One happy bully, four unknown cats, and one big move.

9 years ago

In October, I'm making a cross-country move with my 3 yr old Olde English Bulldogge, Lucy. Lucy has an incredibly sweet personality, and has never met a person or animal she doesn't love. She has played with other dogs of all sizes, and we currently live with a 5 lb chihuahua she loves (the chihuahua does not love Lucy).

Lucy grew up with a cat, but has not been around any other cats more than briefly for the past 1.5 years. She has never shown interest in litter boxes.

When we move, we're moving into a place with four cats. Lucy has never visited this place. Two of the cats there know life with dogs; two do not. The cats have plenty of places to jump up or hide away from Lucy, and she will not have access to the entire house, so they'll have spots that are just 'theirs'.

As I typed, I realised Lucy will not have somewhere that is just hers, although I suspect the cats will avoid her - I'll have to work that out.

What suggestions can you offer for introducing our pets to one another & helping them adjust to this new merged household?

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Comments (4)

Tatiana [USDA 6]
Original Author
9 years ago

here's my baby w/my plant babies <3
pamghatten
9 years ago
I would think the cats will hide at first. I have 2 dogs and 3 cats, they all get along really well. Slowly the cats will come out when they feel comfortable. I have a separate room for my litter boxes, with a cat door in it so the cats can go in but the dogs can't. Good luck with your move!
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2ManyDiversions
9 years ago
Many dogs will stick their noses in litter boxes, which can be dangerous as they then lick the litter from their noses, it expands, causing serious stomach/digestion/elimination issues. You need to be sure the cat litter box(es) will be up on a shelf or behind a pet door that your bully can't get too.

As for introducing them to one another, there are several tactics. I've heard of using a scent (the same scent) on all pets but I'm not sure this is the best way to go or works. I'd keep your bully on a leash (despite that Lucy has been a sweetie in the past, and it'll make the cat owner feel better too). Gradually introduce them, and hope they ignore one another first. If there is any tension, separate, and try again later. I'd do this very gradually. Your Lucy is a cutie pie! I wish you and all the pet kids good luck!
Tatiana [USDA 6]
Original Author
9 years ago
pamghatten - thanks! I think the cats will hide, too, and i think the house is big enough and vertical enough that they'll have plenty of places to feel safe.

2ManyDiversions - thanks for the reminder of the dangers of cat litter. I have a short leash & harness set up for Lucy that I use when we're going out into crowded places, because it's better control & has a big rubber handle on it for me to grab on to, so I think I'll end up using that for the first little while.