My cat is stressed by a new dog. How can I stop her litter box issues?

Question

My roommate recently moved in with her small Maltese/Pom dog. She is a friendly dog but my cat is still adjusting and hisses at her when she comes close to try to play. I have separated my cats food and cat box from the dog with a gate so that the dog does not get into it. Today my cat pooped in the tub! Her litter box is right down the hall and she has never had problems not using it before. How can I help her get adjusted to her new living situation so that she is not stressed? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 14.8 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

It must be so stressful for Princess to have a new dog in the home! You are doing exactly the right thing by keeping her food and litter separated with the gate, but it does sound like she is stressed. I would get a Feliway diffuser for her, which helps cats with anxiety. I'd also keep the dog and Princess in separate rooms from each other divided by the gate. It will give her a safe space of her own where she can smell the dog but not be in contact with it. Once she's more comfortable with the dog, you can remove the gate. I would also get her a cat tree so she can escape from the dog as needed.

My cat is stressed by a new dog. How can I stop her litter box issues?

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