How to Introduce new puppy to older cats?

[Chelsi K]

I have two cats that are over a year old and they are the only animals in the house. Well, 3 days ago, I brought home a new german shepherd. The cats didn't like it and they tried attacking the puppy. (The puppy is 3 months old, but he is pretty big...and don't worry, my cats dont have claws.) Well, when my cats puffed up from head to toe and started hissing and growling and coming at the puppy, it scared my puppy have to death and she ran. Yesterday, I put the cats in their kennels and Nakita, the puppy, in her kennel, and let them sit in front each other for about 20 minutes. Then I let the Nakita out so she could sniff the cats with out being attacked or scared. Nakita started barking and barking at the cats and wouldnt stop even on command. The cats didnt react. They just watched. After that, I put Nakita back in her kennel and let the cats out of theirs. Nakita started barking again, and the cats took of running. I let the cats sniff around him for a little bit and I even pet the cats to show them that it was okay. Everytime I touched my cat, Nakita would start barking and scare the cats off. After that, I put a baby gate up at my bedroom door which is the cats main territory. My bedroom is where they eat and sleep. Then I let Nakita out. The cats just sat there for a minute watching Nakita. Nakita wasnt paying attention and when she noticed they were there, she started barking and the cats took off and Nakita took off after them. Both the cats jumped over the baby gate and hid under my bed. When the cats noticed that Nakita couldnt get in, they came out and watched her from behind the baby gate. I think they know they are safe behind that baby gate which I guess lets them know that my room is still theirs. Trouble, one of my cats, would jump out and investigate and get close to the puppy. I think he is curious and maybe even testing limits with the puppy. Not sure on that one, but then Nakita would start barking and when she does that it freaks the cats out and they run and then Nakita chases them. Shadow, my other cat, wont go near Nakita. I guess its one of those things that if you leave me alone, Ill leave you alone, except that Nakita sees the cats and goes haywire. Trouble has already let Nakita get close enough to sniff at him, but then Nakita started barking and it scared trouble off! Will Nakita grow out of the barking at the cats? Will my cats get used to being around her, even if she does bark? Why is she barking like that? Is she just playing or is she scared? What does it mean when Trouble hits Nakita in the face with his paws? Is he playing or trying to start a fight or testing limits? What will help them start to get used to each other and feel comfortable? Im sure that my cats are stressed out, but they arent bad stressed out. They are still eating and drinking, playing, seeking attention, meowing, and they even come to me when I call them with Nakita right there behind the gate barking at them. Oh, and when I pet my cats in front of Nakita, Nakita really starts barking up a storm...could Nakita be jealous even though today is only her 3rd day being with us? If so, then how do I stop that? How to I let Nakita know that barking at the cats is bad and that she needs to leave them alone? I know its a lot of questions, but I have never gone through this before and I do not want to get rid of the new puppy. PLEASE HELP ME! Thank You very much for you time!

 

[A7XNIGHTMARE]

just let your cats see the dog at least once a day that what i did with German Shepherd and a 4 year old cat