Introducing a puppy to two cats.. Do cats change towards you with a new family member?

Hello!

I've posted on this forum before, but certainly not for a long time!

I'm living with two kitties now, or as I think of them - my children. One male and one female, both just over a year old. My husband and I have been thinking recently about adopting a puppy.. one in particular that we've both sort of fallen in love with.

The puppy is maybe a couple months old, very small, and incredibly docile. I'm not entirely sure which breed he is, but we don't expect him to get very big.

One of the reasons I'm hesitant to introduce a new family member is that I'm scared my two babies will change towards us, perhaps in a negative way if we bring a puppy home. We have a very close relationship with our cats now (we all sleep together every night, they come when we call them, etc) and I really do feel as if they're our children! I know you guys won't laugh at me for saying that, as I'm sure most of you feel the same way about your cats

So! Do cats change towards their owners when a new cat/dog/animal is introduced to the household? My male cat is particularly territorial and I remember it being a NIGHTMARE when he was adjusting to having a new cat in the house (our female cat), even when he was quite young - although they love each other now. I think it probably took at least 2-3 months for them to be alright with each other.

My cats are really the most important things in the world to me, so if there's a chance that the whole thing might be a very negative or difficult experience for them, I'd rather give up the puppy.

Thoughts? Advice? Experience?

Thanks so much!

I-have-a-very-good-cat-show-friend,that-adopts-deaf-Dalmations,as-puppies.When-Dalmation-puppies,are-a-certain-age,they-are-tested-to-see-if-they-can-hear.If-they-can't,they-are-put-down.

Training-a-puppy-is-very-time-consuming,and-requires-alot-of-patience.Deaf-Dalmation-puppies,are-even-more-so,as-you-have-to-teach-them-sign-language.All-her-puppies,as-they-grow-to-adults,are-very-well-behaved.And-they-are-taught,no-picking-on-the-kitties.

When-any-new-pet-is-brought-into-a-household,there-is-always-a-certain-amount-of-upheavel,as-the-pecking-order-is-reshuffled,and-current-pets-are-taught-to-accept-new-pet-members.

Since-you-know,your-boy-kitty-is-upset,when-a-new-kitty-comes-into-the-household,just-be-prepared,for-him-to-react-the-same-way,so-if-you-think-you-can-deal-with-that-again,and-deal-with-teaching-a-puppy,manners,and-what-is-expected-of-him,and-what-is-not-tolerated,as-well,as-no-picking-on-kitties,then,yes,this-will-work.

I-grew-up-on-a-show-horse-farm.Any-stray-cat-or-dog-that-came-along,was-fed-and-given-shelter-in-the-barn.The-dogs-were-taught,no-chasing-horses,and-no-picking-on-kitties.

It-just-takes-a-long-time-and-requires-a-very-lot-of-patience,it-does-not-happen-overnight.If-you-think-you-can-do-this,then-get-the-puppy.If-you-think-this-is-too-much-to-deal-with,then-pass-on-the-puppy.

Best-of-luck,whatever-you-decide.Be-very-glad-to-help-you-if-you-need-help-training-the-new-puppy.What-my-friend-does,works-very-well,every-time.