Introducing a Puppy to Cats?
Hi! I work at a shelter and recently we began acquiring puppies from someone who had 2 accidental litters around the same time. I have always said I want a dog, but I never considered taking one home until I met Pansy. When I first saw her with her 4 siblings, she was unlike them. They were rambunctious and loud and energetic. Pansy wasn’t, really. She wasn’t introverted, but she was quiet and sleepy. I know now that it’s because her guts were full of worms, but that’s not the point. My boyfriend of 6 years told me “if you wan’t a dog, you need to stop asking. Just bring one home.” So I did. I got permission from the appropriate managers and brought her home that night, just for a sleepover since she was getting spayed the next day.
Upon seeing her, Boyfriend fell in love immediately. She was still laid back that first night, and I kept her away from my other pets for everyone’s safety. She got spayed the next day and I decided to sign the adoption papers while she was there. The next day, I chickened out and panicked at the responsibility of a puppy, especially one that’s only 8 weeks old. I took her back. She was transported to another shelter that day, and I bawled when I took her back to the shelter to be with her siblings. However, my boyfriend took it harder than I did, breaking down after he got home from work today and admitting he loved and missed her. I’ve contacted the shelter she’s at, and I plan on going to pick her up again tomorrow — for real this time. No take-backs.
Here’s the thing I’m concerned about: my 3 cats. The oldest (11F) will get used to her, I know. The youngest (5M) already likes being around her (though probably because it means more food for him to steal). The middle kitty (6.5M) however, did not take too kindly to her those first days. He stopped eating and cuddling us in the living room or, really, at all. This is the main reason I panicked and took her back; I want to do right by them. They are my whole world.
For further context, we currently live in a relatively small 1bed apartment with plans to move in 3 months to the lower level of a house.
Here’s why I’m worried: Will Middle Kitty ever cuddle us again? Are we needlessly stressing him out with this? Will he get used to it and go back to himself? Are we being selfish by bringing this dog back and ruining our relationship with him?
Please tell me if it’s a bad idea or if everything will be okay. Puppy tax in photos. Thanks in advance!