You are having fun with your dog/s and the idea of getting another family member pops up in your head...and you think..hm..a cat. Sure, I would love to have a cat! :) So you go out and look in the shelter. There are cats - some who are also used to dogs (great!), some young ones and others of course. If you take one that is used to dogs it could be easier for you to introduce them. If you take a young one it might be easier, too. As when they are young they get used to new things a whole lot better :).
It is usually harder to get a cat used to new dogs...or cats to cats ;) Always keep in mind often cats are the rulers of the house (even over dogs ;)...). I know many cats who attack dogs...and tame them themselves ;).
Bring the cat home to the room she will be in for the next few days (have dog/s in another room) so cat can get accustomed. Take a towel or toy or whatever cat uses and lay it in the bed of the dogs so they get used to the smell and accepting it as theirs. Same with the cat - take stuff from the dogs and put it in her area. Let dog/s only smell and hear cat first...if dogs don't show interest in sniffing in front of the room the cat is in it's time to introduce them.
When cat feels more comfortable and dog/s don't go crazy in front of the door I would introduce one dog (on leash) at a time (if you have more than one). That way you have the chance to correct the dog...and it is easier on the cat. Also the dogs can't team up as easily. If dog/s got introduced calmly to the cat the dog/s know then what you expect of them.
So back to the first meeting of one dog with the quite comfortable cat: I would put a leash on the dog so you can correct him/her if necessary. Dogs learn quite quick that a certain cat belongs to the pack but others don’t ;).
Also make sure you bring the dog to meet the cat when the dog is calm submissive! The dog will connect calm submission with the cat. If the dog is very excited take him/her on a big walk first to drain his/her energy. It is hard for a dog to be relaxed if he/she is full of energy!
You can also put the cat in a transport box if you fear you couldn't control your dog/s. That way they can sniff each other without being hurt. Every sign of aggression, excitement, bullying, etc. should be corrected immediately.
But if you do it one on one it should be easier. You can also hold the cat and your partner let's the dogs sniff... That shows the dogs that the cat belongs to you, too. But it really depends on how the dogs are.
In the beginning (until the dogs learn that cat is part of you) always be there to correct the dogs. Or even just do one on one for a few days - together with you and the leash. But make sure there is no tension on the leash as they will connect that, too. And tension means intensifying the excitement that can turn into aggression.
As soon as the dog acts calmly around the cat, sniffs, etc. praise him/her with words or treats. But don't try to talk nice when he/she is excited as this would praise her/his bad behavior and make it worse! Timing is key here.
As for cats the first impression counts make sure the first meeting with the dog is a good one and she doesn't get frightened. Take it as slow as necessary even if this means a few weeks.
So far so good... hope this helps a little bit... If you have questions just ask me. It is important you understand what I mean.
Have fun with your new family member! :)
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