[Morning Sun]

Hi everyone,

I have a 2 year old cat, named Snoopy, and my partner has informed me that we'll be getting a puppy in a few weeks. We're waiting for him to be old enough to leave his mother. Anyway, I was wondering, do you think it would be difficult to introduce this new puppy to my cat? Would anyone have any hints or tips on ways that we could go about this, or is it easy to just bring the dog in and see how Snoopy reacts to him?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Mel.

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[moonstar]

No probs! introducing a puppy to a cat, the cat will soon sort him/her out. Mainly problems with introducing cats to dogs. I have personally introduced two (at different times) Staffy pups to a cat household and the puppies coped really well. The cats rule the roost and the dogs know it, and they all get on really well even play together. Cheers Michelle

[fleabag]

I agree ..the pup will try it on a couple of times ..and he'll get put in his place ...but make sure Snoopy has a place to go where pup cant go ..just putting a board across a doorway will do it ..Snoopy will go over leaving pup behind..and make a few up high spots to let Snoopy watch from above if he wants to.

[Gayle]

Ooooh, what kind of puppy are you getting? We are getting one in 2 weeks, she is flying over from South Australia on Feb 11th. I am VERY excited. Ours is an Australian Shepherd, black tri female, very, very cute. Probably the cutest puppy ever born, but then I might be a little bit biased. We have been watching her grow via photos since the day after she was born....it's been a long wait.

[bellacat]

I would protect the little puppy as well as your cat until you see how your cat reacts to him, as he is just a baby and probably won't understand 'cat' speak - I think once successful introductions have been made, they will get on just fine, and yes, your cat will rule the roost, and once the puppy realises this, all will be peaceful.

[bluesnip2000]

Mainly problems with introducing cats to dogs.

Sheesh, great to know. Our kitten arrives in four weeks and will have to cope with an eight year old Springer Spaniel and a two year old Aussie Shepherd! Wish me luck.....

[emikoo1]

I have two staffy's and the cats absolutely love them. When they are kittens I let the dogs in but keep them at a distance. I keep doing this and they finally get used to each other. Now when the dogs come inside all the cats and kittens flock to them and start grooming them.
The cat and puppy will get used to each other in time just reel the pup in if he gets too boisterous. Pup and other dog definately give the older dog space away from the little one sometimes. Also make sure you let the pup know that the older dog is top dog otherwise the younger one will take over and I can attest that it is not pretty.

[New Mom]

You do need to take into consideration the breed of the puppy. Some breeds are far more boisterous than others and think the whole world wants to join them in their wild semi co-ordinated frolicking.

Susan

[Morning Sun]

Thanks for your advice, I like the idea of Snoopy being the boss. The puppy will have quite a mix of breeds in him, as his parents are part border collie/german shepherd and part staffy/pitbull, (I think), and his name will be Choppa.

As it is Snoopy is the top cat in the neighbourhood (I think he's a Maine Coon, but am not sure) and now he'll have a bodyguard

Mel.

[Madness]

hello everyone, im just new tonight.

I just want some reassurance if i may. I am sure i am not the only one here who absolutely loves her cats to death, and I am about to get a 3-4 month old puppy tomorrow, i am absolutely terrified my cats will run away.

I would just die if this happens. In my younger years, we had cats and dogs all the time, but for some reason introducing this puppy is giving me nightmares.

Your experiences are appreciated, my cats will get used to him wont they????? I'm just so worried.

[Purruse]

hello everyone, im just new tonight.

I just want some reassurance if i may. I am sure i am not the only one here who absolutely loves her cats to death, and I am about to get a 3-4 month old puppy tomorrow, i am absolutely terrified my cats will run away.

I would just die if this happens. In my younger years, we had cats and dogs all the time, but for some reason introducing this puppy is giving me nightmares.

Your experiences are appreciated, my cats will get used to him wont they????? I'm just so worried.

Yes your cats will get used to the new puppy.

My cats have grown up with house dogs as I had elderly Whippets, sadly now at Rainbow Bridge. Having said that we recently introduced two new Whippet puppies, now eight months old. The cats were not impressed for the first week or two, however they are now the best of friends.

For the first few weeks I used child safety gates on the doorways, so the dogs could see the cats and vice versa.

Do you have a crate? You can crate train your puppy, which makes introductions so much easier. Take things slowly, it may take a few weeks but it will all work out.
What type of puppy are you getting.
Goodluck hope all goes well

This post has been edited by Purruse: 08 February 2008 - 09:23 PM

[Madness]

it's one of those little maltese/cross thingys, a little fluffy white one. Looking after it for my sister until their house has been finished being reno'd.

Thanks for the advice will get a crate thingy for the doors so they can jump away. Ill keep him on a lead for a bit too, and make sure he doesn't bark at them...

oh the stress of it all!!! lol

I feel like crap over my poor pussy cats, but glad i found this site, it's been a help.

[Morning Sun]

Hi Everyone,

We got our puppy Choppa on Friday. I got his breed completely wrong above, he's actually a mix of Kelpie/Rhodesian Ridgeback/Boxer/Pitbull. He's a little cutie, and he's trying to get close to Snoopy, but last night, Snoopy smacked him.

I'm worried about Snoop, he keeps his distance, and he's very tense. When he first saw Choppa, he gave me a look that said "how could you bring the enemy into my house!" He's very wary around Choppa, I'm just hoping that they'll become friends soon, because I don't want Snoop to spend more and more time away from home just to get away from the dog.

Thankfully though, neither have shown any malice towards the other. So, I guess that's something.

Would anyone have any ideas on how long it would take for them to become friendly?

Thanks
Mel.