When I got Charis I was very worried what she would do to my two cats. In fact I was even more worried that my cats will beat her up. The first thing I did was organize the house so my cats have their own personal space. I used baby gates to prevent the dogs from going in certain rooms. I also placed scratching post in front of it so that the cats can look over the baby gate before going into the common area. The common area is where they are all allowed to hang out BUT my cats still have their personal space like counter tops, sofas, scratching post, etc. I also cut the nails of the two cats before I brought Charis home to ensure that if a fight occurs Charis will not lose an eye. I introduced them to each other while Charis was still in her cage. I only let her out when it seemed like Sumo and Bimbim were bored with her. I also kept a close eye on them to make sure that nothing major happens. Sumo was not happy about Charis and made it know immediately by swatting her. I decided to let them duke it out but making it clear to Charis that she cannot be bite Sumo at all. Bimbim on the other hand just decided to let things be. As long as the dog does not bother her she will not bother them. She is the one who maximized the use of personal space. When she wants complete rest then she will stay in the "cats only" rooms. If she wants company that's the time she shares space with the dogs in the living room.They all eat in the kitchen but the cats eat on the counter while the dogs stay on the ground. Sometimes the dogs chase the cats when they get too excited. The cats will respond with the occassional growls and swats when they think the dogs have crossed the line. But overall I would say they live quite harmoniously. In fact, I think Charis is more willing to share her things with Sumo than with Keegan - her mate. Believe me when I say Charis does not share her food with Keegan at all! Here's some photos of Charis giving in to Sumo.
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AuthorJoy has had 17-20 dogs, four cats, at least a dozen rabbits, three to four chickens and one turkey in her lifetime. She was close to her brother's bear cat and the snake, who she rescued from the attic. While in Canada she decided to get a cat and ended up with two. Since she lived alone she had to find ways and means to develop a harmonious peaceful relationship with her cats by "training" them. Eventually she decided to get formal training and invited dogs to join her family. Archives
May 2012
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