Did we mess up introducing my cats and our dogs?
Looking for insight with a complex, 4-pet introduction that we initially raw-dogged. We don't know if our current progress is on track or failing, and we have several anxieties and questions about the animals' long-term dynamics.
Context
The Cats: Kiki (6yo F) and Bro (6yo M). Domestic shorthairs, fixed. Lived with me in India all their lives; separated from me the last 2 years. Moved to America 12 days ago to husband and my house with 2 dogs. They usually adapt well to new houses, but never been around dogs. They recognize me.
The Dogs: Kit (6yo M, Pom/ACD supermutt) and Rhubarb/Rhu (1yo F, GSD/ACD supermutt). Fixed. Been around cats before. Kit has become a grump since getting Rhu; bit me a couple of times but still listens to me and my husband.
Setup & Current Protocol
First 8 Days: Semi-raw-dogged. Used hallway and bedroom baby gates for one night, now just hallway that separates living room from rest of the house. Dogs sleep in the bedroom some nights now. No true dog-free sanctuary exists, though cats have high dressers, a cat tree to reach them, attic/under-bed space, and ground-level cat caves (which they ignore).
Day 8 to Present (Day 12): Put Feliway and a gel diffuser in the living room and bedroom. Feeding cats anti-anxiety treats. Litter boxes moved from bedroom to basement (cats use them but don't hang out downstairs). No doggy door; dogs let out manually. Dog phermone spray barely used.
Treats and praise for Rhu when shes good around them and walks away. Kit gets one too.
Behavioral Patterns
Kit: Showing clear prey drive. Focuses on cats when in the same room but still ignores them from far away. Ran after them like prey a few times; today ran after Kiki with a distinct prey-growl. Terrified if whacked by Bro (happened twice on separate days) but not "scared" otherwise. We scold him whenever he runs after them, but he still walks away fine when directed.
Rhubarb: High energy but listens well and respects boundaries. Wags tail, sits around them, walks away when hissed at. Unfazed by a recent whack from Kiki; still very curious. Early on, a sleeping Rhu was gently pawed at by Bro to check her out. Grumbles and barks from frustration but not anger/prey drive.
Bro: Fat, used to love toys but ignores them now (concerned he's depressed). Sleeps most of the day on dressers or on me. One night slept under covers right next to Rhu and Kit with us. Explores less than Kiki; prefers being behind the baby gate**. Today, showed his belly to Rhu from across the gate**, but went back to growling 5 minutes later. Still growls/raises hair around dogs unless on his dresser. Eats treats fine by the baby gate with dogs on the other side. Previous behavior was worse; now knows dresser is safe.
Kiki: Bold explorer, leaves safe zones dogs or no dogs. Approaches Rhu; Hisses at Rhu when close, still. Still hissing at Bro (Bro is ready to be chill with her). Frantically rubbing/scent-marking everything. Calms down when given pets and scratches temporarily. Crying has gotten worse—always been vocal, but now crying in her sleep. Ate treats by the baby gate a few times too.
Main Anxieties
Kit’s Prey Drive and Scolding: Worried about Kit's fixation, chasing, and today's growly chase. I am anxious that constantly scolding him will just associate the cats with being in trouble or guilt.
Kiki’s Distress and No Safe Space: Kiki is crying in her sleep, has crying/following spells, and frantically rubbing everything to claim territory. Because the dogs still come into the bedroom and sleep with us some nights, I am anxious the cats have no true, dog-free sanctuary. Can we undo this by not letting the dogs in at all for a week?
Bro’s Depression and Rhu Losing Interest: Worried that Rhubarb will lose interest in trying to bond or interact with the cats at all because of the constant tension while the cats adjust.
Is this normal? Is it going well? Can we undo any damage done or is this established forever-tension? Raw dogging wasn't a choice, won't waste your time explaining why.