Not every pet owner can handle having puppies and kittens together. Today, our Corpus Christi vets share some tips on ways to help your puppy and kitten behave well together.
Raising A Puppy & Kitten Together
A puppy and a kitten can live together. Pet owners who own multiple animals at once need to learn strategies to introduce them and help them coexist peacefully.
Training Your Puppy Early
An obedient puppy is important to have to maintain control of their actions. A trained puppy is even more important to have when they are being raised with a kitten.
Teaching your dog basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "no," and "leave it" can help limit the reckless behavior toward the kitten. Commands can help control your puppy if they become overly excited and start chasing the kitten. Being able to redirect your dog's attention can help by teaching them appropriate boundaries with your cat.
Introduce Them Slowly
Introducing your puppy and kitten early on is a good way to help them feel comfortable around each other. When introducing your kitten and puppy, ensure they can see each other and have their areas. We recommend starting by placing them in adjacent rooms with a small separation like a gate in between them.
There will be excitement from your pets when you introduce them. Keep in mind that it is normal if your kitten hisses and spits at your dog when they first meet. This is a cat's way of establishing boundaries with a new companion.
If your puppy and kitten are sleeping together, content, and comfortable in each other's presence, then they are good to live together.
Best Dog Breeds to Raise with a Cat
For your puppy and kitten to have a successful relationship, it's crucial to consider the breeds of dogs and cats you choose before bringing them home.
The breed and temperament of your puppy will play a significant role in how well your cat and dog get along. Dogs naturally have a hunting instinct, evident in their play behavior, such as chasing balls or tugging on ropes, mimicking hunting actions.
Certain dog breeds have a stronger hunting instinct, also known as "prey drive." This instinct can potentially cause issues with your dog's behavior and even if your puppy initially gets along with your cat, they may eventually perceive your cat as prey.
Terriers, Huskies, Dobermans, Beagles, Shiba Inus, 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 cautious of 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 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.
- Avoid having your dog and cat in the house alone together. Separate them in different rooms or crate/cage them.
- 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.