Birdy and the Cats

Birdy is working out her relationship with our two cats. The older cat, Jhumpa, is actually the main reason we got a puppy. When I started talking about getting a dog, my husband insisted that the primary animal in the house would have to be his cat, the beautiful Jhumpa. Our friends told us that the way to be sure that dog and cats got along would be to raise a puppy in the house with the cats. They would then train the puppy how to behave around them

That idea has proven partially true. Birdy does chase the cats. She also bows to them and yips, inviting them to play. Jhumpa pretty much ignores her and stays very calm. Sasha, the beta cat, on the other hand, seems to be developing a much more complex relationship. She will stare at Birdy through the pet gate that closes off the kitchen. Sometimes she jumps into Birdy's kitchen space just to sniff around. Is she temting Birdy? I'm not sure. If the puppy gets too close, Sasha meows and crouches down. If the puppy sticks her nose in (as she indubitably does), the black cat hisses and swipes at that nose. At which point the puppy either sits down or lies down, all the while staring at this animal that seems to want to play but who gets annoyed when playing gets interesting.