recently adopted cat

[corylus]

Took on a 6 yr old female cat several weeks ago to deal with a mouse crisis in our house. Have had about 20 cats in the last 40 years, so am used to their ways!! This one (now our only cat) is still hiding upstairs all day, comes down for food in the evenings, spends most of the night being really friendly to me (in bed!) purring, meowing and wanting to be stroked etc. She doesn't like our dogs who wouldn't hurt a fly let alone a cat as they are used to them.

Shall I just give her time to integrate? Any other suggestions welcome.

[kat1]

Could well be the dogs! Whats her background? Has she lived with dogs before?

[corylus]

Background was stable household, well looked after described as 'feisty' by previous owner who was re-homng her because of moving house. Cats have always been here as well as dogs usuall they have all got along.

Is Craig helping you socialise your rescued cats? I know him and his parents!

[bensmum]

have to agree with kat here - if she isn't used to dogs she won't know that they won't hurt her. Was there any information as to her background when you adopted her?
It may take some time for her to integrate

[kat1]

Yes corylus i know Craig well. I named him 'The Cat Whiperer'! Where you from?

[kat1]

Whisperer!!

[corylus]

was at school with his mum, my friend, know the family well, he's a good lad!

[karenmac60]

Just because your other cats have got along with dogs doesn't mean this one will. She may never have had any interaction with dogs before or could have had negative experiences with them. Your dogs won't hurt her, but she won't know that. You have to just give her time and hope she will eventually become confident enough to tolerate them at least. You could try clapping the dogs with a glove on then use the same glove to clap the cat - thus transferring their scent onto her and getting her used to it, but it may be more a case of their size, speed and the unknown which scares her. Good luck.