Hi Everyone,

I wondered if anyone has got some tips they can share about introducing a dog to cats?

I have two cats, both 1 year old who for the past year have had only each other and for that whole time have had mine and my partners full attention. We got an 11 month old pup from the dogs home at the weekend and are trying to introduce them to each other.

I've read tips on the internet and so am taking it day by day and for small intervals of time only.

I thought they were getting a little used to each other this evening, one of the kittens isn't too bothered but the other is quite shy around him and tends to hiss and run away to hide. For the first time, she was sat on the table as the dog was underneath it and seemed ok, she even came over to him and sniffed his head. After about 45 minutes (the longest they have been together) the dog had a walk about and put his head up to the kitten so she swiftly hissed and swiped at him. He didn't react, just backed off and I took him to another room.

My partner only wants to give it a week before we consider rehoming the pup but I'm desperate to keep all the animals - how long should we realistically expect the process to take? And any tips from people who've done the same would be very much appreciated!

Thanks so much

Sarah