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Original poster

Moving in with partner ... PETS getting in the way!

6 replies

AMarsADay · 07/04/2009 17:45

Ok this is going to sound so stupid but it's a huge stumbling block for us and I'm not sure how to proceed.

Basically me and DP have decided to move in together. A 'date' has been set for the summer holidays. I will be moving in with him and his daughter with my two sons.

Only problem we have is the pets.

He has two cats.

I have 2 guinea pigs and a dog.

I'm terrified the cats will kill the guinea pigs and he's worried the dog will kill the cats.

The kids would be DEVESTATED if any of the pets were to be rehomed.

What do we do?? risk it? change our plans and continue to live seperately for the sake of the pets? rehome all or some of the pets?

What would you do?

OP posts:

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 07/04/2009 18:34

I'd be as worried about the dog killing the guinea pigs - I saw my collie kill a mouse once. It was fast.

Keep the cavies in a cage that the cats can't open, they'll be safe enough. Make sure the cats can get away from the dog - through a cat flap, or high up on furniture. There'll be a bit of hissing and sulking, but most dogs are wary of cat claws. My collie does not like sharing a room with my cats at all, so I keep them separate, but my house is big enough for that.

mablemurple · 07/04/2009 18:37

The dog and the cats will come to their own arrangement very soon - after a short period of chaos they will learn to tolerate each other, even if they never really like each other. The guineas should not be left alone with the cats ever, imo, if they are not used to small rodents - what sort of cage do you have for them? Could you shut the cats away from the gps if you let them roam free for exercise? Presumably your dog is used to the gps? I don't think you need to rehome any of them, or alter your plans, it just needs a little planning .

marie1979 · 07/04/2009 18:45

my collie is scared of the cats and walks away if trouble starts but id be carefull with the gpigs the cats mite think its a toy like mine does with our hamster

SheSellsSeashellsByTheSeashore · 07/04/2009 18:57

Keep the gunieas out of the way of the dogs and the cats. Never let them run while the dogs and cats are in the room/garden.

The dog and cats will sort themselves out. After much fighting, hissing and clawing the cats will come out boss . Make sure the cats have somewhere they can go and hide when they get fed up.

Don't leave them in the same room over night.

It might be easier on the cats if they 'meet' the dog a few times on their own turf, before he moves in comlpetely. Take him for round for a few visits.

Cosette · 07/04/2009 19:15

We have 2 dogs and a cat, and it's fine. Our cat is also "top dog". They were introduced as puppies/kittens, which probably helped, but I think as long as you don't leave them together unaccompanied with nowhere to go, you should be fine.

I'd be more concerned about the cat getting the guinea pig. Can you keep it upstairs, and not let the cats up there?

How old are the cats/dog?

marie1979 · 07/04/2009 22:19

my cat is also top of the pecking order my oldest one that is, i have cat 14 yrs kitten 6 mths and dog 3

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