Cat suddenly pooing on floor

[Polkadotpjs]

We have a cat-19 and got our new dog this week. First few days she's just been aloof and slept as usual but not done downstairs- we put a litter tray upstairs and her food so she didn't need to come down. But today she has pooped in two of the bedrooms. What can I do to introduce them nicely and maybe strike peace between them? Any ideas from those who have introduced a dog into a cat house? She is eating and drinking and asking for food and sleeps most of the day at her ripe old age and seems otherwise ok. I'd love them to get on ideally or for her to wander down again- she spends 90% plus upstairs today anyway and hasn't seemed stressed but clearly is. Please don't attack me here. I've had cats and dogs together the whole time I was living at home but this cat hasn't lived with a dog although has had dog visitors which he ignored or hissed at then stalked off looking annoyed but not scared.

[planningaheadtoday]

Any changes for a very aged can result in odd behaviour. I had this with my 19 year old cat. We moved house and although she had her normal litter tray she started pooing in my chest of drawers.

They get disoriented with changes In old age.

[Polkadotpjs]

So maybe it'll settle. She's had this before with workmen being in the house so maybe just nervy. However she did have a make back cat trapped in a corner the other night so she's feisty when she wants to be...it's early days i guess

[Wolfiefan]

Feliway? Stairgate to limit the amount of downstairs the dog can limit.
You want to ensure the dog never chases the cat. Don’t try and introduce them. And remember an older cat is more vulnerable and may not be as able to jump up high or run of unhappy.
I think it’s blue cross have an online info sheet about introducing cats and dogs. We did it but waited as our old girl had arthritis and a pup wouldn’t have been fair on her.

[madcatladyforever]

Yes my 19 year old cat does this if there is ANY upset in her life.
A stray cat came in the other day and it was poop city :-(

[Scion286]

Adaptil plug ins upstairs and downstairs and just time. It all has to be in her terms.

[Polkadotpjs]

Good thinking on the plug and we'll get a stairgate up. Bought one but confined pup to lounge. I've been treating her to extra tuna and she's slept with us and had cuddles (well stroking as she's not a lap cat and had attacked me several times for daring to cuddle her!). Someone recommended Feliway? Any experience?

[Scion286]

I’ve only got experience of the adaptil plug in, I do think it helped (we’ve got a pup and 2 cats). Mainly it’s just time though. One of our cats spend a month in our bedroom. 9 months on and she now comes and goes as she pleases, will sit in the dogs bed or lie on the grass. Pup will chase her if she runs but she usually just gives him a swipe of he gets too bouncy.

[Polkadotpjs]

What does it smell like please?

[Scion286]

Nothing at all. The spray has a horrible smell but the plug ins are odourless.

[Polkadotpjs]

Great thanks.