Cat Chat Feline Forum

I have a 1 year old male cat.I am looking after my friends dog
whilst she is on holiday for 2weeks they seem
Fine together the dog leaves the cat alone.the dog has been hear 7days now but the past 2says the cat has began attacking me.He really went on one last night has made me bleed.could he be stressed about the dog or something eles

Yes, your cat Is stressed. Imagine how you would feel if someone brought a grizzly bear into your home, even a fairly friendly one. This is about how your cat feels about the dog appearing in his safe space, even if the dog seems harmless. The cat won’t see it that way. He’s big, loud, and let’s face it, he’s a dog!

Has your behaviour changedtoo as a result? I should imagine so, as you’re trying to control and look after the dog, so probably more loud behaviour than usual. This is highly confusing to your cat and probably why he has become fearful of you. Try to create spaces where your cat can get away from the dog in peace and quiet, and spend some quality time with him, being quiet and reassuring with him. It will take some time to rebuild your relationship of trust with him. He is very scared and confused right now.

But tbh, I can’t imagine why you agreed to bring a dog into a house occupied by a cat, however much you were trying to do your friend a favour. It’s something I would never consider, as it’s so dreadfully unfair on your cat. And there is no such thing as “it’s only a cat”. Don’t let your friend try that one on you. Next time a polite “no” might be better. And if your fiend objects, ask her how her dog would feel if you asked her to care for a lion, cos that’s how your cat feels right now.

Thanks for your reply I didn't just bring the dog in we introduced them for about 6 months before she went away. Letting him stay the odd night and they usally get on and play He is only hear for 4 more days then hopefully my cat will be ok.He is still young and he has been around dogs since he was 8weeks I thought he would be ok.Thanks again

If I try and separate them.the cat howels the house down to get into the dog when the dog is led down or in his bed Archie (my cat) will go up to him like you said my behaviour has proberly changes cuz I'm stressed keeping a eye on them both and he is picking my stress up.I was thinking of getting a dog cuz I was that sure the cat was fine with dogs.but I defenitly won't be getting one now.ots obviously not happy with a dog around

You will need to do a lot of "bridge building" with your puss once the dog has gone, but it's reassuring to hear that mostly they seem to get along ok.