It's easy to fall in love with the idea of having puppies and kittens together, but it's crucial to ensure that they coexist peacefully at home. Our Lafayette vets have shared some helpful tips on how to make sure your puppy and kitten get along well with each other.
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 at a young age can lay a strong foundation for their relationship. However, the way you introduce them is crucial. During their initial encounter, it's essential to give each pet their own space while allowing them to see each other.
One effective method is to set up connected rooms with a baby gate in between.
It's normal for there to be some excitement during this introduction, and it's okay if your kitten hisses or spits at your dog. This behavior is just them asserting their boundaries with a new animal.
The primary objective during these first few introductions is to encourage positive reactions or at least a sense of indifference.
If your puppy and kitten are content doing their own thing while in each other's line of sight, that's a positive indication that they can coexist safely and comfortably.
Training Your Puppy
Working on your puppy's obedience is always important, but it is even more important when they are being raised with a kitten!
Making sure that your dog knows commands like "sit", "stay", "no", and "leave it" are 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
Choosing the right breed of dog is vital when preparing to welcome a new puppy and kitten into your home. The breed and temperament of your puppy will play a significant role in determining how well they will get along with your kitten.
Dogs are natural hunters, and a lot of their play involves simulating hunting activities such as chasing balls or tugging on ropes.
However, the intensity of their hunting instinct, also known as "prey drive," varies by breed. If your puppy belongs to a breed with a strong prey drive, they may view your cat as prey, even if they initially get along.
Breeds such as Terriers, Beagles, Shiba Inus, Huskies, Dobermans, Malamutes, and Cattle Dogs are known for having high prey drives. If your puppy belongs to one of these breeds, you must be cautious when raising them with your kitten.
Managing Your Pet's Time Together
As a pet owner, monitoring and managing the interactions between your kittens and puppies is important. While observing their relationship, it's crucial to consider their unique temperaments and decide on appropriate actions such as:
- 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.
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.