What’s best for stressed cat?

[2catsand2kids]

We have two cats (aged 6) and one dog (miniature poodle age 17 months). One cat is male and the other is female and has always been more timid and nervous. The male cat has always chased and occasionally attacks the female cat but she is faster and more nimble and has places she can escape to where he can’t get her.

When we got the dog we followed loads of advice about introducing them (cats have safe spaces upstairs where dog can’t go, giving treats to cats when the cats can see the dog but dog can’t get to them etc). The dog absolutely adores the cats and the male cat gets on well with the dog. The female cat however is still absolutely terrified of the dog, she seeing go anywhere near him and runs away if she spots him (he’s never done anything to her to warrant this). We had assumed that was just the way things would be and ensured she always has places she can go away from the dog (with a hope that over time and with more training she may tolerate the dog more) but we have noticed in the last few days bald patches appearing on her legs. We are taking her to the vets to rule out anything else but we think she is over grooming due to stress. I want to do what’s best for all of my pets but I’m not sure what the best solution is for my female cat. Do we persevere and hope it improves (but with the danger she continues to be stressed), do we try and refine her to a different house where she can be the only pet so can be less stressed? Any advice would be welcomed.

Rehome not refine.

Have you tried Feliway or similar? That tends to be the first go-to for stressed cats. I also use Zylkene in stressful circumstances, which seems to work well with mine.

Apparently there are also de-stressing foods and treats available for cats.

It may also be worth a vet visit, just in case there's a physical issue as well.

I'd re-home the dog, but then I've always been a cat person and she was there first. Mean it kindly, but I'm not sure why you'd add a dog to a house where one cat is already stressed out living with another animal. It sounds like it's tipped her over the edge. Sorry, but I don't think the dog was a good idea.

Over-grooming can be a result of pain or irritation so I wouldn't jump straight to stress without ruling out physical reasons first.

What is the dog like with your female cat? Has he been trained not to chase her and bother her?

We have a dog and three cats and he mostly leaves them alone unless he's giving them a bath or letting them sleep on his head

But we had to work hard to stop that chase instinct when he was a puppy. So he was on a lead a lot and we rewarded him for calm and for ignoring the cats.

I’d re-home the dog too, the cats were there first.

How long have you had the dog?

Definitely try the Feliway and do a vet visit to rule out other possible causes.

Have to agree with other posters that if you have to re-home any of them it should be the dog as the cats were there first. Also the dog is fairly young so would hopefully find a home quicker.

The cats were there before the dog so the dog should go. Also, the cat is already stressed. Rehoming her will stress her even more. Rehome the dog and try Feliway - Feliway Optimum is better than the the normal version.

Thank you for all the comments, I have an appointment at 2pm at the vets so will see what they say. I am very much hoping to avoid having to rehome any of them.

In answer to questions we’ve had the dog since he was 8 weeks old. He gets on well with the male cat and no he doesn’t chase the female cat, just gets very excited and wags his tail if he sees her.

If he doesn't chase her, what's his general behaviour like? You say he's excited but how does that translate into real life - does he eg. follow her around, get in her personal space, try to play? He may "just" be excited but that can be quite frightening to cats unfortunately :(

I also notice you say "The male cat has always chased and occasionally attacks the female cat but she is faster and more nimble and has places she can escape to where he can’t get her."

So I wonder if the male cat is the real issue here. She may be able to escape but being chased can be scary especially if she's been attacked by him before.

Vet thinks it is most likely stress related. Could be to do with the dog or her brother or possibly even something like a new cat in the neighbourhood (as odd it’s only started recently and dog has been here 15 months). Vet made lots of suggestions and gave us lots of literature that were going to read and try (I’ve ordered two Feliway optimum plug ins and royal Canin calm food). Fingers crossed it all makes a difference.

Bless her.

It could be anything - some cats are just really sensitive unfortunately!

Definitely give the Feliway a go, and you can get capsules/supplements to add to food as well. Zyklene can be quite useful for anxious animals - I use it for my dog and it works well :)

You can get it in capsules but they break apart and you can mix the powder with her food or with something like lik-e-lix or yoghurt.

Get rid of the dog, poor cat