Today is the first time since we’ve lived here that our cats are getting the opportunity to explore the place. While we had contractors coming and going, we couldn’t let them roam free because the cats were sure to escape which would be a huge problem. Plus the contractors being around would certainly have only frightened them more and who knows when they might have come out of hiding then. It was bad enough that chain saws and other loud tools were being used in the room right across the hall from them. But I’ve got the dog secluded in the office area with me and the bedroom door is open for the cats so hopefully they will take on the mission bravely. And tonight we will also mount the baby gate at the top of the stairs so the dog won’t be able to harass them later on and the cats can have free reign of the upper floor.
We’re really hoping that this new environment will help the dog and cats get along at least a little better. The dog knows the territory now and should be spending more time outside as the days get drier, warmer and longer. And since the whole house probably smells like the dog as well, maybe it will help the cats see that she’s going to remain a part of the family and perhaps gain some acceptance of her. Hopefully as Ayla grows a bit older, she will finally lose the interest to chase them which is one of the main problems now.
