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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

How do you introduce a kitten to a dog?

3 replies

MeerkatMerkin · 27/04/2013 10:36

We managed to take home a kitten yesterday (7 weeks old). At the moment he is understandably a bit nervous and spitting at the dog when it comes near. The dog is very gentle and has just tried to have a tentative sniff. Is there anything I should be doing to make the initial meetings a bit easier for the kitten? He was with a dog and a 2yo (I also have a 2yo) before he came to us so isn't too bothered by my DS but I didn't expect him to be so nervous of the dog. Any tips greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Tullahulla · 27/04/2013 21:02

I wouldn't be too worried, your animals will either get on or completely ignore each other. My cat completely ignores the dogs, although it wasn't for want of trying on the old dogs part, whenever he saw her outside he would grab his ball and chase after her to play, then sat crying for a half hour when she ran up over the fence.

He gave up with her after about 2 years.

MeerkatMerkin · 28/04/2013 00:04

Oh bless! It's early days and the cat is still lashing out but the dog isn't reacting/bothered - she's a staffy so basically a bit wet, she seems to forget the cat is scared of her and keeps going in for another bum sniff 10 minutes after he has batted her away!

Both sleeping peacefully on the sofa with me at the moment. Think this will be my bed for a while!

OP posts:
ginauk84 · 30/04/2013 12:51

We had our kitten in a big dog cage in the lounge when the dog was in so that they could get used to each other yet still feel safe still being in their own area. I was worried mainly with my hubby's German shepherd as she's a big dog and I didn't want her to hurt him. Seemed to work well and when they were relaxed I would let the kitten out and just have the dog lie on her bed so the kitten could approach when he felt ready.

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