Dirty Protest

[Alibobbob]

We got a rescue cat about 4 years ago, she was about 11 at the time so now about 15.

We bought a rescue dog about 6 months ago and the cat doesn't really seam to have taken to her at all.

I have just moved a bag of charity stuff off the dining table to find out the cat has peed on the table. The table is totally ruined.

What do I do? Am I wrong in thinking that the cat is never going to settle with the dog or is it an age thing?

Oh dear...well, IMHE, cats aren't a great fan of dogs to start with. They like being Queen on their own, and our rescue cat remains a bit on the anxious side. Thing like when DD had piles of stuff in the open plan living/dining room to go to uni, that upset her, and caused similar issues. She isn't very keen on builders etc... A feliway diffuser helps a bit. Really I need one either end of the room cos of its open plan ness. (Reminder to self). Lots of fuss for cat maybe (I think showing you're cross stresses them more ). Difficult re the dog, as getting rid is more traumatic for them when they are rescued.

I wouldn't have adopted a dog when I had an elderly rescue cat but that's not very helpful now.

Does your cat have a room which she can go in where dog is not allowed?

I suspect the age doesn't help, but is not the entire issue btw. I am wondering if the cat has an area of the home that she can call her own. A bit where the dog doesn't go, where she feels 'safe'. Does she have a cat bed with a roof on it?

Ah, crossed post with Honey.

Thanks everyone... yes she has her own space in the basement but she wees everywhere down there too. It seems to be getting worse TBH.

Spongebob I didn't show her I was cross, I went to tell the kids and went back to clean it up - it has soaked through the wood (I haven't got a great sense of smell so no idea when she did it).

She doesn't show anxiety she's currently stretched out on the rug but usually jumps and settles on my lap.

Re the cat bed - there is one on the kitchen table so that she can be off ground when the dogs in her bed.

Do you use litter trays or does she just go outside?

Litter trays - she's an indoor cat.