Are two pets better than one?
If one puppy or kitten is adorable, then welcoming two of them must make the homecoming even cuter and sweeter, right? Though this can certainly be true, raising a puppy and kitten in the same home isn't always a simple prospect.
While these animals can quickly bond and provide companionship when raised together, they may still encounter some initial challenges. Additionally, there's a sad risk that an adult dog may see a cat as prey. In this post, our vets will explain how to avoid this by preparing your puppy and kitten for success and a long, happy life together from the day they arrive home.
What are the best dog breeds to raise with a cat?
Though there are several practices you can implement when introducing your two young pets to each other, one way you can set your puppy and kitten up for a successful life together is to consider the breed and temperament of the puppy before starting to look for one.
This is because your puppy's breed and temperament will have more of an influence on how successful the relationship between your puppy and kitten will be, than the kitten's temperament. All dogs possess a natural hunting instinct that's often reflected in their play, such as tugging on a rope or chasing a ball. Some puppies find it fun to play with dog toys that have squeakers because the squeaking sounds resemble those of injured or dying prey.
This hunting instinct differs among breeds. If your puppy is of a breed that has a strong prey drive, you may notice behavioral issues from the beginning. Even if your dog and cat initially get along well, a dog's strong hunting instincts can become more apparent as he grows, causing it to chase the cat as if it were prey.
Breeds including beagles, dobermans, malamutes, cattle dogs, terriers, huskies, and Shiba Inus all have notoriously high prey drives and, if your puppy is one of or mixed with those breeds, you'll likely need to monitor their prey drive very closely when raising them with your kitten.
How do I raise a puppy and kitten together?
In addition to being cautious about the breed of dog you choose, there are many strategies you can employ to introduce your two pets to one another, if you intend to raise a puppy and kitten together. These tips can help you set them up for success, reduce the risk of the two competing for your attention, and ensure they feel secure enough to enjoy each other's companionship.
Introduce Them Slowly
While introducing your puppy and kitten early in their lives is a great start to helping them get used to one another, how you introduce them is important too!
When introducing your kitten and puppy to one another, make sure they can see one another, but each has their personal space too. Setting them up in connected rooms with a baby gate between them can be an excellent start.
Expect lively interactions when introducing your pets. If your kitten hisses and spits at the dog, it's just setting boundaries with the unfamiliar, potentially intimidating, animal. These first meetings aim to encourage positive responses or even indifference. If your puppy and kitten are relaxed and engage in their activities near each other, they will likely get along safely and comfortably. Once your pets are comfortable with each other, your puppy and kitten will be sleeping together peacefully and playing in no time.
Dedicate Time To Training Your Pup
Working on your puppy's obedience is always important, but it is even more important than usual when being raised with a kitten!
It is important to ensure your dog understands commands such as Sit, Stay, Stop, and Leave. However, if your puppy becomes too physical with your kitten, becomes overly excited in their presence, or begins to stalk or chase them, these commands can be critical in snapping your puppy out of it and teaching them what is and isn't acceptable when it comes to your cat.
Managing Your Pet's Time Together
Another thing to consider when raising a puppy and kitten is how closely you must manage and monitor their time together. You'll be able to tell as you watch their relationship develop, but depending on your puppy and kitten's personalities, you might want to try any of the following:
- 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.
- Avoid having your dog and cat in the house alone together. You can crate your dog when you need to leave the house for a long or close off part of your home with one of them in it to avoid confrontations.
- Avoid having your puppy and kitten eat at the same time or in the same place. Some dogs are very protective of their food and may get confrontational with your kitten, even if the kitty was only sniffing the interesting food their sibling is eating.
Veterinary Care for Puppies & Kittens in Leighton
Soon after you bring your puppy and kitten home for the first time, they'll need to visit a veterinarian to have their first physical exam and vaccinations. During this initial visit, your vet will check both of your young four-legged friends for any health issues or parasitic infections, and implement a vaccine schedule based on each pet's specific needs.
Our vets are here to guide you and offer any advice you'll need as your puppy and kitten develop. Please do not hesitate to call our animal or book a consultation if you have questions about your pets' health and development, when they should be spayed or neutered, or other topics.
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.