Introducing a new dog to a 2-cat household

[shanti]

Hi all,
There's a situation brewing in my life where I may be bringing my son/gf's female terrier mix into my household of two older cats (age 10), and I need some help! Dogs are not in my repetoire...

My cats are indoor only and very skittish to new experiences. One time, they were exposed to a lab puppy. The puppy's energy was still fairly low, but the cat that I thought would be more afraid was not. That's my girl cat. She's very skittish, moreso than my boy cat.

any tips?

[hlthe2b]

1. Give the cats somewhere as a refuge in case they need a break from the dog...

it is likely that one or both of the two cats may end up being the alpha over the dog, given they have been there longer, but if the dog is really energetic, having a kennel (or two) somewhere available for the cats will be very helpful.

I have a cousin that has two energetic shelties and a newly introduced kitty. All three have kennels in their bedroom that they sleep in and go to when they are home alone...The cat very willingly goes in theirs, though is happy to play with the dogs at other times.

Don't fret too much. Dogs and cats tend to work it out.

[Yooperman]

2. I agree with post #1....

Have a place for the cats to be able to get away and feel safe....

We have brought a cat into a two dog home and that was very easy... our Labs accepted the young male cat with zero problems.

I would think the reverse would be a bit more challenging...but given some time the cats should get used to the dog... they may never warm up to him/her...but it should be ok.

YM

[blondie58]

3. sometimes it is helpful

To leave them in separate rooms at first. Put a blanket one has slept in in the others space, and vice versa.

Jackson Galaxy even recommends petting your pets with a sock and then go to their unknown friend and pet them with the same sock. Cats are a lot like dogs, in needing to smell things.
I agree with everyone else's suggestions, too. A safe place is needed.

Good luck with everything!

[ginnyinWI]

4. ...and thanks for being a "family rescue".

I've been there: I took in my son's two cats five years ago, and they have it better now than before. We love them and they are eight and ten years old now. Also took in my daughter's cat, a calico who died at a ripe old age last year. Now if I could only have a chance to pick out my own cat--just once?

[hollysmom]

5. When I had to bring my Mom's cat into my dog house,

I used an old screen window in front of the spare bedroom, the cat had her litter box in the closet and that that room and the attic to play in dog could not jump the screen, maybe you can do the reverse. My dog was pretty mellow, so when the cat wanted to wander, he would come out at night while the dog and I slept and jump in my bed, but I also spent time in her room and put up a stool against the window with a tree and birds in it.

of course it was an old docile dog, don't know about the one you are getting.