How can I help a new cat feel at home with my two crazy dogs and a toddler??

Question

How can I help a new cat feel at home with my two crazy dogs and a toddler??

Answer 1

It's easier than you think, I am always bringing home foster animals and that means that my cats need to adjust and quickly.  Three things to remember, 1.) keep the house as quiet as you can, it doesn't need to sound like a Library but remember that loud noises like stereos can upset this kitty. 2.) Leave the kitty alone, allow it to come out and be as social as it wants to be, NEVER go hunting for it or take it out of it's hidding spots this will only stress it out even more. 3.) allow the animals to socialize on their own, a little cry, meow or hissing is OK but if you see them get aggresive use something like a metal can with pennies in it to break them up, the loud noise usually will stop them.  There are many ways to make the animals confortable.  I'm a big fan of locking the new animal in one room and allowing them to hiss and meow at each other through the door for a day or two.  Best of luck and here are some sites I used.

Answer 2

teach the dogs to not be mean and make sure the kid likes the cat. always comfort the cat and be nice to it

Answer 3

give him a place to hide. a cat door in the basement door, or in a closet door.

give him high places to retreat to. let him climb up onto the book shelve.

Answer 4

Move the cat and all his belongings into a safe room. Slowly introduce the scents of the dogs and the toddler by maybe rubbing a towel over the dogs and taking the toddler's worn pajamas and leave them in with the cat so that it gets used to their scents and starts to accept them as a normal part of its surroundings. Take the blankets that the cat sleeps on or the bed and let the dogs have it for a while so they can associate the cats sent as pack.

Next I would slowly introduce the toddler to the cat by holding it firmly and letting them get to know each other. Let your child pet the cat and praise the cat for sitting still, maybe feed it a treat. I'd continue this for about a week or so then let the cat loose to see what happens. Just remember to never let your child approach the cat alone for both of their safety.  

Answer 5

First of all, put the kitten in a room (like a guest room) all by itself with a litterbox, food and fresh water.  Let the dogs and kitten small each other through the door.  Introduce your toddler a little at a time, and explain simply "Be nice to baby kitty" and supervise the visits for a few days.  Slowly let the kittens "safe zone" expand by letting him in the hallway with the bedroom doors shut (but not "his" room).  This way the kitten is not overwhelmed with the noise and movement of the dogs and child.  You will have a much happier, and less-jumpy cat - overanxious kittens tend to bite or scratch when nervous or scared - and they will more than likely do that to the child if the child is being rough.

Good luck with your new little buddy.

Answer 6

I just brought home a kitten to a house with one cat and one dog.  The cat hisses a lot at her but I just hold her a lot and let her sit on my lap as much as possible.  As for the toddler you just have to show him/her how to be gentle with the cat.  It won't take long before the cat "owns" your house.  

Answer 7

The most important thing is for the cat to have a place to escape to. A spare bedroom, your bedroom, actually any room with a closed door would work well, even a closet. If your able to put a cat door in that would work best to keep the dogs and the toddler from chasing the cat. If not, a way to keep the door open enough for the cat to get through but child and dogs out will work. Second most important thing is to never, ever leave kitty and baby alone together. Toddlers dont understand the concept of being gentle and kitty's will react badly if their tail is suddenly yanked.  

Answer 8

give him his own little space away from every thing

Answer 9

Get him a tall scratching post with a high perch.  That way he can sit above the craziness and feel safe.  Teach your toddler to respect the cat and not be rough with him.

There's also a cat pheramone spray that is supposed to make them more relaxed (it also is supposed to prevent spraying).  I haven't tried it, but I'm considering getting it for my cat to keep him from being so nervous.

Answer 10

Take it somewhere quiet and just let it get used to you. Let the cat identify with it's owner, i.e. you. If the cat optionally comes to you whilst you're at the computer or something, just give it a bit of calm fuss. That's how we've broke in 3 cats in my household.