Introducing new dog to established cats - advice.

[EarlessToothlessVagabond]

So I am thinking ahead! We are planning to get a rescue dog in the summer so this is hypothetical at the moment. The breed is unknown and we are open to any breed or crossbreed as long as it's the right dog for out family. Much as I love the idea of a greyhound or lurcher I wouldn't risk it with cats. Our cats are a much loved part of our family and are both also rescues - they can be nervous and have had virtually no contact with dogs. Can anyone give me a step by step guide about how to introduce a dog and cats? I'm thinking some stair gates to cordon areas off woyld be a plan? What else is sensible? Keeping the dog on the lead around them initially. Much as I'm excited at the idea of a dog I'm feeling nervous for our poor cats.

We introduced a giant sighthound to our two terrible torties. The Blue Cross has some great advice. Scent swapping. Stair gates. Longlines are great. The dog must never chase the cat. Establish a good leave.
We kept giving treats when the dog settled on her bed. If she ignores cats she gets a treat. So when she sees the cats she looks for a treat and doesn't chase them.
We crate or pen when we aren't around. And the dog can't go upstairs.
If you're looking to rescue it is worth looking for rescues that foster. If a dog is living happily with cats in foster that's a good indication of how it may behave.

I foster puppies (lurchers) and have two cats and two lurchers of my own.

The golden rule is that you don't do any introducing - you cordon the dog off from the cats with stairgates and a crate at night, and then the cats can see the dog, but are in no danger. Should the cat come in, the gates give them a rapid escape route. When cats are around, the dog is told to leave it firmly whenever they approach, and absolutely zero tolerance of bothering the cat, chasing it, getting in its face etc - the cat gets to stay wherever they are and the dog is removed.

I would second Wolfies recommendation of rehoming from a foster based rescue. Though you always have to put the work in for your own house and cats, when a dog has lived in a home with cats their fosterer will know what is likely to work out much more accurately than a dog just being 'cat tested'.

CMOTD I had you in mind when I posted!

I have a greyhound, no amount of introducing him to cats would work, he simply couldn’t ever live with a cat or other small furry animal - so you’re right to go for a different breed :)

Thanks for the tips. I really don't think I would risk a hound, much as I love them. I will try and use a rescue which has dogs on foster homes rather than kennels but looking at the other thread about how difficult it is to adopt I'm worried we won't be accepted! I have dd aged 13 ds 10 and I work 3 days a week. Will have to give it a go as I think we could offer a great home to an adult dog.

Ditto the advice already given. We've rehomed new cats into homes with dogs and new dogs in to homes with cats. I agree with the stairgate ( we kept ours up permanently), the cats still jump over and get out of reach of the dogs if they're feeling bothered. The cats sleep and eat in the utility room (which has the boiler in it and is really warm, so they love it) while the dogs sleep in the kitchen. It also keeps the litter tray and cat food out of the way of the dogs (both of which would be eaten by the dogs given a chance!). Our latest cats took months before they felt settled with one of our more bouncy dogs, so bear in mind it may take a long time, but they go there.

Rescues i've home checked for regularly home sighthounds with cats, even successful ex-racers, but it really depends on the individual dog's prey drive which can often vary between indoors & out (dogs that live with cats may still chase other cats or wildlife), plus need to take cat's behavior into account.
My current greyhound & lurcher that are far too interested, but past ones less driven & likely trainable in time but rescues tend to only place those that are easily distractable & show a lack of interest on testing. With your cat not already being dog savy I agree that a fostered dog is better option.