Can my family bring their dog if my old cat hates other animals?

Hi there, it sounds like Sarah is a sensitive type, and (I know its not what you want to hear) but bringing a new pet into her home will probably upset her more. Its unlikely that a rambunctious dog will leave her alone, as she may feel threatened and start showing other signs of anxiety such as soiling in abnormal places, overgrooming, or even she may get stress cystitis. If you have a large home and can guarantee that Sarah will have a safe quiet and protected area of the home, then you might consider adding a family member.

It depends on the personality of your cat and the incoming dog. If your cat is at all skittish, or has never seen a dog before you should proceed with caution. It may be stressful for your cat to have a dog around. If the dog has never been around cats the stress level could increase. If both the dog and your cat are pretty laid back it could be just fine. I'd keep them separated for a day if you do decide to try dogsitting and then start a gradual introduction. Feliway or similar pheromone sprays can help reduce stress for your kitty as well:

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Soxx. Being 19 years old, you are going to want to cause Soxx the least amount of stress as possible. If you choose to take him to the other home, then I would keep him separate from the other cat. Be sure to still provide him with plenty of attention and care. If he refuses to eat, then he may do better in his normal environment. I hope this information helps!

Great questions! Given that Benny has severe travel anxiety, it would be best for you and him to move in first so that he can get used to his new place. Then your best friend and boyfriend should move it with their dog. I can give you a method for introducing them to each other: Introducing them should be done slowly. When they first bring their dog home, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. Make sure Benny has a litter box, food, and water in his room. You can also place a blanket with the dog's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the dog's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for the dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing Benny in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the dog on a leash to Benny while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the dog for being calm and quiet near the cat. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure Benny has a cat tree where he can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow the dog to chase Benny. Good luck, I hope this helps!

You're a super thoughtful owner for considering Liam's health. In my opinion, and as owner of 2 cats, I can tell you that mine (and most that I know) prefer to be at home, and pretty much despise travel. If you don't have to take him, leave him at home, and have the neighbors feed him and interact with him, so that he's comfortable and happy at home.

Great question! I can give you a method of introducing Junior to this dog that will hopefully allow them to live together in peace. Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first move into your new home, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. Make sure Junior has a litter box, food, and water in their room. You can also place a blanket with the dog's smell in his room, and a blanket with theJunior's smell in the dog's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for the dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing Junior in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the dog on a leash to Junior while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the dog for being calm and quiet near your cat. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure Junior has a cat tree where he can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow the dog to chase Junior. Good luck, I hope this helps!

I suggest you put some Feliway diffusers in your house starting about a week before the dog is to come over. This is basically "happy cat" pheromones and they really work to decrease stress. Their website has a lot of great information. ( https://www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser ) Also, make a "safe space" for your cat so that, if needed, she can get away from the dog. The best way to do this is to put a baby gate up across the door to one room so that the cat can get in but the dog can't. Put the litter box, food and water in there. Hope this helps. Best wishes.