Has anyone got any tips or advice how I can get my cats to get along, or accept my new puppy?

I've had my labrador puppy for 5 weeks now and my cats aged 8 and 3 havent come down stairs and have resorted to toileting up there- so we've had to put a litter tray. ALthough they always used to go outside!Has anyone got any tips or advice how I can get my cats to get along, or accept my new puppy?
You'll have to be harsh I'm afraid, Bring your cats down and shut off access to the stairs. By putting a tray upstairs you are giving them more excuse not to come down. I got a Bassett hound and I have 3 cats, they spent a while hiding up stairs but gradually started to come down sniff and run back up, gradually they over came their fear and now they all play with him (and scratch him when he's being too rough, he's 12 months now), I'm afraid you need to force them to have contact with the dog (not in the same room just on the same level where they can still escape him if they need to eg on a higher surface etc or another room, behind the sofa etc).





They will accept him it's just a matter of time.Has anyone got any tips or advice how I can get my cats to get along, or accept my new puppy?
find a vet box and put the puppy in it. cats like to be in charge and if your labrador seems like the underdog (pun not intended), they will feel more comfortable. slowly but surely they will think they're in charge and will 'allow' ur dog to be in the same room as them and soon grow to be perfectly comfortable with him.





hope this helps!!
make them socialise - put them in one room and u refaree.


the pup will try to sniff the cats and get a scratched nose then they should be fine.





make it clear neither is alowed to be agressive.
Time, patience's, don't force the issue.. They may never accept the pup, you will have to feel what is right and go from there.





If you can, take ya pup upstairs on the lead or in ya arms and not make eye contact with the cats don't push the pup towards to cats. Sit on the bed, look out the window only for really short bursts, even just walk round the room and then out.. Keep ya pup from looking at the cats and if you can if the pup stays calm stroke the cats whilst holding pup, try not to get it in ya mind that it's not going to work or get worked up if the cats run, Rome wasn't built in a day.. One thing that is really important is if ya pup goes crazy with them or chases or is just inquisitive don't use and voice control just remove pup from situation..





It will work in time.





Good luck.
this will take alot of patients and may be an agornising process. don't force them or rush into it. it needs to be on your pets terms not yours. start to introduce them gradually. only for 10 minutes at a time then seperate them. start by having them in seperate areas so they feel safe, possibly through glass or have the puppy in a pen n let the cats examine it from a distance..... they have to feel safe. even if you have the cat up high on a cupboard just so they can get an idea of the puppies intentions. give all the pets equal attention and treats to relax them. keep doing this. they will build their confidence and trust. lengthen the amount of time gradually.... even if they are in the same room for an hour then its a good sign. most cat books have information on introducing pets. i advise you read up on the best ways and choose one that will fit to your life style.


try this website out for tips: http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanagement10鈥?/a>
put them all in the same room as you and show them equal love and affection, they may feel left out cos of the new arrival, it takes time, but it will work :)
Well 1st: get a dog wisper they will help u alot. but it cost thats all i can say :)