Hi all, thanks in advance for any advice! I adopted two feral cats almost a year ago. They’re a bonded pair, estimated to be around 4 years old. Sox, a Norwegian Forest Cat, is food motivated and quickly forgets his fear for treats, while Ginger, an American Shorthair, takes longer to warm up but is improving. They’re still anxious with new sounds and people. I need to move in with friends who have an elderly cat and a gentle 2-year-old Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix. I’m worried about how my cats will adjust to this new environment, especially with the dog barking. Is it possible to adapt them without causing stress, and what tips do you have for introducing them?
Yes, it’s definitely doable! Start by keeping the cats in a separate room where they can feel safe and have their own space. Gradually let them explore the new home at their own pace.
Introduce the dog to the cats gradually. Use a baby gate so they can see each other without direct contact at first. Monitor their reactions and let the cats approach when they feel comfortable.
Keep the environment quiet and calm initially. You can use calming pheromones like Feliway to help ease their anxiety during the transition.
Make sure the dog has a quiet area to retreat to if she gets too excited. It’s important that both the cats and the dog have their own safe spaces.
Take things slow. Allow the cats to acclimate to the new sounds and smells before introducing them to the dog. Patience is key!