New puppy help!!!!

We just brought home our new puppy yesterday and we already have a cat. I knew the cat would be scared of the puppy, but our cat hasn't left our bedroom since yesterday afternoon. Anyone have any tips on how to gradually introduce them to each other.

Re: New puppy help!!!!

I kept Misty(dog) on a leash or in her crate for the first few days...then we would let her loose while we were around to supervise. It took a few weeks for them to get totally used to each other, especially on Espresso's (cat) part. But they have been together for almost a year and they are fine. Misty will chase Espresso around sometimes, but Espresso eggs it on...I think he thinks it's a game. They actually sleep together now.

ETA: Don't worry about the cat hiding out, eventually curiosity will bring him out of the bedroom. They can't control themselves.

Message edited 2/19/2006 7:41:02 AM.

Re: New puppy help!!!!

I agree with Gerty...we have 2 adult cats who were the "bosses" of the house. We brought Casey home when she was 10 weeks old..and the cats did not come out of hiding for about 5 days. They finally realized that Casey wasnt going anywhere so they came out...my one cat still flies through the room if Casey is in there..he's a little scared of her but he just keeps to himself. My other cat, complete opposite - he will drink from the dog's water bowl - sniff the dog's food while she is eating ..oh, and he also walks underneath her (she's so big!) and swishes his tail in her face..they've become buddies. So don't worry - it will work out. And yes, it's a good idea to keep the puppy on a leash in the beginning so he can learn by your guidance not to chase the cat. Casey chases his buddy BUT she knows her limits - the cat will swat at her with his claws in just to show who's boss!!