Are you planning to capture some adorable moments of puppies and kittens together? Before you do, it's crucial to ensure that they have a harmonious home life. Today, our veterinarians in Somerset share some tips on how you can ensure that your puppy and kitten get along well together.
Raising a Puppy & Kitten Together
If you plan to raise a puppy and a kitten together, there are strategies for introducing them and helping them coexist peacefully.
Introduce Them Slowly
Introducing your puppy and kitten early on to each other is a great way to help them get used to one another. However, how you introduce them matters a lot.
When you first introduce your kitten and puppy, it's essential to ensure that they can see each other and have separate spaces. A good way to start is by placing them in adjacent rooms with a baby gate in between.
Expect some excitement when you introduce your pets this way. It's normal if your kitten hisses and spits at your dog as they establish boundaries with a new companion.
The initial introductions aim to observe positive reactions or even indifference if your puppy and kitten are content doing their own thing while in each other's presence, which is a positive sign that they can live together safely and comfortably.
Training Your Puppy
Working on your puppy's obedience is crucial, especially when being raised with a kitten.
It's essential to teach your dog basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "no," and "leave it" to prevent any rough behavior toward the kitten. If your puppy becomes overly excited and starts stalking or chasing the kitten, these commands can be vital in redirecting their attention and teaching them appropriate boundaries.
Best Dog Breeds to Raise with a Cat
When introducing a puppy and a kitten, it's important to consider the breed of dog you choose. The breed and temperament of the puppy are the main factors that determine how well they interact with the kitten.
Dogs have a natural hunting instinct, which is displayed in their behavior, such as chasing balls or playing tug-of-war. Some dog breeds have a stronger hunting instinct, also known as "prey drive," which can lead to issues with their behavior.
Even if your puppy initially gets along with your cat, if they belong to a breed with a highly developed hunting instinct, they may view your cat as prey as they grow larger.
Terriers, Beagles, Shiba Inus, Huskies, Dobermans, Malamutes, and Cattle Dogs are breeds known for their high prey drives. If your puppy belongs to any of these breeds or is a mix, it's essential to be extremely cautious regarding its prey drive when raising it alongside your kitten.
Managing Your Pet's Time Together
Monitoring and recording the time your kitten and puppies spend together is important to ensure a healthy interaction. By observing how their bond develops, you can determine the best approach. Take into account the unique personalities of your puppy and kitten, and consider these options accordingly.
- Avoid having your dog and cat in the house alone together. Separate them in different rooms or crate/cage them.
- Avoid having your puppy and kitten eat at the same time or in the same place. Dogs can be protective of their food and may get confrontational with your kitten, even if the kitten only sniffs the interesting food their sibling is eating.
- Set up safe areas of your home for each pet to be alone if they would like. This can include teaching each of your pets to stay out of the other's space, getting your puppy a crate, or setting aside the upstairs or basement for one pet or the other.
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.