...how do I introduce my new dog to my cats when I get her? I have plans for her meeting Frosty. I'm worried that she will have problems with the cats. Not that they're mean or jealous, but Zelda is traumatized for the comings and goings of animals and Mario's still new. I'm worrind about all of them. How do I manage this with minimal problems?

i have a cat and my family recently bought a dog. my cat always used to be the center of attention it took a while for her to get used to my dog buster but now she is happier than ever. she is having fun and is sooo happy.

Put the cats away (in a closed room) and let the dog run around where it can go by the odoor where the cats are. After an hour or so, put the dog in a closed room and let the cats run around for an hour. This will allow the cats to become accustomed to the smell of the dog. After this, introduce them.

Frosty, I would get a bath towel, and just let the cat play on it and get it nicely scented up and with some cat hair. Even give the cat a bit of a rub down with the towel. When the new dog comes, put the cat in the bedroom with door closed. Let the puppy sniff around, and when it shows interest, let it sniff the towel, which will get it used to the new cat scent. IF the dog tries nipping the towel or rough playing say a firm "NO!" until the dog realizes that scent means "NO!". Then when the cat is introduced in person, the dog will have a framework to understand that sniffing is fine, but it's hands off. Also, some of the novelty of that scent will have worn off, so it won't be sooo new and exciting. If the kitties are declawed, you might have to keep an eye out for atleast a few weeks to make sure that everyone plays nice, but if they have their claws, they might just teach puppy some manners in the form of a swat on the nose. Our Goldens are cat trained from puppyhood, and believe me, there is nothing funnier than the first time the puppies approach our cat. Our cat doesn't take ANY guff from them, and though she's declawed (not my choice, it's how she came) she'll punch them in the nose or box their ears if they forget their manners. Most of our adult Goldens know her and will lay down on the ground when they see her coming...I think they believe she's bigger than them lol.