Okay so I tried introducing my puppy to my cats?

[La Petite Ballerina]

I've had the cats for 3 years and they are indoors only due to the nature of the dogs around in the neighborhood. Yesterday we brought in a puppy because my parents have wanted one for a long time. We tried bringing the cats into the same general area as the puppy and they freaked out and scratched me and ran. The puppy was shaken by that but not alarmed by the cats. Is this too soon or will this not work?

 

[hudsongray]

Introductions need to be SLOW and keep the cats safe. Dog goes behind a pet gate to physically keep him separate from the cats. No access for the dog to the food/water bowls of the cats or the litter box either.

 

[Christy Helms]

I have gone through this experience, and tried MANY ways to introduce them, here is what I think might help, maybe just let both your dog and cats relax and go freely through the house if problems arise or your cats and dog get in a fight just stop it and scold whoever started the fight. After three day they will probably be used to each other, so now actually put them kinda close together whatever you do to scold your pet scold the if the fight. In about a week or maybe a little longer your pets will be fine with each other and I have heard many cases of people who use this method have their dogs and cats love each other. Best of all, you and your family won't have to spend any money! This really worked for me hope it helps!

 

[eharri3]

The dog should be crated when the cats are in the room. They should be given the opportunity to approach at their own pace and explore on their own term. Once this has happened a few times you can start bringing the puppy around the cats, but he should have a leash on and you should be prepared to issue a leash correction if the dog acts up, or even correct the cats if they behave badly. If you don't do this right it could permanently affect how the animals relate to eachother. The cats look at the dog as something to be frightned of and the dog looks at the cats as a focus for its prey drive. Your goal is to get them to recognize eachother as equal members of the pack, and then to ignore eachother in most circumstances.

 

[CUTIE CAT]

It will take a while. Don't give up so quickly. Cats are territorial , but they will eventually get used to the fact that there is another creature in the home. They may even try to scratch or claw the puppy on occasion, but don't sweat it that's a cat for you. Within time, they will either ignore the dog or become its friend.

 

[GOZ2FAST]

It takes time to acclimate them...put the puppy in a crate and let the cats slowly warm up to the idea that he is a permanent fixture in the home, they will eventually learn to respect each others boundaries.

 

[greygarious]

Young puppies are curious about cats and may want to chase or play, but do not want to injure the cat. The cat will swat and hiss, and the puppy will learn to set boundaries. The puppy is bound to get a scratched nose before it's all sorted out, but will learn to inhibit his playfulness to however much the cats will tolerate. It's better for the cat if it maintains some level of fear or dislike for dogs, so it will flee or swat if the dog gets rough. The high prey drive in one of my greyhounds was not known when I adopted her, because she was feeling insecure. After many months in her new home, her true nature emerged. Unfortunately, my cat had no fear of dogs, and loved to weave through their legs, rubbing against them and purring. One day, out of the blue, the greyhound, in a matter of a second or two, grabbed her as she hopped off a chair, shook her, and broke her neck, then looked disappointed that the cat wasn't moving anymore. Had the cat ever scratched the dog, the dog would likely have had some respect and kept her distance from the cat.

 

[emolicious813]

No, it isn't too soon, however they should first be introduced by smelling each other from opposite sides of a door. This allows them to get acquainted with the other without coming in direct contact. Try that a couple times, then introduce the cats one at a time to the puppy. Make sure the puppy is on a leash. It may take time for them to warm up to each other, but it is best that you got a puppy as he is less intimidating in stature to your cats.