Introducing DCat to DDogs

[OnlyTheDepthVaries]

We are the proud owners of 18 month old rehomed DCat. He arrived at the weekend and is settling in well. He has a safe place in the dining room - and it is in that room that we are sitting with him. His litter tray and food is also there.
We also have 2 dogs. DDog1 is an old, steady, honourable boy. DDog 2 is an 18 month old psycho bitch from hell though I'm putting this down to teenage years. Both dogs live out during the day - then in the kitchen in the evening and night. The dogs do not have the run of the house - but the cat will have, once he gets more confident.
I have no idea how best to introduce the cat to the dogs. They need to meet at some point so that normal family life can resume - but we don't want to risk seriously upsetting new DCat. Should we put the dogs on leads and let the cat in? Or put the cat in a carrybox on a high table so he can peer down at dogs from a safe place?
Any ideas, help or experiences would greatly assist my dilemma! and obviously I realise I should have thought of this before

Bump - with photo to tempt you to help!

Dcat is simply adorable and needs to come and live with me.

I'm not answering your question properly, but I would not let DD2 anywhere near DCat until DD2 has been properly trained, is reliable and understands that Dcat is neither toy nor prey. I think you can do special training to make sure that dogs leave other household pets alone, but I don't know the details.

Hi Spartacus, Thanks for your reply. I'm going to give it another 2 days then introduce them. DCat is very chilled out - so I think he will be able to handle the dogs - a quick swipe across the nose will put psycho dog in her place!

Wow - he's GORGEOUS.

If you think Cat is a sensible in control sort, I would let him in the kitchen when the dogs are out, first, so that he can get their scents, and vice versa. Do this quite a bit - letting Cat wander in the day, but shutting him back in dining room when Dogs are let in.

A baby cat to the kitchen would be a very good next step, if possible (or anywhere with a glass door) so they can have a visual on each other but be separated.

Then decide to let the doors open and allow Cat to go at his own pace - make sure there are easily accessible places for Cat to escape up to high away from Dogs. Dog2 on a lead would be a good idea, it sounds like. Baby gate useful here too as Cat can retreat.

Good luck - report back!

A baby cat to the kitchen should obviously be a baby gate to the kitchen. I suspect a baby cat would be no help whatsoever!!

Blue cross have an excellent sheet to help with exactly this. Have a look.

What a beautiful cat.

I've no advice really because our cat came before the dogs, but in my experience of having both the cat is very good at putting the dogs in their place and takes no nonsense from them at all. Every dog I've had has learned to respect the cat after a scratch on the nose.

NoSquirrel's advice looks good, apart from the baby cat of course

Morning all,
Thank-you so much for your kind words about the sheer beauty of Dcat - he is indeed gorgeous!
The Blue Cross website is really informative - thanks Wolfie
I was concerned by squirrel's advice to get a baby cat - this menagerie will never end!
Meanwhile, the deed is done. There was a meeting of cat and dogs last evening and it went very well. Older DDog was nonchalant and went to sleep. Psycho DDog was on high alert, as was the Dcat, but remained in her bed and didn't chase or react.
So, all ok so far but we will keep a good eye on things.
So glad I have a another cat - and can now be part of this Littertray topic!

No need for baby cats after all!

Glorious cat. Have never had a dog, so can't be of help, but that is a spectacular kitty!