Hi guys! I’m planning to get a dog in about a year, most likely a toy poodle through research, this seems like the best fit for my household, and I’m trying to prepare as much as possible beforehand. I currently have two cats, and I want to make sure I introduce everyone the right way so it’s a smooth transition.
Both of my cats have been around my sister’s small dog and have done pretty well. One of them is very confident and doesn’t seem too bothered. My other cat is a little more cautious and usually just keeps her distance. She isn’t hiding or panicking around the dog, she just prefers her own space and avoids interaction.
My confident kitty is also a love bug and is absolutely glued to me at the hip. Has anybody else with cats that are super close to you experienced distancing when introducing a permanent dog and how long does that typically last?
I know bringing in a permanent puppy is different than having a visiting dog around, so I’d love advice from anyone who has introduced a puppy to resident cats. What’s the best way to make the transition as stress-free as possible for both cats, especially for the more skittish one? I want them to like the dog😭Any tips on setup, slow introductions, or helping them adjust would be appreciated!