Neighbour got a dog

[nswtdwto]

Hello, I live in a flat with someone below me, I have an 11 month old kitten, Two weeks ago my neighbour got a dog (zero problem with this at all) and its the first time my cat has seen/heard a dog.

He has been slowly going off his food since the dog arrived and now seems to live inside my couch, He goes in and stays inside it all day, It is now at the point where he is refusing all food. It's also like he has lost his personality. He just seems like he is sad and no longer even comes to me for me to pet him, Will no longer play with me etc

I have an appointment at the vet later today but what can I do about him being terrified of the dog?

Neighbour just leaves the dog to howl in the back garden all day and night, Dog is a husky. my cat saw him through the window when he arrived and has not been the same since.

Anyone been through similar? Will it be ok in time?

Sorry to hear this. What did your vet suggest @nswtdwto ? Is your kitten any better?

Poor love, I have no advice but wanted to offer sympathy and bump the thread. Also interested in what the vet has to say.
Would be a blummin' husky, they are big animals, why not a little szhitzu?!

Could be a coincidence. Not eating and hiding are signs of illness in cats. Take him to the vet to see if he’s unwell. Our neighbours have dogs and our cats are unbothered. I hope your kitten feels better soon.

Also if the dog is left to howl day and night, sounds like the dog (and the neighbourhood) is also unhappy: perhaps an anonymous call to the RSPCA may be to everyone's benefit?

I really can’t see how a kitten who has never met a dog would be distressed by barking / howling , surely they won’t know what it is . Hope the vet has been some help .

I would look at making a noise nuisance complaint about the dog too.

Instinct, innit? That's why you don't see many cats browsing at your local library.

All cats have different personalities. Your cat may well be a very sensitive and fearful type and be upset by the dog downstairs. Hiding is typical behaviour for a scared and anxious cat. But first thing is to take him to the vet to check it's not a physical ailment causing this behaviour - with the dog arrival just a coincidence - so, what did the vet say when you took him last week?

Yes, RSPCA and council.

Second the comments re illness and signs of it in cats / kittens. Hiding and not eating often mean they are unwell. Hope they are ok

also are dogs even allowed in the flats you live in? Check the deeds / agreement. Nobody in their right mind would have a husky in a flat anyway. Too large too high a prey drive and need a LOT of exercise and stimulation. Leaving them alone all day is cruel and shows no understanding of the breed or their requirements. Absolutely report this as manifestly unfair on any dog