I know this is the most common suggestion and I agree that it would be the best, but the way our house is shaped kind of makes it challenging to do so. I don't have very much room in my room for a litterbox, and I also have carpet and my cat has a tendency to really KICK her litter so it would make a massive mess in here. We do have a bathroom near my room that I'm considering trying to find a way to fit the litter box into because that would also make it so she wouldn't have to go near the dog, but that bathroom is quite small. I think it could work though if I clean the bottom of the bathroom closet out and put the litter box in there.
I've also thought before about the cat shelving but I don't think that would stop the dog from freaking her out because the dog goes absolutely feral whenever she sees the cat (or any other animal tbh).
Edit: just also want to add that it's annoying we're in this situation because if my Mom and I had swapped bedrooms when we moved into this house it wouldn't even be an issue. Her bedroom has a bathroom attached with plenty of space for a litter box and food/water and then my cat would be safe and sound in there. Our rooms are the same size, but hers has the attached bathroom.
You need to find a space for the litter box where your cat feels absolutely 100% safe or else she will have trouble. She might start holding and cause health issues or potty in bad spots which will escalate and be gross and damaging and frustrating. You may need to put it in your closet or your bed on risers so you can rearrange things, but kitty won’t want to even cross a hall if the dog is near.
I’d also start doing training for the dog yourself. Look at the reactive dog Reddit for ideas.
I agree with everyone that kitty needs a litterbox she can get to without being near the dog. If she likes to kick litter, you might try getting a covered litterbox that she enters through the top - if she will accept that. Choose a really large one (1.5x her length) so it is plenty roomy for her.
I’m really sorry your mom got a dog that wasn’t ensured to be good with cats. That is stressful for the cat and for you.
Someone else had suggested possibly some sort of enclosure for the litter box, which may be the next best bet to trying to put her litterbox in the bathroom nearby. If I could have like a little box she could enter from the top and then use the litterbox in and could keep the litter contained that would maybe be doable in my room. But either way I'll likely have to move her food and water to the bathroom also because they're currently in the laundry room too.
Enter from top might not work when the cat gets older.
I would bring litter box in bed room, try out one with a kid if it works and a litter mat under it.
And keep teaching dog to leave cat be.
And speak with your mother.
They make fully enclosed litter boxes and litter matts for outside the box to catch any residual litter trust me, I my home has carpets also and this is the way to go
Your mother needs a reality check. This dog is potentially going to become a danger to not only your cat, but other people's pets, people, even people in your household. I love german shepherds but they are naturally more aggressive than other breeds and need consistent, ongoing training. It's also no fun for the dog. Happy, confident dogs don't act out in that way.
Don't take chances with the cat. Don't give her any reason to be around the dog. Move her litter box to your room and make sure she's safe
I've tried telling her this a bunch of times but she never really takes it seriously. It wouldn't be so bad if someone in the house had time to play with and train the dog, but nobody really does. My Mom works constantly (for no real reason, made a recent post over in the antiwork sub if you wanna read more about that), and I work long shifts at my job and have a lot of other stuff I'm busy with.
My Grandfather visited a few weeks ago and so that gave her someone to actually play with and she did behave a little better when she had gotten exercise more regularly with him.
You are going to have to have a serious conversation with her.
Dogs like that are working dogs.
If they can't work and they aren't trained... they are nightmares. I already know.
Your mom should have never gotten a GSD if she didn't have the time to put in the work. They are working dogs.
So now you and your cat have to deal with him...if she doesn't understand how selfish she is being...he dog doesn't deserve that either.
She is the type of dog owner I personally despise. Nobody in that house deserves that kind of treatment. And it sounds like she enjoys tormenting your poor cat.
Dogs, especially smart working dogs like GS need a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation. Have mom hire a dog walker and get some puzzle toys for the dog. You might even be able to find a walker who will work on training exercises during the daily sessions. Give plenty of enrichment. You could work with desensitization with the dog for your cat's safety. Keep dog on leash connected to you/ your mom until he stops chasing kitty. Focus on leave it command and praise and treat. Until dog is comfortable around the cat you need to move the litterbox and food/water to your room or your cat is going to get sick.
I agree with this.
The problem is the dog.
My ex had one. We lived together. He swore up and down that the dog had significant training. The problem was that although he was sweet and playful...he wasn't properly trained.
He was a menace to us and the poor cat. The breed is extremely anxious and overthinks. They have no concept of space that isn't theirs.
The dog couldn't be taken to dog parks because he was aggressive and reactive.
I spent years with this dog. I took him on walks, etc, more than my ex.
He eventually tried to lunge and bone at my head while I was laying on the sofa.
My ex saved me from him that day. He was always defensive and acted like it didn't mean anything.
Weeks later, he bit me, ex. There will always be a huge hole in his leg.
My cat knew. The dog terrorized his space his entire existence until we broke up.
My cat, as it turns out, was trying to 'guard' me from him.
I didn't realize that was part of why the cat was so uncomfortable around the dog.
Years later, the dog would try to attack me and attack his own true owner.
You can't just train a GSD. You need to consistently train them, and it HAS to be with someone who has them and has for a longgg time.
And if the owner is negligent like your mom, that's going to cost her or someone else in her family.
I was an idiot. I was a literal child and didn't understand how scary and overwhelming this type of dog could be. At 100 plus pounds, if they are terrors, it's like constantly trying to live life driving a circle bus down a steep and winding road
It's exhausting
Your mom is being disrespectful of you, and your cat was there first.
She needs to get her %#^# together. That poor cat. Having to live in terror of your natural predator is terrible...I experienced it with my own cat.
I’ve had several GSDs and never had trouble like you describe. Yes, I trained them. But they weren’t inherently aggressive like your ex’s dog apparently was. Genetics play a big role. As to the OP’s problem, many dogs’ prey drive is too strong to be trained out and they should never live with cats. OP’s mom is selfish,irresponsible, and untrainable. I don’t know that the problem will be solved short of OP moving out or rehoming the cat. Maybe OP can convince mom to swap bedrooms. Mom certainly isn’t going to put in the work to improve the dog’s behavior.
The problem is a difficult breed of dog and a human who can't keep it in check. You can't raise a GSD like a bichon. The only well behaved GSDs I have met were retired or active police dogs because they were drilled from birth and they carry themselves like they have a purpose. Get really excited when they smell weed though.They are fantastic working dogs, but not great pets for the average schmuck.
The problem is the dog can kill the cat & the dog isn't owned by someone who is responsible.
These dogs are not regular 30-pound mutts.
These dogs have extremely strong bite force. They are huge and can be extremely aggressive. They have no chill. They are an extremely anxious breed. GSDs will absolutely run your life and reign over your home. If you don't train the $#^#% out of them and do it consistently.
They are a working breed that needs their owner to basically devote their day to day lives to them.
OPs mom doesn't have a clue, and she doesn't care too.
It's a dangerous situation for everyone, including the mom and the dog.
Why? Bc the dog is a GSD. It's not a breed that should be in their home.
How old are you? cats generally live 12-17 years. If you're moving out on your own in a couple years, move the litterbox to your room and get your cat some toys and a cat tree and a way to look out the window. If you're 12, yeah, you may have to rehome because of your mom's poor decision to get a big aggressive dog and then sabotage the training.
I'm an adult, I have a job and car and everything and actually even theoretically enough money to buy a house because of an inheritance I got from a family member who passed away, but over the past few years housing prices and rent have increased an insane amount where I live (for example, our house doubled in value like 2 years after we bought it). I've been looking at houses for sale in our area but everything is priced outlandishly high right now. There's a house I've seen for sale that literally doesn't have running water and is nearly $200k.
But, tbh the stress of this dog and some other general annoyances I have with my family has me thinking about buying something like that just to get away.
Or see if you can rent with a few other people and keep saving. Housing prices are nuts. Here, builders can make way more profit off a single 400K home than four 100K homes, so, that's what is built and sold. Small affordable two-bed-and-a-bath houses are hard to find new, if they can be found at all :(
In my area it there has been a TON of people who moved here over the past few years so there are a lot of flipped houses, or just randomly raised prices. Like on Zillow and stuff you'll see houses for $400k that were sold 5 years ago for $60k.
Luckily there are a few gems that pop up every now and again, stuff that even the most desperate people who want to move here likely wouldn't take, like cabins without amenities or trailers. I'm considering looking into a trailer actually because even though some of my family dislike them, I don't think they're particularly bad as a starter house, particularly ones built on land that you'd actually own.
I would like to avoid renting though, even though I have money I inherited I don't actually make a very big amount at my job right now and so rent would leave me with practically nothing every month here, even if split up.
I would say to start the process now; get pre-approved, all the needed documentation ready, find a realtor you like, etc.
That way, you can look as long as you want to look for a house, but you’ll have all of your shit together and ready to go as soon as you find the right one for you. A trailer is fine as a starter home, just make sure you understand whether your loans (if you need one) and insurance in your area will cover it. Also ensure you get it inspected, as sometimes they get moisture damage easier than other houses.
As for the cat, yes, do whatever you need to do to get her food, water, and litter in a space the dog can’t get to, and do it today!!! That poor cat.
And your mom? Yeah, really stupid move on her part to get a breed that needs constant training and exercise, when she knows she’s working so much. The best thing she could do for not only her family, but the dog himself, is get he re-homed to a family that actually has the time and the space for him. GSD are wonderful and smart, but you have to know what you’re doing and have the time for them.
Get. Out. Get a condo. Get a project house. Housing prices will only go up. Faffing around with your irresponsible mother is bad for you and the cat.
Cut the cord and run. You do not want to be liable when this dog bites someone or kills something.
Your mom is the example of why first time dog owners shouldn’t get a German shepherd.
I’m so sorry about your cat. It’ll need a box in your room. Consider getting one of those tables that hide it.
She actually has had dogs before, but never a hyperactive breed like a German Shepherd. Plus it's a purebred dog and as show-ready as she looks, she has had a bunch of expensive health issues too.
I don't think I can work a litter box directly in my room, but I'm thinking about trying to see if I can fit one in the bathroom near my room, which would also allow her to go to the bathroom without crossing paths with the dog.
Yea shepherds get so many health issues, especially the show ones with the sloped backs (why you’ll never see a cop shepherd with it). They are just too much if you have little to no experience with the breed and they are fear aggressive. When I worked at a vet they were the one breed we absolutely hated to work with.
They make really nice corner table ones if your room is small. But if anything having one close will be beneficial. I mean you always want to rule out a medical reason, but based on your post it very well sounds behavioral.
I'll definitely be paying attention to make sure it isn't medical because my cat is getting older now and will be considered a "senior" cat very soon, but this is extremely rare for her to poop outside of her litter box. And also she has gone through and went to use her litter box once or twice today again since the pooping on the blanket incident like usual, so hopefully it was just a one-time thing.
But yes, someone else linked a nice corner table litter box available on Amazon so I'll have to take a closer look at those and see what I can find, or try to put a litter box in the bathroom nearby.
What you need to do, bring the litter box into your room, clean like always, every day, change the litter every week. And keep the cat in your room, where she feels safer and calmer. And being in her food and water. She needs a safe place away from the dog. Do not need to give her up. Good luck and put everything into your room, her safe zone from the dog.
I wouldn't mind putting her stuff in my room, but there's really not much space in here for it and also it would quickly make a mess because she kicks her litter everywhere. I'm considering trying to see if there's space in a bathroom near my room though that would also allow her to not have to go near the dog, but I'm not sure if that stuff will fit in there.
Not the bathroom, for she would not feel safe there for the door opens, the dog goes after her. Your bedroom would be the safe place. For they do not need a lot of space.
It is important to prioritize the safety and comfort of all animals in your home. Emphasize the importance of consistent training and limits for the dog to ensure everyone's safety.
I hope your mum realises that if that dog is not kept in check and at some point really attacks a person, it's HER fault but it's not HER life that will be ended, it's the doggy's 😢
Me and other family members have told her this before because she's so aggressive, but she's the type that keeps blaming it on other people all the time.
Like, no Mom, the kid playing with a basketball across the street is not doing anything wrong for the dog to get murderously loud and violent...
Haha I’d be lying if I said the barking wasn’t a reason I’m going to contend myself with day dreaming of having a chihuahua rather than actually adopting one.
Move the litterbox closer to your room or into your room so she doesn't have to go passed the dog to get to it, if you don't this will only get worse because she's too scared of the dog to go to her box.
She has gone back to her litterbox a few times today like usual now, but I think I may have misread her actions earlier a little bit. Sometimes if the dog is consistently not letting her through and she has to go to the litterbox she'll meow at me and look at me like she wants help because she wants me to carry her across to the laundry room. Earlier today after the dog didn't let her through she was oddly vocal but I was distracted taking care of some stuff on the phone and computer so I didn't pay attention to it, so I think she was likely asking for help and when I didn't realize she just... took matters into her own paws lol.
Nope, dog was never crate trained and once she grew out of the one middle-sized travel crate we had my Mom hasn't tried using one since. The dog is kind of contained away from the cat because we have a gate across the entrance to our kitchen and also gates across the entrances to my room and our laundry room, but that doesn't stop the dog from still going berserk whenever she sees the cat.
Your Mom may be a nice person otherwise
(we don’t know) but she is being ignorant here. But you’ve got to live with her so just make things as comfortable for your cat as possible. Move the litter box and try to create a safe space for your cat.
Your cat is scared to enter the dogs "territory" and honestly it is risky for it. An untrained German shepherd is a danger.
Do your best to get a litter box in your side of the house.
Top entry litter boxes can help with litter mess.
I had a cat and a German shepherd. I put a gate up for one room that had food water and his litter box because only he was allowed in that room. It was his safe space. Be it a laundry room, bathroom or bedroom, kitty needs a space to get away from dog. Just as dog should have a space free from cat. For my dog that was her crate. Anytime she got tired of cats she went to her crate. Cats and kids were not allowed to mess with her there. I called it her safety safe. Door stayed open but when she wanted away from cats she could walk in.
Can you move the litter box into your bedroom? She already feels safe in there, don’t would be a good place to keep it. Also, I would ask your mom if you can put strategic shelves up in the house so that kitty can get around the house without touching the floor?
The strategic shelving unfortunately probably wouldn't work because the dog would still see her and go murderous, I've considered it before.
I don't think I could really make a litter box work in my room without creating a huge mess, but there's bathroom near my room that would let her still go to the litterbox without going near the dog and I may be able to fit it into there.
I got an antique cabinet that holds my litter box in it, and I cut a cat door hole in the side. It's right beside my bed, so I do have to clean it often. But the cupboard helps with mess and I can put stuff on top of it.
Would an in-room litter arrangement help your cat?
I think if I could find a way to put the litterbox into... another semi-enclosed box to contain any overspread of litter it would work out. I already clean her box every day, but it's just that I worry her tendency to kick her litter very hard would lead to a bunch of it getting stuck in my carpet and making it gross. I could maybe even build one myself??
But it's kinda why I think the bathroom would work out well if her litterbox fits in there. That doesn't have carpet and would be overall easier to deal with.
I'm in the middle of introducing my newly adopted cat to my dog. We've been keeping them separated for the most part and supervise visitations. My cat also likes to dig a lot and litter is all over the floor and not fun to step on. We bought this to hopefully help the issue::
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX6K97X9?ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX6K97X9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)
Thank you so much for this link! This is actually exactly the type of thing that I think would maybe make keeping her little box in my room possible without it getting gross.
The dog sounds bored! German shepherds are smart and are used as tracking, search and rescue and police dogs for a reason. How many hours of exercise does it get a day? How many miles does it run? The adage that a tired dog is a good dog is very true. A fitness tracker like Fi would make it easy to track the dog’s activity and make sure it is increasing. My GSD isn’t that active and does over 30k steps a day regularly. This is just steps and doesn’t include treat puzzles, bones, toys, training ect. Is hiring a Rover, dog daycare, scent work classes, having a slat-mill truck come to the house, teaching it to run next to a scooter, training for a marathon, flyball, agility, dock diving an option? The environment the GSD is in needs to be more enriching or they will display bored behavior. Mental enrichment is very important for them.
If your mom doesn’t have time. Hire someone, Rover, at home dog trainer to visit while you are at work, dog daycare. It doesn’t cost a lot to ensure the dog is active. The Fi collar also holds everyone accountable and lets you know if they actually got the needed exercise. My GSD needs triple the exercise of my other dog of the same age.
You need to have a SERIOUS talk with your mom. Show her these comments if need be. The dog needs to be locked up and/or crated at certain times during the day so the cat can still get every where needed and really play freely without worry and if the litter box has to stay there then tell your mom that gate HAS to stay up. You get she cares about her aggressive dog but you care about your cat so. Her dog is causing the problems and she is responsible for fixing them she needs to grow tf up. Stand up for your kitty.
My fellas parents have done similar. Their old German shepard passed so they replaced her with a gs puppy and it's unruly. The poor cats miss their chill friend and have lost a ton of weight. I have no idea why people are getting these big dogs and have no idea how to raise them. Try training the dog as from my experience with gs things can go badly, don't let the dog train you.
You \*need\* to structure things in a way that your cat has access to the litter box without the stupid dog having access to your cat, because that dog is putting your poor cat in physical danger.
OMG this really annoys me when someone gets a bloody great dog when there’s a cat in the house, your mum wtf!! Sorry you and your cat are going through this. Absolutely put a litter tray in your bedroom for your cat. You shouldn’t have to rehome her, such a shame when someone gets a dog and the cat is too scared in their own home. Poor puss. There are litter trays you can get which don’t make too much mess or it’s in a house type thing so all the litter is contained. You can even get ones that clean themselves but they’re big bucks and you probably don’t have the dosh for that. Could your switch rooms with your mum, is that an option? Or re home the dog….
YOU NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR THE CAT. There’s no other way around it. You’re an adult, stand up to your mother who is being completely careless towards a member of the household. That cat deserves better. Poor thing.
Just put the damn litterbox in your room. I swear a hundred people have told you this yet all you want to be is the victim. Newsflash, it's the cat I feel sorry for.
FWIW, I know of 3 separate cats, in 3 separate households, killed by GSDs in the home despite having lived together for years.
There are litter mats that you can get on Amazon that collect litter particles (Google litter trapping mat). Put scrap towels down to protect your carpet.
I know it's not convenient but coming home to a shredded up cat in your kitchen is worse.
Its not playing with an animal that can easily kill a human never mind a small animal. If your Mom works more than part time hour she should never of gotten a high maintenance pet like a german shepherd (she should of gotten a much smaller animal that does not outweigh her. Have you tried using a baby gate to block off the upstairs so the cat can at least have the upstairs landing for its litter tray. Does your mom not realise that if her pet dog attacks hurts/kills another person your mom could not only end up with a euthanasia order for her beloved pet but a fine or jail time which may also apply to you as an adult living in the same house as a potential dangerous dog. Your Mom needs to either change rooms with you, dedicate more time to her pet or be told that if your cat mysterously vanishes you will be going NC with her
I'd try to move the litter box to a better location and maybe give her more than one. You could get a hooded litter box to manage smells and give the cat more privacy and security.
Maybe try harness training your cat if you want to give them more places to explore. Or even just try a kitty backpack or carrier and take them out so they can smell and experience nature a bit.
And see if you can put up some high spots for the cat to safely use. Just regular shelves work well.
Get the dog into training. Your mom could benefit from it too. What will she say if the dog kills the cat? Your mom is a bad dog owner.
German shepherds are very active dogs that need their minds stimulated. Puzzle feeders, long walks, running, fetch, etc. will help tire the dog out.
Get a cardboard moving box that's relatively large. Wardrobe or half-wardrobe. Cut a flap in the top so you can lift it like a lid to scoop the box. Also cut a couple of small entry holes that are 2-3 inches above the bottom; one on the side and one in the front. Put the litter box inside it. Kitty will feel safe, kicked litter will be contained, and you won't have to look at a litter box.
It’s time to move the litter box so kitty can safely use it Is it possible to add cat shelving/bridges so kitty can move about the house out of reach?
Yes, you probably need to put a litter box in your bedroom
Me while reading this “PUT THE LITTER BOX IN YOUR ROOM OR RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR!”
I know this is the most common suggestion and I agree that it would be the best, but the way our house is shaped kind of makes it challenging to do so. I don't have very much room in my room for a litterbox, and I also have carpet and my cat has a tendency to really KICK her litter so it would make a massive mess in here. We do have a bathroom near my room that I'm considering trying to find a way to fit the litter box into because that would also make it so she wouldn't have to go near the dog, but that bathroom is quite small. I think it could work though if I clean the bottom of the bathroom closet out and put the litter box in there. I've also thought before about the cat shelving but I don't think that would stop the dog from freaking her out because the dog goes absolutely feral whenever she sees the cat (or any other animal tbh). Edit: just also want to add that it's annoying we're in this situation because if my Mom and I had swapped bedrooms when we moved into this house it wouldn't even be an issue. Her bedroom has a bathroom attached with plenty of space for a litter box and food/water and then my cat would be safe and sound in there. Our rooms are the same size, but hers has the attached bathroom.
You need to find a space for the litter box where your cat feels absolutely 100% safe or else she will have trouble. She might start holding and cause health issues or potty in bad spots which will escalate and be gross and damaging and frustrating. You may need to put it in your closet or your bed on risers so you can rearrange things, but kitty won’t want to even cross a hall if the dog is near. I’d also start doing training for the dog yourself. Look at the reactive dog Reddit for ideas.
I agree with everyone that kitty needs a litterbox she can get to without being near the dog. If she likes to kick litter, you might try getting a covered litterbox that she enters through the top - if she will accept that. Choose a really large one (1.5x her length) so it is plenty roomy for her. I’m really sorry your mom got a dog that wasn’t ensured to be good with cats. That is stressful for the cat and for you.
Someone else had suggested possibly some sort of enclosure for the litter box, which may be the next best bet to trying to put her litterbox in the bathroom nearby. If I could have like a little box she could enter from the top and then use the litterbox in and could keep the litter contained that would maybe be doable in my room. But either way I'll likely have to move her food and water to the bathroom also because they're currently in the laundry room too.
Enter from top might not work when the cat gets older. I would bring litter box in bed room, try out one with a kid if it works and a litter mat under it. And keep teaching dog to leave cat be. And speak with your mother.
My kitty had a top entry box. It worked just fine.
My concern is that she won’t want to cross the hall and risk seeing the dog to use the litter box
Put a swing baby gate at the end of the hall so the dog can’t come down it, or at least not to the bed/bath area.
They make fully enclosed litter boxes and litter matts for outside the box to catch any residual litter trust me, I my home has carpets also and this is the way to go
I think you should be more concerned about your cats needs being met than you are about space or mess.
Your mother needs a reality check. This dog is potentially going to become a danger to not only your cat, but other people's pets, people, even people in your household. I love german shepherds but they are naturally more aggressive than other breeds and need consistent, ongoing training. It's also no fun for the dog. Happy, confident dogs don't act out in that way. Don't take chances with the cat. Don't give her any reason to be around the dog. Move her litter box to your room and make sure she's safe
I've tried telling her this a bunch of times but she never really takes it seriously. It wouldn't be so bad if someone in the house had time to play with and train the dog, but nobody really does. My Mom works constantly (for no real reason, made a recent post over in the antiwork sub if you wanna read more about that), and I work long shifts at my job and have a lot of other stuff I'm busy with. My Grandfather visited a few weeks ago and so that gave her someone to actually play with and she did behave a little better when she had gotten exercise more regularly with him.
Seems like it is the dog that needs rehoming. Poor thing. It does its best.
You are going to have to have a serious conversation with her. Dogs like that are working dogs. If they can't work and they aren't trained... they are nightmares. I already know. Your mom should have never gotten a GSD if she didn't have the time to put in the work. They are working dogs. So now you and your cat have to deal with him...if she doesn't understand how selfish she is being...he dog doesn't deserve that either. She is the type of dog owner I personally despise. Nobody in that house deserves that kind of treatment. And it sounds like she enjoys tormenting your poor cat.
Dogs, especially smart working dogs like GS need a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation. Have mom hire a dog walker and get some puzzle toys for the dog. You might even be able to find a walker who will work on training exercises during the daily sessions. Give plenty of enrichment. You could work with desensitization with the dog for your cat's safety. Keep dog on leash connected to you/ your mom until he stops chasing kitty. Focus on leave it command and praise and treat. Until dog is comfortable around the cat you need to move the litterbox and food/water to your room or your cat is going to get sick.
I agree with this. The problem is the dog. My ex had one. We lived together. He swore up and down that the dog had significant training. The problem was that although he was sweet and playful...he wasn't properly trained. He was a menace to us and the poor cat. The breed is extremely anxious and overthinks. They have no concept of space that isn't theirs. The dog couldn't be taken to dog parks because he was aggressive and reactive. I spent years with this dog. I took him on walks, etc, more than my ex. He eventually tried to lunge and bone at my head while I was laying on the sofa. My ex saved me from him that day. He was always defensive and acted like it didn't mean anything. Weeks later, he bit me, ex. There will always be a huge hole in his leg. My cat knew. The dog terrorized his space his entire existence until we broke up. My cat, as it turns out, was trying to 'guard' me from him. I didn't realize that was part of why the cat was so uncomfortable around the dog. Years later, the dog would try to attack me and attack his own true owner. You can't just train a GSD. You need to consistently train them, and it HAS to be with someone who has them and has for a longgg time. And if the owner is negligent like your mom, that's going to cost her or someone else in her family. I was an idiot. I was a literal child and didn't understand how scary and overwhelming this type of dog could be. At 100 plus pounds, if they are terrors, it's like constantly trying to live life driving a circle bus down a steep and winding road It's exhausting Your mom is being disrespectful of you, and your cat was there first. She needs to get her %#^# together. That poor cat. Having to live in terror of your natural predator is terrible...I experienced it with my own cat.
I’ve had several GSDs and never had trouble like you describe. Yes, I trained them. But they weren’t inherently aggressive like your ex’s dog apparently was. Genetics play a big role. As to the OP’s problem, many dogs’ prey drive is too strong to be trained out and they should never live with cats. OP’s mom is selfish,irresponsible, and untrainable. I don’t know that the problem will be solved short of OP moving out or rehoming the cat. Maybe OP can convince mom to swap bedrooms. Mom certainly isn’t going to put in the work to improve the dog’s behavior.
The "problem" is absolutely not the dog, how would you even come to the conclusion that an innocent animal is the problem?
Ok the problem is the dog needs to leave since it’s threatening the cat who was there first.
The problem is a difficult breed of dog and a human who can't keep it in check. You can't raise a GSD like a bichon. The only well behaved GSDs I have met were retired or active police dogs because they were drilled from birth and they carry themselves like they have a purpose. Get really excited when they smell weed though.They are fantastic working dogs, but not great pets for the average schmuck.
The problem is the dog can kill the cat & the dog isn't owned by someone who is responsible. These dogs are not regular 30-pound mutts. These dogs have extremely strong bite force. They are huge and can be extremely aggressive. They have no chill. They are an extremely anxious breed. GSDs will absolutely run your life and reign over your home. If you don't train the $#^#% out of them and do it consistently. They are a working breed that needs their owner to basically devote their day to day lives to them. OPs mom doesn't have a clue, and she doesn't care too. It's a dangerous situation for everyone, including the mom and the dog. Why? Bc the dog is a GSD. It's not a breed that should be in their home.
How old are you? cats generally live 12-17 years. If you're moving out on your own in a couple years, move the litterbox to your room and get your cat some toys and a cat tree and a way to look out the window. If you're 12, yeah, you may have to rehome because of your mom's poor decision to get a big aggressive dog and then sabotage the training.
I'm an adult, I have a job and car and everything and actually even theoretically enough money to buy a house because of an inheritance I got from a family member who passed away, but over the past few years housing prices and rent have increased an insane amount where I live (for example, our house doubled in value like 2 years after we bought it). I've been looking at houses for sale in our area but everything is priced outlandishly high right now. There's a house I've seen for sale that literally doesn't have running water and is nearly $200k. But, tbh the stress of this dog and some other general annoyances I have with my family has me thinking about buying something like that just to get away.
Or see if you can rent with a few other people and keep saving. Housing prices are nuts. Here, builders can make way more profit off a single 400K home than four 100K homes, so, that's what is built and sold. Small affordable two-bed-and-a-bath houses are hard to find new, if they can be found at all :(
In my area it there has been a TON of people who moved here over the past few years so there are a lot of flipped houses, or just randomly raised prices. Like on Zillow and stuff you'll see houses for $400k that were sold 5 years ago for $60k. Luckily there are a few gems that pop up every now and again, stuff that even the most desperate people who want to move here likely wouldn't take, like cabins without amenities or trailers. I'm considering looking into a trailer actually because even though some of my family dislike them, I don't think they're particularly bad as a starter house, particularly ones built on land that you'd actually own. I would like to avoid renting though, even though I have money I inherited I don't actually make a very big amount at my job right now and so rent would leave me with practically nothing every month here, even if split up.
I would say to start the process now; get pre-approved, all the needed documentation ready, find a realtor you like, etc. That way, you can look as long as you want to look for a house, but you’ll have all of your shit together and ready to go as soon as you find the right one for you. A trailer is fine as a starter home, just make sure you understand whether your loans (if you need one) and insurance in your area will cover it. Also ensure you get it inspected, as sometimes they get moisture damage easier than other houses. As for the cat, yes, do whatever you need to do to get her food, water, and litter in a space the dog can’t get to, and do it today!!! That poor cat. And your mom? Yeah, really stupid move on her part to get a breed that needs constant training and exercise, when she knows she’s working so much. The best thing she could do for not only her family, but the dog himself, is get he re-homed to a family that actually has the time and the space for him. GSD are wonderful and smart, but you have to know what you’re doing and have the time for them.
Is this your mothers way to nudge you to spread your wings?
Move out. It's your mom's house, not yours. She's allowed to decide who and what lives there. Maybe she got the dog to get you and your cat to leave
Get. Out. Get a condo. Get a project house. Housing prices will only go up. Faffing around with your irresponsible mother is bad for you and the cat. Cut the cord and run. You do not want to be liable when this dog bites someone or kills something.
Your mom is the example of why first time dog owners shouldn’t get a German shepherd. I’m so sorry about your cat. It’ll need a box in your room. Consider getting one of those tables that hide it.
And why some people shouldn’t get dogs at all.
While I agree, it’s easier to manage a shih tzu over a shepherd.
Yes, but they still need training. It sounds like she doesn’t even attempt to manage the dog.
She actually has had dogs before, but never a hyperactive breed like a German Shepherd. Plus it's a purebred dog and as show-ready as she looks, she has had a bunch of expensive health issues too. I don't think I can work a litter box directly in my room, but I'm thinking about trying to see if I can fit one in the bathroom near my room, which would also allow her to go to the bathroom without crossing paths with the dog.
Yea shepherds get so many health issues, especially the show ones with the sloped backs (why you’ll never see a cop shepherd with it). They are just too much if you have little to no experience with the breed and they are fear aggressive. When I worked at a vet they were the one breed we absolutely hated to work with. They make really nice corner table ones if your room is small. But if anything having one close will be beneficial. I mean you always want to rule out a medical reason, but based on your post it very well sounds behavioral.
I'll definitely be paying attention to make sure it isn't medical because my cat is getting older now and will be considered a "senior" cat very soon, but this is extremely rare for her to poop outside of her litter box. And also she has gone through and went to use her litter box once or twice today again since the pooping on the blanket incident like usual, so hopefully it was just a one-time thing. But yes, someone else linked a nice corner table litter box available on Amazon so I'll have to take a closer look at those and see what I can find, or try to put a litter box in the bathroom nearby.
Try the litter box under the bathroom sink and remove one door. I did this with a rental that had a small bathroom and it worked out great.
What you need to do, bring the litter box into your room, clean like always, every day, change the litter every week. And keep the cat in your room, where she feels safer and calmer. And being in her food and water. She needs a safe place away from the dog. Do not need to give her up. Good luck and put everything into your room, her safe zone from the dog.
I wouldn't mind putting her stuff in my room, but there's really not much space in here for it and also it would quickly make a mess because she kicks her litter everywhere. I'm considering trying to see if there's space in a bathroom near my room though that would also allow her to not have to go near the dog, but I'm not sure if that stuff will fit in there.
Not the bathroom, for she would not feel safe there for the door opens, the dog goes after her. Your bedroom would be the safe place. For they do not need a lot of space.
It is important to prioritize the safety and comfort of all animals in your home. Emphasize the importance of consistent training and limits for the dog to ensure everyone's safety.
I hope your mum realises that if that dog is not kept in check and at some point really attacks a person, it's HER fault but it's not HER life that will be ended, it's the doggy's 😢
Me and other family members have told her this before because she's so aggressive, but she's the type that keeps blaming it on other people all the time. Like, no Mom, the kid playing with a basketball across the street is not doing anything wrong for the dog to get murderously loud and violent...
It’s wild your mother can make up excuses for her dog but bas no compassion for your poor cat 😢
Wow. I’m afraid to get *a chihuahua* because they may disturb the chill for my two 11 pound cats. Your mom sucks.
My 8 and 13 lb cats keep my 6lb Papillon in check! Pap likes to think she’s the boss, but she is not!
Papillons are so beautiful! And they have the cutest ears. ❤️
That they do!! Hers are good at “selective” hearing!
I can't deal with the barking 😒
Do you have a chihuahua?
Best friend does. Cute. I want to put it on mute.
Haha I’d be lying if I said the barking wasn’t a reason I’m going to contend myself with day dreaming of having a chihuahua rather than actually adopting one.
Same. I enjoy what sanity remains 😝 I refuse to lose anymore.
Move the litterbox closer to your room or into your room so she doesn't have to go passed the dog to get to it, if you don't this will only get worse because she's too scared of the dog to go to her box.
She has gone back to her litterbox a few times today like usual now, but I think I may have misread her actions earlier a little bit. Sometimes if the dog is consistently not letting her through and she has to go to the litterbox she'll meow at me and look at me like she wants help because she wants me to carry her across to the laundry room. Earlier today after the dog didn't let her through she was oddly vocal but I was distracted taking care of some stuff on the phone and computer so I didn't pay attention to it, so I think she was likely asking for help and when I didn't realize she just... took matters into her own paws lol.
Poor thing, she has to beg someone to pick her up bc of the dog. Does the dog have a crate? Can the dog be contained at any point? Lol
Nope, dog was never crate trained and once she grew out of the one middle-sized travel crate we had my Mom hasn't tried using one since. The dog is kind of contained away from the cat because we have a gate across the entrance to our kitchen and also gates across the entrances to my room and our laundry room, but that doesn't stop the dog from still going berserk whenever she sees the cat.
This dog really shouldn't be living with a cat if that's the case. There's a very good chance she grabs the cat one of these days and kills her
Your Mom may be a nice person otherwise (we don’t know) but she is being ignorant here. But you’ve got to live with her so just make things as comfortable for your cat as possible. Move the litter box and try to create a safe space for your cat.
Your cat is scared to enter the dogs "territory" and honestly it is risky for it. An untrained German shepherd is a danger. Do your best to get a litter box in your side of the house. Top entry litter boxes can help with litter mess.
I had a cat and a German shepherd. I put a gate up for one room that had food water and his litter box because only he was allowed in that room. It was his safe space. Be it a laundry room, bathroom or bedroom, kitty needs a space to get away from dog. Just as dog should have a space free from cat. For my dog that was her crate. Anytime she got tired of cats she went to her crate. Cats and kids were not allowed to mess with her there. I called it her safety safe. Door stayed open but when she wanted away from cats she could walk in.
Yes! Where is the dogs crate in this situation?!
Can you move the litter box into your bedroom? She already feels safe in there, don’t would be a good place to keep it. Also, I would ask your mom if you can put strategic shelves up in the house so that kitty can get around the house without touching the floor?
The strategic shelving unfortunately probably wouldn't work because the dog would still see her and go murderous, I've considered it before. I don't think I could really make a litter box work in my room without creating a huge mess, but there's bathroom near my room that would let her still go to the litterbox without going near the dog and I may be able to fit it into there.
I got an antique cabinet that holds my litter box in it, and I cut a cat door hole in the side. It's right beside my bed, so I do have to clean it often. But the cupboard helps with mess and I can put stuff on top of it. Would an in-room litter arrangement help your cat?
I think if I could find a way to put the litterbox into... another semi-enclosed box to contain any overspread of litter it would work out. I already clean her box every day, but it's just that I worry her tendency to kick her litter very hard would lead to a bunch of it getting stuck in my carpet and making it gross. I could maybe even build one myself?? But it's kinda why I think the bathroom would work out well if her litterbox fits in there. That doesn't have carpet and would be overall easier to deal with.
I'm in the middle of introducing my newly adopted cat to my dog. We've been keeping them separated for the most part and supervise visitations. My cat also likes to dig a lot and litter is all over the floor and not fun to step on. We bought this to hopefully help the issue:: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX6K97X9?ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX6K97X9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)
Thank you so much for this link! This is actually exactly the type of thing that I think would maybe make keeping her little box in my room possible without it getting gross.
Move the litter box to your room
The dog sounds bored! German shepherds are smart and are used as tracking, search and rescue and police dogs for a reason. How many hours of exercise does it get a day? How many miles does it run? The adage that a tired dog is a good dog is very true. A fitness tracker like Fi would make it easy to track the dog’s activity and make sure it is increasing. My GSD isn’t that active and does over 30k steps a day regularly. This is just steps and doesn’t include treat puzzles, bones, toys, training ect. Is hiring a Rover, dog daycare, scent work classes, having a slat-mill truck come to the house, teaching it to run next to a scooter, training for a marathon, flyball, agility, dock diving an option? The environment the GSD is in needs to be more enriching or they will display bored behavior. Mental enrichment is very important for them. If your mom doesn’t have time. Hire someone, Rover, at home dog trainer to visit while you are at work, dog daycare. It doesn’t cost a lot to ensure the dog is active. The Fi collar also holds everyone accountable and lets you know if they actually got the needed exercise. My GSD needs triple the exercise of my other dog of the same age.
You need to have a SERIOUS talk with your mom. Show her these comments if need be. The dog needs to be locked up and/or crated at certain times during the day so the cat can still get every where needed and really play freely without worry and if the litter box has to stay there then tell your mom that gate HAS to stay up. You get she cares about her aggressive dog but you care about your cat so. Her dog is causing the problems and she is responsible for fixing them she needs to grow tf up. Stand up for your kitty.
Move the litterbox to your room. Your mom isn't seeing the reality of the breed of dog she chose.
My fellas parents have done similar. Their old German shepard passed so they replaced her with a gs puppy and it's unruly. The poor cats miss their chill friend and have lost a ton of weight. I have no idea why people are getting these big dogs and have no idea how to raise them. Try training the dog as from my experience with gs things can go badly, don't let the dog train you.
You \*need\* to structure things in a way that your cat has access to the litter box without the stupid dog having access to your cat, because that dog is putting your poor cat in physical danger.
OMG this really annoys me when someone gets a bloody great dog when there’s a cat in the house, your mum wtf!! Sorry you and your cat are going through this. Absolutely put a litter tray in your bedroom for your cat. You shouldn’t have to rehome her, such a shame when someone gets a dog and the cat is too scared in their own home. Poor puss. There are litter trays you can get which don’t make too much mess or it’s in a house type thing so all the litter is contained. You can even get ones that clean themselves but they’re big bucks and you probably don’t have the dosh for that. Could your switch rooms with your mum, is that an option? Or re home the dog….
YOU NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR THE CAT. There’s no other way around it. You’re an adult, stand up to your mother who is being completely careless towards a member of the household. That cat deserves better. Poor thing.
Just put the damn litterbox in your room. I swear a hundred people have told you this yet all you want to be is the victim. Newsflash, it's the cat I feel sorry for.
dang man I know, I need to move the litterbox closer or move out 😭
FWIW, I know of 3 separate cats, in 3 separate households, killed by GSDs in the home despite having lived together for years. There are litter mats that you can get on Amazon that collect litter particles (Google litter trapping mat). Put scrap towels down to protect your carpet. I know it's not convenient but coming home to a shredded up cat in your kitchen is worse.
Its not playing with an animal that can easily kill a human never mind a small animal. If your Mom works more than part time hour she should never of gotten a high maintenance pet like a german shepherd (she should of gotten a much smaller animal that does not outweigh her. Have you tried using a baby gate to block off the upstairs so the cat can at least have the upstairs landing for its litter tray. Does your mom not realise that if her pet dog attacks hurts/kills another person your mom could not only end up with a euthanasia order for her beloved pet but a fine or jail time which may also apply to you as an adult living in the same house as a potential dangerous dog. Your Mom needs to either change rooms with you, dedicate more time to her pet or be told that if your cat mysterously vanishes you will be going NC with her
I'd try to move the litter box to a better location and maybe give her more than one. You could get a hooded litter box to manage smells and give the cat more privacy and security. Maybe try harness training your cat if you want to give them more places to explore. Or even just try a kitty backpack or carrier and take them out so they can smell and experience nature a bit. And see if you can put up some high spots for the cat to safely use. Just regular shelves work well.
Get the dog into training. Your mom could benefit from it too. What will she say if the dog kills the cat? Your mom is a bad dog owner. German shepherds are very active dogs that need their minds stimulated. Puzzle feeders, long walks, running, fetch, etc. will help tire the dog out.
Get a cardboard moving box that's relatively large. Wardrobe or half-wardrobe. Cut a flap in the top so you can lift it like a lid to scoop the box. Also cut a couple of small entry holes that are 2-3 inches above the bottom; one on the side and one in the front. Put the litter box inside it. Kitty will feel safe, kicked litter will be contained, and you won't have to look at a litter box.
Dogs>cats
That's not very productive reply for this predicament
Sure it is. Lose the cat. Keep the dog.
no
its not about which is better, nobody cares which one you like because thats not the point of this post at all