Having both a puppy and a kitty can be an adorable combination. But would they actually work well together in a home? Before you decide to get both, it's important to ensure they will have a harmonious home life. Today, our Turlock vets share some tips on how to make sure that your puppy and kitten get along.
Raising a Puppy & Kitten Together
If you plan to raise a puppy and a kitten together, you can follow some of the below strategies to introduce them and help them coexist peacefully.
Introduce Them Slowly
Introducing your puppy and kitten early on is a good way to help them get accustomed to each other. How you introduce them matters too.
When you first introduce your kitten and puppy, ensure that they can see each other but also have their own separate spaces. A good way to start is by placing them in adjacent rooms with a baby gate in between.
Expect some excitement when you introduce your pets this way. It's normal if your kitten hisses and spits at your dog as they establish boundaries with a new companion.
These initial introductions aim to observe 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 sign that they can live together 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!
It's essential to teach your dog basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "no," and "leave it" to prevent any rough behavior towards the kitten. If your puppy becomes overly excited and starts stalking or chasing the kitten, these commands can be vital in redirecting their attention and teaching them appropriate boundaries.
Best Dog Breeds to Raise with a Cat
It's crucial to consider the breed of dog you choose before bringing home your adorable puppy to ensure it will be successful with a kitten.
The breed and temperament of your puppy, rather than your kitten, will play a significant role in how well they can coexist. Dogs naturally have a hunting instinct, which is evident in their play behavior when they are chasing balls or tugging on ropes.
Certain dog breeds have a stronger hunting instinct, also known as "prey drive." This instinct can potentially cause issues with your dog's behavior. Even if your puppy initially gets along with your cat, as your dog grows larger, if they belong to a breed with a highly developed hunting instinct, they may perceive 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 raising them alongside your kitten because of their high prey drive. Spaniels, retrievers, bulldogs, Keeshonds, poodles, and Lhasa apsos are usually good with kittens.
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.
Are They a Good Match?
Puppies and kittens are generally a good match for several different reasons, including:
- They're able to keep each other company - Your pet misses you when you leave the house. Having a puppy and kitten at home together can give each pet someone to spend time with during those hours and days when they would otherwise be alone.
- They will groom each other - Puppies and kittens who live in close quarters will start to clean each other. This will help each pet maintain personal hygiene.
- They'll sleep together and comfort each other - Sleeping in a new place can be scary for any animal. However, a puppy and kitten around the same age can cuddle up when they want to sleep. Plus, think of the photo opportunities that your puppy and kitten sleeping together will bring!
- They can be the other's best buddies outdoors - While kittens do not always venture outdoors, they may be another friend for your puppy to play with as your young dog is learning to go outside. You may decide to put both your puppy and kitten on a leash and take them outside for playtime.
- You can teach them each the same house rules - Just as you are teaching your dog not to jump on furniture or to stay out of certain rooms, your cat can be taught the same rules. This will also make it easier on your puppy, as they will not be subjected to one set of rules while the kitten follows another.
- They can learn to potty train together - Raising a puppy and kitten at the same time also means you can potty train them together. They'll be able to learn from each other as they make their way through the process.
Can a Puppy & Kitten Become Best Friends?
One benefit of raising a puppy and a kitten together is that they will most likely be the best of friends for life. Since they are growing up together, they are there for each other. Having each other also helps especially if your cat or puppy has anxiety or attachment insecurities.
Puppy & Kitten Veterinary Care in Turlock
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 vets at Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital are here to help.
Along with performing first and annual physical exams and administering vaccinations, we can provide advice and guidance on how to keep your furry friends happy and healthy. When you bring your puppy or kitten in 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. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.