Welcome to our weekly 'Ask a Vet from the SF SPCA' feature on 7x7.com. They've enlisted their Co-President, Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, to answer your questions every week. Got a question for Dr. Scarlett? Ask away in the comments!

Q: Our family always gets together for Thanksgiving, and all the pets come too! Any advice to bringing 4 dogs, 3 cats and a bird together under one roof for a few days?

A: Wow, a family of animal lovers! I don’t know the low down on which dogs, bird and cats live together so I’m going to shoot from the hip and give you the basics. Cats generally despise change and that includes meeting new cats and new dogs, but they really want to meet the bird, but not in a good way.  So, keep cats in separate rooms—away from the unknown cats and dogs.  If a dog and cat live together then it’ll be fine for them to hang out in a room but don’t mix and match. As for the dogs, introduce them to each other in a more neutral place like the local park or even the yard, especially if there is a resident dog. Having dogs meet nose to nose in the doorway or hallway is risky business. I take it the bird that is visiting isn’t a turkey?  Best bet is a quiet place for your avian guest. And remember even if all seems well, you may want to put everyone away come mealtime as tensions may get high when there are succulent turkey scraps to beg for. Have a great holiday.

You have questions? We have answers! No question is too silly or too gross…we’ve heard it all! “Ask A Vet” every Friday from 12pm-1pm on Twitter: @sfspca.