So, I moved into my girlfriend’s apartment two months ago. She has an older pug, and I have two cats. The problem is, her dog barks at my cats and sometimes chases them. My cats seem stressed out, and they aren’t as comfortable here as they were before. My girlfriend even said she’d break up with me if I moved back in with my parents to help my cats. Is there a chance her dog will eventually ignore the cats, or should I just move out to give my cats a better life?
Try using baby gates to create dog-free zones for your cats. Cats can jump over the gates, and it’ll give them a space without the dog. Maybe add shelves or other high spots so your cats can have some peace. It might help make things more tolerable.
@Uma
Yeah, they already have a room that the dog doesn’t really go into, but I’ll try the gate idea, thanks!
Arin said:
@Uma
Yeah, they already have a room that the dog doesn’t really go into, but I’ll try the gate idea, thanks!
Just having a couch or table isn’t enough. The baby gate and more vertical spaces for your cats will really help. Create a calm area for them.
@Yule
Totally agree. Also, have you considered using calming products like CBD for the dog or a calming pheromone diffuser for the cats?
If she’s willing to break up over this, it might be a sign. If she’s not helping the dog get used to the cats, it says a lot about how future problems will be handled.
Her threat to break up if you move out isn’t a healthy reaction. That’s something you should seriously think about.
Milan said:
Her threat to break up if you move out isn’t a healthy reaction. That’s something you should seriously think about.
For sure. Cats need time to adjust to a new home, and adding a dog makes it even tougher. She should be more understanding.
@Parker
Exactly. Using a breakup as a threat isn’t how healthy relationships work.
Her reaction is a big red flag. She should be working with you to find solutions, not giving ultimatums. Your cats depend on you, and if she’s not willing to compromise, it’s probably time to go.
Sloane said:
Her reaction is a big red flag. She should be working with you to find solutions, not giving ultimatums. Your cats depend on you, and if she’s not willing to compromise, it’s probably time to go.
Exactly. I have four cats, a dog, and even a ferret! You gotta be ready to problem-solve for everyone’s well-being.
If she’s picking her dog over your cats, why would you choose her over your pets?
This seems like an obvious choice. Take your cats and leave. They deserve a stress-free home.