Isn't it true that if one puppy or kitten is adorable, two must be even more so? While puppies and kittens look adorable together in photos and can keep each other company, there are some things that any pet owner should keep in mind when raising a puppy and kitten in the same house. Our Denver vets explain what they are in this video.
If a puppy or kitten is adorable, then when you take the two of them together they must be just as cute and sweet, right? While this certainly can be the case, raising a puppy and kitten in the same home as one isn't always so simple.
While these creatures can often become fast friends and keep each other company when raised together, there will be some growing pains. It's also possible, albeit unlikely, that an adult dog will mistake a cat for prey. Our Downtown Animal Care Center team explains how to avoid this by preparing your puppy and kitten for a successful and long-lasting relationship.
What are the best dog breeds to raise with a cat?
While there are a number of practices you can implement when introducing your two young pets to one another, one of the most surefire ways of setting your puppy and kitten up for success actually comes before your adorable puppy even comes into your life.
More than your kitten's temperament, the breed and temperament of your puppy will determine how successful raising the two together will be in the long run. All dogs have an instinctive desire to hunt; in fact, much of their play involves simulating some aspect of hunting, such as chasing down a ball (small animals) or tugging on a rope (dividing up a catch). Even squeakers in some toys pique your puppy's interest because they imitate the sounds of dying prey (yikes!).
This hunting instinct, or "prey drive," is much stronger in some breeds of dog than others, though. And the prey drive is where you may run into issues with your dog's behavior right off the bat. As your dog grows to be larger than your cat, even if they get along swimmingly, if your pup is of a breed with a highly-tuned hunting instinct, they may have those instincts take over and seriously chance your cat like prey.
Dogs like Shiba Inus, Huskies, Terriers, Beagles, Dobermans, Malamutes, and Cattle Dogs all have notoriously high prey drives and, if your puppy is one of or mixed with these breeds, you will likely have to be very mindful of their prey drive when rising them with your kitten.
How do I raise a puppy and kitten together?
If you want to raise a puppy and kitten together, you should be careful about the breed of dog you get. There are a few strategies you can use to introduce your two pets to one another and set them up for success and a lifetime of friendship!
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, the way you introduce them is important too!
When first introducing your kitten and puppy to one another, make sure they can see one another, but each has its own personal space too. Setting them up in connected rooms with a baby gate between them can be an excellent start.
Expect some excitement when introducing your two pets in this manner. If your kitten hisses and spits at your dog, don't be alarmed; they're simply asserting their boundaries to a new, and possibly scary, creature. Positive reactions, or even apathy, are the goal of these first few introductions. If your puppy and kitten are content to do their own thing while in sight of each other, it's a good sign that they'll be able to live together safely and comfortably.
Dedicate Time To Training Your Pup
Working on your puppy's obedience is always important, but it is even more important than usual when they are being raised with a kitten!
It is critical to ensure that your dog understands commands such as Sit, Stay, Stop, and Leave It. However, if your puppy is becoming too physical with your kitten, becoming overly excited around them, or stalking or chasing them, these commands can help snap your puppy out of it and teach them what is and isn't acceptable when it comes to your cat.
Managing Your Pet's Time Together
The last thing to keep in mind when raising a puppy and kitten together is how closely you need to manage and monitor their time together. You will be able to assess this as you watch their relationship develop, but depending on your puppy and kitten's individual temperaments, you may want to do any of the following:
- 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 times 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.
- Set aside safe areas in your home for each pet to spend time alone if they so desire. This may entail teaching each of your pets to respect each other's space, purchasing a crate for your puppy, or dedicating the upstairs or basement to one of your pets.