Introducing my cats to my new puppy

[Kassy]

I just got a new puppy a week ago and my cats are still hissing and spitting at her.

I have a 3 year old purebred Siamese cat and a 3 going on 4 year old Silver Tabby, and they still hate my new puppy. My 15 week old puppy went up and sniffed them when she first came into the apartment and ever since then they've been hissing and spitting, my tabby even swats at my puppy, claws fully extended.

The puppy doesn't steal their food, go near their litter box, or goes near them, THEY go near her. Sure she steals their toys (Which we're working on breaking the puppy of this habit) but I don't think that would affect them, especially when my cats don't play with them.

Is there an easier way of introducing the three, or should I continue to just let them go about their own thing?

[Jim Hall]

other than seperating them for a while not much you can do
typically keeping them seprste for a week or 2 woudl help

other than that if the cats arentshowing signs of too much stress it may get better

[Kassy]

So because they're the ones going up to the dog, then doing their little hissy fit, they should be fine and things will get better?

[Jim Hall]

aslong as the kits and dog dont exhibit any bad signs of stress
or actual blood isnt spilled

[Kassy]

Thanks a bunch.

[Jim Hall]

yw by the way you got pics?

[Kassy]

Of the cats? No, not at the moment. I lost all the pics I had of them. I have one of my puppy though.

[sugarcatmom]

I'd recommend trying to build some positive associations between your cats and the puppy. You might be able to do that by giving the cats their most favourite treats only when the dog is around. Have someone else give treats to the dog at the same time (make sure she doesn't run over and nab the cat's treats though). Playing with the cats with some wand or fishing pole style toys could also help distract them from the puppy, as long as she doesn't interfere with the play sessions (maybe have a friend hold her on leash and give HER attention too so she doesn't feel left out).

Do your cats have a tall cat tree or some shelves/window seats so they can get up high and watch all the peons down below? Having lots of good vertical space helps cats to feel more comfortable and perhaps less likely to lash out (after all, a good offence is the best defense).

[Kassy]

There are a few window sills that the Tabby has taken as her own, the Siamese likes to lay on the bed and no where else. They both also lounge on the back of the couch, or sit in the cat house (A little thing I built my self that's covered in carpet.)