Please don't judge, I am being honest. We got a Golden Retriever puppy on 10th October, only a little while ago. She was 9 weeks old and we got her from an excellent breeder, and we cannot believe that she has never soiled her puppy crate, and cries about 7am and then does both her bus ok messes. She is also letting us know during the day when she needs to go. We are of course taking her on the garden every couple of hours anyway.

She ed is a delightful little girl, it's me that is the problem.  We have been married 35 years and this is our first dog.  I have three adult cats. We have put a stair gate so the cats have upstairs without the dog. They stayed out for the first couple of days, but are now back to sleeping all day on our bed. They are having their meals OK in the kitchen OK (puppy is in crate in doing room part of days OK so they can get used to her).  I am not forcing any meetings, letting them all do their own thing. The breeder had cats, so puppy is very chilled. 

Our vet says it could take a couple of months for them to settle to the dog.   Maybe I should have thought harder before we got our puppy, but I am worried maybe our cats will never end up in the sitting room at night with us with the dog there. I know loads of people who have dogs and cats who don't lead "separate lives". Has anyone got advice on introducing a large breed puppy to adult cats? I am panicking that I am ruining my relationship with my cats - and yes I did think about this, but now it is a reality I am worried.

I know naff all about cats, but, that said, if puppy is chilled and the cats have upstairs to retreat to, she has a cage and the cats are coming down for meals, then it doesn't sound too disastrous. You are allowing the cats time to make their mind up and not forcing the issue, so when they feel comfortable they'll come down. Just give it time, they might be a bit miffed to start with but I'm sure they'll come round.

I have always had cats and dogs and it´s always worked out OK.  Most recent is an old rescue who was not used to dogs at all but even she has now settled and will often sit on the arm of my chair with a dog on the sofa the other side of me.  Just give it time.  I could give you any amount of examples from over the years but I can honestly say that it has never not worked out, even when I´ve taken in the occasional rescue dog.

Hi We adopted two cats three years before our puppy. The first week the one cat refused to come in and the second ran past the kitchen Stair Gate and upstairs. I used to go out enticing cat in with string and food! We put a Stair Gate on the stairs to give cats upstairs in peace. After a month the one cat happy to come in if dog behind door. My other cat made friends after a year,let's him sniff him and the dog knows  what to chase this cat. It's taken a while but one cat and the dog curl up by each in the lounge of a night and the dog knows to wait for the other cat behind the lounge door it's a mutual respect  now.

Congratulations on your new puppy, you have chosen a lovely breed of dog, we've lived with a Goldens for nearly 30 years and adore their gentle loving characters.

My current dog came from a breeder who had cats and although I don't have cats, Isla's brother went to a family that have two. The cats were scared at first, but gradually accepted the dog and put him in his place. He now knows who is boss in the house and it's not him.
Isla went to stay with her breeders earlier this year and I was worried she would chase and maybe hurt the cats. She was fine, highly interested, but she left them alone, although enjoyed an idle chase now and again, but the cats didn't seem to mind.

You appear to be doing everything correctly and I think you are wise to allow things to progress at the cats pace. I'm sure all we be well and your cats will be cuddled up to your nice warm dog on a cold winters night.

I have had ( and still have)  Labradors and cats. Yes the cats will be put out for a while but they will come round and be back to ruling the roost before you know it. Have s wonderful time with your animals.

Over the years we've had kittens and puppies and yes the established cats are often put out initially with a new puppy and may well hide upstairs or go out a lot more if they have access but they soon come around and generally rule the roost over any puppy/dog.
I have never worried how the cat/s may feel as we've all just got on with it and with no fussing it's always worked out. I do think you're are doing the right thing but I wouldn't be worried about the cats as they will sort themselves out in time.
Just relax and enjoy your puppy :-)

I don't very few people who don't get a case of Puppy Blues shortly after a new puppy arrives! There's alwys something that hits you harder than you anticipated. I remember the first time I took on a new dog when I already had a dog and I beat myself up daily for a couple of weeks :) not least because Dog No.1 took to his favourite cushion, with prolonged sulks and pained looks until he realised the puppy was a good little playmate.

You've selected a breed with a lovely nature from a good breeder and you are doing everything you can to make the transition easier for your cats.I know cats everywhere would disagree but they are not the head of the household and they may feel a little pushed out for a while, but that is for them to deal with and figure out!

Hi - I agree with all comments so far.  Sounds like you are doing really well, especially by not trying to force the issue and always making it easy for the cats to choose to be somewhere safe where the puppy cannot reach them.

Years ago we introduced a new puppy into our one (adult) cat household.  The look of fury, horror and disgust on her face when she saw the new addition was a sight to behold.  I am sure if she could have murdered me, my husband and the puppy she would cheerfully have done so.  Enormous sulk initially and very put out for a few weeks.  They then became the best of friends and would sleep together in front of the fire.  When we later introduced more puppies she reacted much less strongly.  On their arrival you could see her almost shrugging her shoulders and stalking away in superior fashion, as if to say 'Oh, God - not another one ...'

She learned to stand her ground and was always the boss.  She appeared fonder of certain dogs than others but they were all good friends although our cat would never have admitted it, of course.

Good luck and enjoy your lovely puppy - she sounds gorgeous.

Facebook Replies:

Moira Martin says: All the best with this how is dog with cats in general if it is fine with cats they will just stay out the way till they get used to it but can be a bit hairy at times. All the best.

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Sandra Findlay says: My daughter has a puppy chihuahua and we introduce our cat very slow . Our cat is 12 years old she dose still spit at him but the are never left alone together . Our chihuahua just wants to play with her .

Agree with all that's been said and I agree with Sue jaw just let the cats get on with it .As long as they gave somewhere they can get aay if necessary it will all work out. If pup does start taking too much interest or wants to chase train puppy to four on you with lots of treats.to me it's about teaching pup to behave as you want and  as will sort this selves

May I just add that if you are getting upset because you believe your cats are being deprived of the human company and affection they have previously enjoyed, that you occasionally go upstairs to where they are and spend half an hour or so on your own with them.  That will also show them that you are not banishing them from their usual rooms and will reassure them that you do still want their company without them having to be brave enough to face the new puppy.

I too have had dogs and cats all my life.............

IME, my cats territory is usually upstairs when we have puppies and adolescent dogs, they prefer to move out of the way......... the problem is young dogs love to play, love to chase, bounce, nip and make noise, for adult cats, it is annoying and potentially dangerous, more so to a pup or young dog who may get a nasty swipe, puppy eyes particularly need protecting.

Whilst your pup is young, allow your cats to do as they please, keeping out of the way may be what some of them will continue to do, others may teach the pup a lesson or two, they find their way, just allow things to progress naturally.

You will see a difference as your pup matures. With all adult dogs in and visiting my home now, my cats will sit on the sofas next to them, eat and drink in the same room, in fact my eldest cat no longer even sleeps on my bed, prefering to stay with the dogs. They have grown extremely close, but for years he avoided all dogs.

Other cats are fine from the first few days, some will take longer, some even longer...........but all your animals will still be a part of your home, no matter which room they are in, so don't worry............they don't need to all be in the same place to feel loved.