Raising a Puppy & Kitten Together
If you're planning on raising a puppy and kitten together, there are some strategies you can follow to help make the introduction go smoothly and foster a peaceful co-existence.
Introduce Them Gradually
When and how you introduce your puppy and kitten matters and can influence whether they will be a good match for each other. Introducing them early is a good way to help them get used to each other. When you first introduce your canine and feline friends, make sure they're able to see each other but that they have their own separate spaces to retreat to. You might want to begin by placing them in adjacent rooms with a baby gate between them.
Expect some excitement when you first introduce your pets. Your kitten may spit and hiss at your puppy as they establish their unique dynamic and boundaries – you can rest assured that this is normal.
During these first introductions, note whether your puppy and kitten react positively to each others presence or are indifferent. If your puppy and kitten are happy to do their own thing while in each other's presence, this is a good sign that they'll be able to live together safely and comfortably.
Train Your Puppy
While building your puppy's aptitude for listening skills and obedience is important, this priority becomes urgent when they are being raised with a kitten. Training your puppy to listen and obey you will help both of your four-legged friends remain happy, healthy, and safe.
First, teach your dog basic commands such as "sit", stay," "leave it", and "no" to prevent them from treating the kitten roughly. If your puppy gets over-excited and starts to chase or stalk the kitten, you can use these commands to help redirect your puppy's attention and teach them more appropriate boundaries.
Best Dog Breeds to Raise With a Cat
It's important to consider which breed of dog would be best for your family and any existing pets before bringing home a new puppy. Choosing a suitable breed will also help you build a foundation for a successful relationship between your puppy and kitten.
The breed and temperament of your puppy is a greater influence than your kitten's when it comes to predicting how well they'll coexist. Dogs have a natural hunting instinct that's evident in their play behavior, such as chasing balls, tugging on ropes, or mimicking hunting actions.
Some dog breeds have a stronger hunting instinct, which is also referred to as "prey drive". This instinct can potentially cause issues with your dog's behavior. Even if your puppy initially gets along with your cat, if your dog belongs to a breed with a highly developed hunting instinct, as they grow larger they may see your cat as prey.
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 their prey drive when raising them alongside your kitten.Managing Your Pet's Time Together
To ensure a healthy interaction between your kitten and puppies, overseeing and tracking their time spent together is important. By observing how their bond evolves, you can determine the best approach. Consider these options based on your puppy and kitten's unique personalities:
- 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 was only sniffing 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.
Puppy & Kitten Veterinary Care at Brentwood Veterinary Clinic
Whether you're a first-time or seasoned pet parent who's welcoming a new puppy and kitten into your home, your new pets will need veterinary care that meets their needs during their first years and beyond. Our veterinarians are here to help.
Along with performing first and annual physical exams, administering vaccinations and recommending parasite prevention products, we can provide advice and guidance on how to keep your furry friends healthy. When you bring your puppy or kitten to our animal hospital for their first exams and shots, your veterinarian can also address any questions you may have about nutrition, growth and development, behavioral issues, general health, and more.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.