How do you introduce a puppy into a household run by cats?

I am glad you brought this discussion up. sooner or later I want a dog. Not that I don't like the cat, but I am a dog person, always did have a dog and didn't get one earlier because we didn't know if we were moving or not and I didn't want to have to get rid of a dog if we couldn't find a place that allowed dogs..But I have an advantage on this one. Three of my neighbors has dogs that come over and visit and I not only love it because I get to see a dog, but I now know what kind of dog to get. It has to be one that is gentle and will not go after the cat. So either because of breed or age, it must ignore the cat. Because the 2 younger ones that go to sniff the cat, she will hiss and scratch, but the older one that ignores her, she will come over and sniff him and then walk away. So if you have neighbors or friends who are willing to loan you their dogs, maybe you can find out that way. Or if you go to the animal shelter, they usually test dogs to see if they are compatible with other dogs, kids and cats.

I would think that both have their pros and cons- Adult dog vs. puppy with cats. Puppies might be willing to adapt quicker- they are not stuck in their old ways- but they are wild and puppyish! Older dogs are more laid back and might get along better with cats- but being bigger they might frighten the cats- I do think every cat is different though- some like dogs – some don’t. Good luck with this!

Hi,I have always heard that you should let the cat introduce themselves to the new one whatever the animal should be. I watched that on the animal planet channel, the dog whisperer. The cat will eventually introduce him/her self when ready.