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 Photo by Claudio Matsuoka @ flickr.com |
While the size difference between puppies and kittens is modest, full grown dogs can definitely pose a risk to kittens. A large dog could easily crush a small kitten. And wandering dogs from around the neighborhood can also be a hazard to small kittens. Packs of dogs could see you kitten as a meal or as a play toy. So do you kitten a favor and keep them in the house away from roaming dogs.
Different Worlds
Dogs and kittens relate in two totally different ways. Often signals can become confused as the two animals have very different communication styles. Dogs are pack animals. There society is
based upon hierarchy and dominance. Dogs look to a leader to rule the roost.
Cats are territorial animals. They are more solitary, love their space, and are less driven by dominance. Because of these variances in communication, there may be some squabbles as dogs and kittens learn to relate to one another.
Introducing for the First Time
When introducing kittens and puppies for the first time, make sure that there is a separate room available for each pet. Keep your new kitten in its own room until it gets use to your home and your other pets.
Prior to the first face to face meeting, it is best to have your pets greet each other’s scent. Animals communicate best through scent. Therefore, place your kitten’s toys or blankets near your dog to allow it to get use to the cat’s odor. And do the same with your kitten. Place your dog’s toys in your kitten’s room to help it adapt the unusual scent.
For the first meeting, have your dog on a leash or behind a gate or screen to protect the new kitten. Allow your kitten to approach the dog first on its own terms. If your kitten runs or hisses the first time after meeting your dog, relax this is sometimes expected. If the two animals appear at odds with one another, separate the two and place them out of each other’s sight. Allow them to cool down for a day or so and then try to have them meet face to face again.
As the two animals become more and more comfortable with each other allow them to spend more time together. Also, be sure to give your pup a treat when it sees the kitten and interacts well with the cat. This teaches the dog to associate something positive with your kitten.
Tips for Owning Dogs and Kittens
- Don’t let your dog chase your kitten.
- Monitor your pet’s interactions until you are comfortable with their behavior.
- Do give your resident dog more (positive) attention than your new kitten at least in the beginning.
- Don’t be overly affectionate with your kitten in front of your resident dog.
- Give your kitten a safe place (a high perch) to hide or relax in.
- Maintain a positive attitude when interacting with your pets.
- Don’t ignore problematic behavior and conflicts between pets.
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