her some space of her own and not expect her to play with the puppy as she probably never will. The most you might expect is for them to be in the same room, but I doubt they will ever play together. Of course, I could be wrong!  I hope it all works out for you.
God bless,
Becky