Worried about Kota

[SalemWitchChild]

Nothing physically is wrong with Kota. But I'm worried that she may be depressed or something.

I think it all has to do with Puff. Kota was the only fur baby here till a month ago when I brought Puff home. We have tried to still have Kota involved with everything. But she seems to distance herself.

Example: Every morning when my alarm went off she would jump up on the bed, nose me and I'd start petting her till I was awake enough to get ready for work. It was our time together just cuddling.

Now, Kota stays in her crate. I try to call her up to me but IF she comes she gets up behind me where her nails start to hurt me. I pet her for a few minutes then I ask her to move to a different position. And instead of listen to me she gets down. She knows what I'm asking of her. She is just afraid of the cat.

She's also not eating the Exclusive as well as I'd like. She does eat it. However she leaves extra in there. She's maybe eating 8 oz a day. I think I'm going to have to switch back to FRR. Remember the reason I changed is that hubby doesn't want to buy it online anymore. But tough cookies. If she's not eating this food right I'll just donate what I have to the shelter.

Lance still plays with her at their usual times. I try to make time to cuddle with her. And sometimes that works if the cat isn't around.

Puff has just got her so scared now. She's not acting like my happy Kota.


BTW 5 minutes after posting this Kota is eating the food...with a little enthusiasm.. Maybe she's eating more than I realize.

[golden&hovawart]

How old is she?
Maybe she needs a doggie friend,in her life.
As for the food,8oz is not a lot for a collie,you might be better off getting her,her old food.I hope she feels better,soon,L

[dobermom]

It sounds like your doing things right with her as far as being sure to give her own time.

Adding another fur baby is always an adjustment. I would say give it a little more time before you worry too much.

Maybe try to sprinkle a little parmesian cheese on her food to make it more appealing

[EmmaGirl]

It certainly sounds like there are adjustments being made on everyone's part. I know, from experience, how difficult it can be when we want our pets to get along but it's not the 'what WE want' ...it's more about the time THEY need to adjust.

Have you tried to encourage her (where the bed/cuddling is an issue) with a small treat? Is the kitty threatening her with claws and hissy noises?

When my 2 pups were younger, they bounded everywhere and freaked the cats out, until the cats decided that enough was enough and put their paws down. Now I have a peaceful household and the animals all have learned to get along and respect each other's space.

Good luck and best wishes.

[SalemsMom]

She was playing with Sierra and the cat last week,but i do not see her eating her food that much,she eats the cat food more.

[EmmaGirl]

My puppies ate the cat food too, until I placed it in a spot that was easy access for the cats but beyond the pups' ability to get at it. I tend to supervise each mealtime, making sure that everyone is eating what they are supposed to eat. I'm really curious as to your opinion as to why she would be afraid of the kitty. I just get the impression that there is more to this story...maybe it's just a 'me' thing but I'm not getting a really clear picture as to what is really going on. She won't cuddle and her appetite has decreased? I wish I could help...I do understand your worry.

[Kim]

Originally Posted by SalemsMom

She was playing with Sierra and the cat last week,but i do not see her eating her food that much,she eats the cat food more.

Sounds like Kota may be filling up on kitty food instead of her own?

I don't know, but maybe Kota needs a little more time to adjust & Robin, you need to baby her more to reassure her that she's not being pushed aside?

I believe our pets are like our kids & sometimes kids need to be reassured, especially during transition periods in the home.

Good luck & let me know how she's doing! I just love Kota!

[SalemsMom]

Puff ambushes her,and kota is afraid,but then they turn around and run through the house at times,but when puff wants to be a B,he really makes life hard on Kota.I try to babyKota more when i'm here,and puff knows when i see him attacking kota,he's going to be in trouble,so he hides for awhile.

[Kim]

Originally Posted by SalemsMom

Puff ambushes her,and kota is afraid,but then they turn around and run through the house at times,but when puff wants to be a B,he really makes life hard on Kota.I try to babyKota more when i'm here,and puff knows when i see him attacking kota,he's going to be in trouble,so he hides for awhile.

Poor Kota! She's so lucky to have such a protective grandma! Kitties can be soooo naughty to doggies! Mine get along well but my one kitty, Tiger, knows how to torment Molly! I almost can see his thought processes when he's doing it, "Na na na na na na...you can't catch me!"

BTW, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Pugsley! I know that's another thread but I thought I would throw it in here since I was responding to your post.

[EmmaGirl]

OK, think like a kitty and a dog. Kota is experiencing cat phobia and Puff is trying cat aggression behavior. What can you do about this? Puff's knee-jerk reaction is to defend. Kota's is to catch. Try setting aside a quiet time...where you set the rules and they tolerate each other. If Puff gets aggressive...shove him away...that behavior is not allowed. If Kota gets fearful or aggressive....let her know that things are ok and she has nothing to worry about.

Best wishes