Puppies and kittens may look cute in photos, but ensuring they get along at home is important. Today, our Brodheadsville vets share tips on how to help puppies and kittens coexist.
Raising a Puppy & Kitten Together
If you intend to raise a puppy and kitten together, there are several strategies you can use to introduce your two pets to one another to get them to coexist.
Introduce Them Slowly
Introducing your puppy and kitten to each other at an early age is a great way to help them get along, but the way you introduce them is also important.
When introducing your kitten and puppy for the first time, make sure that they can see each other and have their own space. One way to start is by putting them in adjoining rooms, separated by a baby gate.
Expect some excitement when you introduce your two pets in this way. It's okay if your kitten hisses and spits at your dog; it's just their way of asserting their boundaries with the new creature.
These initial introductions are meant to produce positive reactions or even apathy. If your puppy and kitten are happy to do as they please while being visible to each other, this is an excellent sign that they'll be able to live together comfortably and safely.
Training Your Puppy
Working on your puppy's obedience is always important, but it is even more critical when they are being raised with a kitten!
Making sure that your dog knows commands like "sit," "stay," "no," and "leave it" is important if your puppy is getting too physical with your kitten. If your puppy is getting too excited around them or beginning to stalk or chase them, these commands can be critical in snapping your puppy out of it and teaching them what is and isn't allowed when it comes to your cat.
Best Dog Breeds to Raise with a Cat
It's important to choose your dog's breed before bringing home your puppy or kitten. The dog's breed and temperament will have a significant impact on the success of their relationship.
As dogs are natural hunters, their play often involves simulating hunting behavior. This instinct, also known as "prey drive," is stronger in certain breeds of dogs. This can lead to potential behavioral problems when interacting with other animals, including cats.
If your puppy belongs to a breed with a highly developed hunting instinct, such as terriers, beagles, shiba inus, huskies, Dobermans, malamutes, or Bouviers, you will need to pay extra attention to their behavior when raising them with your kitten.
Even if they seem to get along at first, as your dog grows larger, they may start to view your cat as prey. Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of your dog's breed and temperament when introducing them to your kitten.
Managing Your Pet's Time Together
Managing and monitoring the time your kitten and puppies spend together is important. You can evaluate their relationship by observing their behavior and interactions. Depending on the temperament of your pets, you may need to take one of the following steps:
- Avoid leaving dogs and cats alone together at home. Keep them separated in different rooms or crated.
- It's best to avoid having your puppy and kitten eat together or in the same location. Dogs can be very possessive of their food and may become aggressive towards your kitten, even if the kitten is just curious about the food their sibling is eating.
- It's a good idea to establish designated safe areas for your pets within your home. This can involve teaching your pets to respect each other's personal space, purchasing a crate for your puppy, or setting aside a separate floor of your house for each pet. By creating these spaces, your pets can have some alone time and feel more comfortable in their own territory.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.