Help! It’s been a year and my cat and dog still don’t get along.

So just for a back story, I currently live in an apartment with me, my 4 yr old cat, and my 1 yr old dog. I’ve had my cat since she was a baby and while she wasn’t the most affectionate cat, she would usually sleep in my bed and lay on the couch near me. She would occasionally cuddle, but it wasn’t daily. It was more like having a roommate than anything, which is pretty typical for cats, I guess!

I got my dog a year ago as a puppy. I tried all of the introduction tricks but at the end of the day, I have a terrier mix that is FULL of energy. We’ve been through many a trainer and are still a work in progress. Their energies do not mix well together.

Since I got my dog, I rarely see my cat. I have a small office space that I gated off for her so she could have her own area, so she’s always hiding in there. She has a few other places but it’s always a hiding spot. The only time she’s in my bed is to wake me up for breakfast (typical cat thing) and I can’t remember the last time we really spent time together.

Now, to be fair, my dog still has high energy. Sometimes she’ll chase my cat when she’s in a playful mood. Of course, the cat is not into it. We’re working on it with a mix of positive reinforcement and time-outs, but it still happens.

Here’s my dilemma: while I’ve never really felt close to my cat, she was good company for those 3 years after I got out of college. However, I LOVE my dog! We have such a close bond and spend a lot of time together. I find myself in a situation where I don’t feel like I’m giving my cat her best life. Is she scared all the time now? Does she just want space? Will they eventually form a bond?

I don’t know, but I’ve been thinking for the last few months that if I’m not giving my cat their best life, should I consider rehoming her??

I feel so guilty even typing that, I’ve always been involved with rescues and have never understood this concept. And I know people will say the cat was here first and so if I rehome an animal, it should be the dog. But this dog is like my baby!

What would you do if you were me? Keep her and hope for the best? Or consider finding her a home where she can be the only pet?

Thanks for the advice!

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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/j006o3/help_its_been_a_year_and_my_cat_and_dog_still/