Getting Two Guinea Pigs but Nervous About My Boyfriend's Cat

Rodents
1

I’m about to get two guinea pigs, and while I’m super excited, I’m also incredibly nervous. My boyfriend’s cat is basically a terror. This cat bullied my small dog for a while until he got big enough to stand up for himself. Now, they have this tense relationship where the cat still randomly swats at him, and my boyfriend does nothing about it. I’m the one cheering my dog on when he finally chases the cat off.

For context, my dog is only 13 lbs (small breed), but he’s learned to defend himself. The issue is, I’m terrified of what this cat is going to do when my guinea pigs arrive. The cat only stays with me sometimes, but it’s always causing chaos when it’s around.

Does anyone have tips on how to protect my guinea pigs from this menace when I have to host the cat? I want to make sure my guinea pigs are safe, but this cat is a total handful, and I know it’s going to try something. Any advice would be appreciated.

2

You and your boyfriend both suck tbh. Your boyfriend sucks for letting his cat do whatever it wants, and you suck for cheering your dog on when he gets aggressive with the cat. If you’re concerned that something will happen to the guinea pigs, don’t get them.

3

@Cameron
The guinea pigs are already on the way, and I’m working on setting everything up for them. My boyfriend’s cat is a constant problem, and my boyfriend refuses to address it. If I try to separate them or discipline the cat, my boyfriend gets upset and says the cat is ‘just being a cat,’ but I don’t want it hurting my dog or the new guinea pigs. I’ve had enough dealing with this cat.

4

@Charlie
Honestly, just tell your boyfriend not to bring the cat around. If you hate the cat so much, don’t host it. And whatever you do, don’t let the guinea pigs out of their cage when the cat is around.

5

@Cameron
I’m planning to keep the guinea pigs in my bedroom, which is a no-cat zone. I’ve already made it clear to my boyfriend that I don’t want the cat in there, but it still tries to sneak in. I’m tired of this cat.

6

@Charlie
You need to separate the animals immediately when there’s an issue. This isn’t about letting your dog ‘defend himself.’ If you let things escalate, it could end badly for the cat or the guinea pigs.

7

@Cameron
The dog is trained, unlike the cat. The issue is the cat always initiates. I plan to stop hosting the cat altogether. I’m done with it.

8

Why did you get guinea pigs if you knew there was an aggressive cat in the mix? You should definitely keep the guinea pigs completely separated from both the cat and the dog.

9

Dani said:
Why did you get guinea pigs if you knew there was an aggressive cat in the mix? You should definitely keep the guinea pigs completely separated from both the cat and the dog.

The cat only comes around one weekend a month, but it’s a huge problem. I need to figure out a way to keep it away from my guinea pigs and dog entirely.

10

@Charlie
The cat is likely stressed because it’s being taken out of its home. You need to keep it in its own space when it’s at your place.

11

If the cat is only with you occasionally, just put the guinea pigs in a room and close the door when the cat is over. Problem solved.

12

Avery said:
If the cat is only with you occasionally, just put the guinea pigs in a room and close the door when the cat is over. Problem solved.

That’s what I’m planning, but I’m also going to stop hosting the cat entirely. It’s just too much stress.

13

You’re making things worse by encouraging your dog to chase the cat. Also, guinea pigs need a calm, quiet environment, which this situation definitely is not. Maybe reconsider getting them or make sure the cat is never around them.

14

@Stevie
The guinea pigs will be in a separate room. I’ll be telling my boyfriend not to bring the cat over anymore.