I have a 9-year-old cat and my family just got a new puppy about a month ago. My cat is acting really aggressive towards the puppy, who is around 4 months old. It’s concerning because my cat has lived with dogs before without much issue. I really don’t want my cat to be stressed or upset. I know yelling at her isn’t going to help. I’m looking for advice from anyone who has been through something similar and found a way to resolve it.
Getting your cat to see the puppy as a positive presence can take time. You might try associating the puppy with treats. There are also pheromone sprays like Felliway that can help reduce stress in multi-pet households. Have you considered checking out Jackson Galaxy’s products for anxiety or aggression?
@localdog
Thanks for the advice. I just want to help my cat feel safe again. She’s usually such a gentle soul 
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Larkin said:
@localdog
Thanks for the advice. I just want to help my cat feel safe again. She’s usually such a gentle soul
I understand where you’re coming from. I have a 5-year-old cat and recently took in a 2-month-old kitten. At first, my older cat wasn’t thrilled. I started giving her treats whenever the kitten was around, and it really helped. I also used Jackson Galaxy’s Peacemaker solution, which sped things up. Now they play together, though I still keep an eye on them to ensure it stays safe.
One thing to think about is the size of your puppy. It makes a difference in how they interact. It’s not just the cat’s past experiences with dogs that matter; puppies have their own energy and behaviors that can be overwhelming. You introduced a new animal into your cat’s space, and that can lead to defensive behavior. Take your time to properly introduce them. The puppy can be crated when unsupervised, and both should receive treats for good behavior. It’s crucial to let the cat have their own space.
@Jess
The puppy is about 20 pounds. We’re trying to keep her crated when no one can supervise her. She’s a curious little one who gets into everything! I’m doing my best to keep them from fighting. My cat has a safe spot to retreat to, so I hope that helps. Thanks for the suggestions.
@Larkin
It sounds like you’re doing what you can. If your cat knows they have a safe space, that should help reduce tension. Animals can react differently to new additions after a long time without them, so let your cat adjust at their own pace.
It’s normal for a 9-year-old cat to feel uneasy with a high-energy puppy. Slow introductions can help them adjust to each other better. Rushing things can lead to more stress for both pets, so take your time and let them get used to one another gradually.
How did you introduce them initially?