New kitten advice

[Ellie2105]

We picked up our new kitten yesterday, she’s 9 weeks old. So far so good, she’s obviously been well handled because she’s happy for us to pick her up and she’s been sitting in our laps. She’s eating and drinking fine and used the litter tray overnight.

We’ve got a playpen which she stayed in last night and she was great, didn’t hear a peep from her overnight. During the day she’ll be confined to the lounge for now (we have a dog). Do you think it’s ok to put her in the playpen during the day for an hour if we pop out? She’s got litter tray, water, toys etc in there.

also any advice re introducing her to the dog would be appreciated. Thank you!

Congratulations! Is this a rescue kitty, and has she been seen by the vet? Her eyes look a bit sore so I'd want to get her checked out asap.

Playpen for an hour would be ok although if she's got the run of the lounge not sure she'd need it? Cats generally like to hide or get higher up, which I'm not sure a playpen would help with.

She's lovely!

What a lovely kitten! Is your dog used to cats, and what type of dog is it? I've only ever introduced a puppy to resident adult cats, so my advice is limited but slow and supervised is the way to go, always restrain the dog in case it tries to chase the kitten.

Start by scent swopping their beds, let them see each from a distance, feed them either side of a door that’s open an inch, then bring dog into room with kitten in play pen on lead and see how you go from there… Slow instructions generally works best but v much depends on both their personalities.
My lot all are so used to new creatures appearing that I can literally walk in with the carrier and they all come to say hello.
Watch how you are acting when introducing- your dog esp will take its lead from your energy, so calm and it’s nothing to worry attitude helps a lot.

Please don't confine your kitten to a playpen - there is no need. Ensure your lounge is safe and secure and just confine her to that until she and the dog are used to each other.
What kind of dog is it?

Thanks for your replies everyone.
Our dog is a mini schnauzer, he’s 10 years old and generally very well behaved. He isn’t used to being around cats. I think I’ll start by taking him into the lounge on the lead and see how they both react.

The kitten has come from a home with a dog so hopefully she won’t be too nervous.
Tomorrow I’ll be out at work all day, my husband WFH so he will be able to go in and check on her every hour or so and my mum is coming in the morning to play with her for an hour.
I’ll feel guilty though because she cries when there’s no on in the room with her!

@Helpmedress3
I can see what you mean about her eyes from that picture but in real life they look ok. She hasn’t seen a vet yet but I’m going to ring them tomorrow to get her registered and book an appointment for a check up.

This is a better picture of her.

If she hasn’t seen a vet yet then I wouldn’t introduce the dog until she is checked over just to be sure. She is lovely

I wouldn't put the litter tray and food in the pen together.. cats don't like to toilet next to food.

All the kittens we've ever brought home have had free roam of their own room while we're out or overnight. There's no need to confine them anymore than that.

Ours have always slept or just played alone when left, though, we've never had one that cried when left. Could she stay in the room with your DH or is that where the dog stays?

Any reason you only got 1? Always had pairs... Some rescues will only rehome 2 together.

If the playpen is only small then I'd let kitten have the run of the lounge. Maybe block off any small spaces under the sofa or behind the TV so she can't get stuck. Does she have a scratching post and/or cat tree? Highly recommend one if not.

When introducing the dog, lots of treats & praise so he associates her presence with good things happening.

I can also recommend this toy. TempCat loves it and he's nearly 4 years old! It keeps him occupied for a while when I'm out or working from home. The rechargeable battery doesn't last terribly long but the thing does stop if they stop playing with it and will 'wake up' when touched/pounced on again.

Interactive Cat Toy