Still having introduction issues with cats...

[Rubylove]

Since we got Ruby the cats are still very wary of her - justifiably so, she gets SO excited when she's near them that she kind of lunges for them and then runs away - she's a very big puppy and very boisterous so it's quite intimidating. While I am certain she would not hurt them, we are continually putting them in the bedroom when Ruby comes inside, and as a result they are having no contact at all. The only time there has been anything positive was when Ruby was passed out on the lounge room floor and my Russian Blue Sashka crept up and sat and looked at her for over an hour, sniffed her nose and then left.

My Persian, Sunday, doesn't seem to have a lack of confidence around Ruby - she grew up with German Shepherds and dogs don't scare her - but she still hisses and swats if Ruby gets too close. Sashka, however, still runs and hides - although she will turn and hiss as well. They seem like they know she's just being rambunctious but they don't want to be near her anyway.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get them in physical contact without danger to either the cats or Ruby? We need to establish trust, here, and it is taking a while. Having said that, I'm sure when Ruby calms down and matures, and doesn't get overexcited by new things (especially new, small, furry, alive things!), the cats will come to trust her more.

 

[bridey_01]

They will all work it out on their own. My cat paddy wouldn't go near my new pup Azlan for about a month, now they touch noses but that's it. Azlan's had one too many swats to annoy paddy anymore!

 

[Barb04]

I agree with Bridey. The cats will eventually come around and usually know when to stay away. Just make sure your Persian doesn't get stepped on, etc. my the puppy by accident. You have to monitor to make sure they don't hurt each other. Our puppy is getting much better as we have a cat that's bold like your Persian and our other one stays away most of the time.

 

[Fran27]

It was the same thing here. When Boris first came home, the cats wouldn't go inside at all. I think most of the stress I got from having him was that I was really worried I wouldn't have much cuddle times with the cats anymore. Turns out I was mostly right, but I got to say that the dogs make up for it.

Even now, the cats tend to run away, which of course makes the dogs chase them. I had to intervene a few times because the poor kitties were cornered, but they have places to hide and run to usually, so it's not a big problem. They do accept it when Boris smells their nose though, most of the time, but I don't think they will ever be buds. The problem is that the dogs just want to play, and the cats don't.

I would leave them together, you don't want the cats resenting being in the bedroom all the time either. I assume your cats are inside cats? I guess it's easier with cats that go outside, it's easier for them to get their own space. In any case, try to make sure that they have some places high enough to stay out of reach of the dog - shelves, tables etc.

 

[poeluvr]

some cats will never be totally fine with the dogs at first, considering they were there first so it is harder.my dog likes to play with my cat..lets just say the cat is not thrilled, luckilt they're the same size, and our cat is declwed so it doesnt get nasty, and sometimes the cat likes to play but if he really has had enough, he jumps up somewhere high where the dog can't get him

 

[femke]

We had three cats before we got our dog. None of them ever had to deal with a dog and all three are indoor but are NOT declawed. They have hated Penny from day 1. Same situation, she just wants to play with them but she is too rough and they dont like her.

We have decided that our cats shouldn't suffer because we got Penny, they were here first and this was their house before it was hers. So we decided the cats need to have their own space where they dont have to deal with her and feel like they can just walk around without being jumped on. And so the basement and the upstairs are theirs, Penny has the main floor.

When they are on the main floor we let them do their thing. They will defend themselves if they have to but usually run away from her if they can. She's got swatted a couple of times but hasn't learned anything from it yet.

I'm hoping that in time she'll settle down a bit and they won't be afraid of her anymore. But I'm going to let them sort it out, I dont feel like there is much I can do about it.

 

[Roxymama]

My kitties have been pretty tolerable of the new puppy. My old fatty just stays away from her. If Roxy is in her crate she'll come out to stretch her legs, but we have it set up so that they can both get to their food and water w/out having to cross paths with the pup.
My kitten however seem to REALLY enjoy patronizing the pup. She'll sit infront of her crate if she's inside and paw at her, which gets Roxy going. When Roxy is out, Mysti will pounce at her and then they'll end up chasing each other, which always ends up with Mysti on her back being mauled! I dont think Roxy hurts her, and even if she dose, as soon as I break them up Mysti is right back at it. So Ive just been leaving them be. Mysti is perfactly capable of getting up out of her reach if she really wants to and if Roxy gets to playful, she can defend herself. Still, for now I just watch them and try to intervien when things get too rough. I want my animals to get along. Minnie wont run from the puppy... I wonder if she can run at all... she is such a cow! LOL So the puppy dosn't bother with her too much. Its just the kitten I worry about.