Help needed

[LibbyLongtree]

We have two cats, one very timid and the other outgoing and confident. My step son is here for two nights and he’s brought his dog. Both cats are terrified and won’t even come in the house even though the dog has gone out for a walk which I wasn’t expecting from the bold boy. This visit wasn’t my wish and I said it wasn’t a good idea much as I love my step son and his family. What should I do (apart from turn back time and stick to my guns 😟)

How long are they staying? Can you shut the dog away from the cats or can he get it into a kennel for the duration of their stay?
Has he travelled far?
I wouldn't have agreed to having a strange dog in the house if your cats aren't used to dogs.

Your house belongs to your cats and they're not happy it's been invaded. There's probably not much you can do now about it. I'd be really stressed and wouldn't leave them outside. As the dog's only with you for 2 nights, I'd be inclined to bring them in, put them in one room upstairs out of the way, with all of their things - food, water, litter tray, toys, etc and hope that they forgive you your terrible crime.

You’re right Wolfie, it was a bad idea but I certainly didn’t expect the boy to be as freaked out as he is. They’ve travelled 300 miles to be here but no kennel unfortunately. He is a lovely dog, absolutely no bother, a bit of a wuss actually.

I am totally stressed out Want, I’m not enjoying the day at all now and feel like I’ve really let the cats down badly. Not helped by being the only non drinker out of seven adults 😞. I’m waiting for everyone to go to bed and then I’m going to have to catch the cats and lock them in our bedroom - they normally sleep in there but not under duress!

Trying to think of subtle ways to persuade them not to stay another night but that won’t go down well with my husband and I can’t entirely blame him.

No local boarding kennels at all?
Maybe if the cats shit in his slippers that will convince him!

Suggesting putting their baby in kennels would end very very badly! I’m anticipating scouring the garden at midnight crying piteously and apologising profusely

Then they may have to leave!
Confine the dog for now.

Here's hoping they opt for early to bed, so that you can go out on cat hunt at a reasonable time of night. Mind yourself out there.

So, the dog took himself off to bed about ten o’clock and hasn’t been seen since - seriously I’ve never seen anything like it, he was shown his room, climbed into his bed and that was it.

The cats eventually reappeared and had some food but I had to give a lift to someone and now they’re out again and ignoring me. Obviously I have some serious grovelling to do and could be for a late night!

Thanks for the support.

Yeah, Libby, amends need to be maken

Bet you're shattered.

WTF is wrong with people who think it's acceptable to take their dog to other people's houses? Kennels or Dog-sitter.

You have my sympathy OP, hope you find your cats soon.

I am shattered, cooking and entertaining is not my think anyway and I’ve pissed my babies off as well. Not one of my better days. Still ignoring me.

They may just be in a huff. We've added two kids and two dogs since we've had our cat and she always had a few indignation "how dare you" days but always comes round. We've always taken her with us when we go to my parents, and now take our dogs too. Their cat also strops and hides out in one of the rooms. (I don't take them to anyone else's house other than my parents and they're happy for us to do so before I get tutted at 😉). If they're distressed that's one thing, but I wouldn't worry too much about a huffy protest .