Introducing a kitten to a dog - A how to guide

It’s not every day that you see dogs and cats that are friends, but it’s certainly not impossible. Expecting them to immediately be best friends is quite unrealistic and unheard of. However, it can be achieved by planning carefully and gradually introducing them to each other. If done correctly, chances are higher for a cat and a dog to get along than two cats.

Adjustment Period

Cat and dog relationships vary, however, you can expect them to start getting along with each other for at least a week. Its success is based on several factors:

●     Character – A successful introduction between the two can be challenging if your beloved dog tends to act territorial and aggressive so you really have to be patient.
●     History – You need to be extra careful in introducing your two furry friends toward each other because if your dog has the habit of barking at cats.
●     Previous training – Dogs that are obedient and had undergone training previously are more likely to get along with felines much faster than others.

Contrary to what most people presume, it can be harder for felines who have stayed with you for years to be introduced to a new hound. Watch out as they can lash out with their claw and hiss at the dog as an act of self-defense to his/her territory.

Warm Welcome

Some dogs are excellent at accepting changes in their environment. But of course, you can’t simply assume that your own dog will be chilled out when you bring a new cat at home. Avoid causing too much stress on either pet and make sure to introduce them slowly.

You must secure the kitten away from the dog by putting him/her in a safe and distant room. This way, your cat will not have the opportunity to attack the cat or make the cat feel anxious by appearing at random times of the day. Give it a day or two before you formally introduce them to each other by holding the cat securely or putting the cat in a safe carrier. Let them sniff each other and give them treats so they can associate being friendly with a reward.

5 Steps to Success

1. Separate Them Temporarily

You don’t have to rush into the introduction. As a safety precaution, place the kitten in a separate room for a few days so that it can feel at home and adjust to its new environment.
 
Introduce their scents first by patting the dog right after you held the cat and vice versa. Another great tip is to get your dog’s bedding and allow the new cat to use it and vice versa. These steps will allow them to gradually familiarize each other’s scent

2. Safe Introduction

Keep the dog inside a crate as you introduce them to each other. This will allow a safe and less stressful meeting for both animals. When both seem calm around each other, place the cat in the crate.

As for dogs that quickly get excited, it’s highly suggested that you tire out your furry friend first by doing long walks during the day and introducing them to each other at night time. This method ensures that both pets are more relaxed. The cat’s cage should also be distant from the bowls and bed of the dog. Giving a tasty treat to a well-behaved dog is also highly recommended.
Ideally, these two need to get used to being in the same room before any physical contact is made. Make their interaction short because it can cause them stress. However, it’s important that gradually increase their bonding time.

In case you feel like either or both pets aren’t ready yet, then you may introduce them behind closed doors. Meals should be served to both pets at the same time on either side of the door. This will enable them to sniff each other’s scents while eating. Given enough time, your furry besties will associate the food with the smell, and you’ll be able to open the door while they’re eating. Just be sure to put a leash on the dog for safety purposes.

3. One on One

The time has finally come for them to meet face to face. Once you feel confident that both pets are used to each other from previous meetings, you can allow them to meet beyond the bars. Aside from securing the dog’s leash, make sure to create an escape route for the cat in case the former tries to chase the latter.

Repeat several times until you’re 100% sure that the dog will no longer have the urge to chase the cat. Of course, all of their interactions need to be supervised. In case your feline friend is the more aggressive one. Look out for the cat’s hisses and the dog’s barks as a response. A whining dog is another sign that either of them wants to go to the other animal to play or even bite. Remember that you need to be very watchful of their little actions because it can say a lot.

4. Treats and Affirmations
 
Positive reinforcement always works. Obedient and well-behaved dogs, even when the cat is around, should be rewarded with words of affirmation, actions of affection, and yummy treats. This practice will train them to associate the rewards with the cat.

5.  When Things Don’t Go as Planned

If you think you’ve done everything yet the tension between the two seems to not go away, you must separate them from time to time. This will help them feel at ease and safe. Keep the cat’s food, litter box, bed, and water away from the dog. If you think that either of them needs more help in moderating his/her aggression, then visiting the veterinarian is recommended.

Dog Training

Older dogs and those that act impulsively may not go along too well with active and energetic kittens. However, this doesn’t mean that they’ll never get along. Dogs are such smart and loving creatures that they can be trained to do almost anything. This means that your dog can be trained to be nicer around felines. Following the aforementioned steps and showing the dog expressions of disapproval whenever he/she exerts any type of aggression towards the cat is crucial.

Also, you need to train your hound to avoid sniffing the cat’s litter box and going to the cat’s favorite safe spots. Aside from lessening your cat’s anxiety, this practice will also prevent your dog from acquiring parasites. Baby gates are great for separating them as well.

Avoid rough play by tiring out your energetic dogs. Long walks are recommended but if you’re too busy to do it yourself then hiring a dog walker or placing them in doggy daycare are great alternatives.

Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help

For pet owners who need expert advice, communicating with your veterinarian or animal behaviorist is suggested. This way, the meeting of these two will be more smooth sailing. Animal Behaviour Australia can help you with your pet's behaviour or to prevent behavioural issues from emerging in the future.