need advice - new chihuahua being terrorized by female cat

[Donnachaidh]

BOTH are pound rescues - she was here first, over a year ago.

We just adopted a neutered male chihuahua, 11 pounds, who is a sweetheart. He's adjusted rather well, even to the point of playing with the other cat daily. But our female cat pound rescue is only behaving while steering clear of him when we're home.

But it's come to my attention that she's stalking and plaguing him when (specifically) I'm not home. I know she's fearful of being replaced, and jealous of the attention I give him -- but I'm not sure how to get her to realize he's here to stay, as she is, too.

Someone mentioned crating the chihuahua, which I don't like because Jade could really give him shit and he'd have no way of getting away from her. I can keep myself between them when I'm home, but I do have to go out at times and that's got me worried.

I went down to the garage the other day, and came back to find her sitting at my bedroom door, and the chihuahua in the bedroom, visibly cowering by the bathroom door.

I know it's going to take time -- but does anyone have advice as to how to reassure her and get her to quit the stalking?

[iscooterliberally]

1. hmmm...that's a tough one...

I have 3 dogs and 4 cats. My dogs are large, and the two biggest ones were raised with cats as puppies. I have heard that sometimes if you can get their scents to match it might help. One person suggested putting a drop of vanilla extract on the head of each animal might help. Another idea is to try to play with both at the same time using toys or treats that they really like. If they can associate fun or happiness with being together it should help them to get along. I have another friend with multiple cats that uses another method when two cats don't get along. He sits in a room with the two of them and closes the door. He arms himself with a squirt bottle of water, and the offending cat gets blasted. Eventually they realize that fighting is not the way. I haven't tried either method yet though. I think your cat feels that the dog has invaded her territory. Maybe setting her up in her own room when you are gone might help. All my cats have their own places around the house. Good luck! :hi:

[Donnachaidh]

2. I may go with the keeping them in different areas when we go out

But she finds ways to scare him into corners while I'm in other areas of the house. I may just get the water bottle out (we have one for times when we have the Christmas tree up) and try to keep her away from him.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. This may resolve with time. Or not.

There is always an adjustment period when the animals have to establish their rank in the household. The cat obviously intends to outrank your pup.

Put yourself in the cat's place. This new critter has invaded her space, and is taking all the attention. You may try the spray bottle, but before I did the stick, I might try the carrot. Make sure you give her attention too. Also make sure to let her know you are pleased with her when she is acting properly to the dog. If you just show "favor" to the dog all the time by disciplining the cat, your cat will probably learn to really hate the dog.

[Donnachaidh]

4. oh yeah - definitely *don't* want to go to the water bottle if I don't have to

Jade, the female cat had really bad trust issues, and still has food issues a bit after two years with us. She's gone through a lot, and still is emotionally scarred. That's why I want to work gently with her.

She's kind of stunned me with her sneakiness, though. Chappy (the pup) literally cowers when she comes into the room and there isn't a human between him and her. Makes me wonder what she's doing to the poor little guy when we're gone.

She has a new nickname -- evilina. She can terrify this dog with a glance. It will be interesting to see how this works out.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. How sad. I do hope it works out, because that situation

sounds hard to deal with. I hope some advice you get works for you. It is really heartbreaking because it sounds like both pets are emotionally hurting. Good luck.