So you've brought home not one new pet but two! But what should you know about raising a young cat and dog in the same home? Today, our Cumming vets discuss the ways that you can help ensure the success of raising a puppy and kitten together.
How to Raise a Puppy & Kitten Together
Do you plan on raising a puppy and kitten together? There are a few things that you can do to get them off to a good start and ensure that their life together is a success.
Don't Rush Introductions
How you introduce your new pets to each other makes a difference. Introducing them early is a good way to help them get used to each other. When you first introduce your canine and feline companions, make sure they can see each other but that they have their own separate spaces to retreat to. You might want to start by placing them in adjacent rooms with a baby gate in between.
You will likely see them both exhibit some excitement when you do this. Your kitten may hiss and spit at your puppy as they establish their dynamic and boundaries; rest assured that this is normal.
Your goal with these first introductions should be to note positive reactions or even indifference. If your puppy and kitten are content doing their own thing while in each other's presence, it's a positive indication that they will be safe and comfortable living together.
Properly Train Your Puppy
While it's always important to build your puppy's aptitude for obedience and listening skills, this is vitally important when raising a puppy with a kitten so both can remain safe, happy, and healthy.
First, teach your dog basic commands such as sit or stay to prevent them from acting roughly with the kitten. If your puppy gets overly excited and begins chasing or stalking the kitten, these commands can be vital in redirecting their attention and teaching them more appropriate boundaries.
Are particular dog breeds better with cats than others?
The breed of dog you choose greatly impacts the success of raising a puppy and kitten together.
Dogs have a natural hunting instinct that's evident in their play behavior, such as chasing balls, tugging on ropes, or mimicking hunting actions.
Many dogs are bred for hunting, resulting in a '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 it grows larger, it 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 highly cautious regarding their prey drive when raising them alongside your kitten.How to Ensure Successful Interactions
To ensure positive interactions between your puppy and kitten, you must oversee their time together. 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 leaving your dog and cat alone in the house. Separate them in different rooms or crate/cage them.
- Don't let your puppy and kitten eat at the same time or 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 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.
Puppy & Kitten Veterinary Care in Cumming
Whether you've had young pets in the past or this is your first time welcoming a puppy and kitten into your home, they will need veterinary care that meets their needs during their first years and beyond. Our puppy and kitten vets at our animal hospital in Cumming are here to help.
Along with routine exams and preventive care, we can provide advice and guidance on keeping your furry friends happy and healthy. When you bring your puppy or kitten in for their first visit, your veterinarian can also address any questions 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. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.