Raising A Kitten And A Puppy Together

Cats and dogs are the most popular pets worldwide. However, while most people choose one or the other, many families decide to adopt both.

Adopting a young kitten and a young puppy simultaneously is the easiest way to form a friendship since both can quickly adapt to new situations and are very open to new experiences.

Are you looking for ways to raise a puppy and a kitten on friendly terms? Consider some of the major things when you want these two animals to become friends.

1. First impressions matter

The first introduction is critical, as it sets the tone for the remainder of the relationship. Since this is such a critical moment, you would be wise to plan.

• Catpointers.com mentions that it’s a good idea to let unacquainted pets sniff each other’s belongings beforehand, as the scent helps to build a sense of familiarity.
• As for the actual introduction, be sure to pick a point in time where both the kitten and the puppy are in a relaxed state of mind. Any form of stress will reduce their openness to making new connections. Tip: Cuddles work great to reduce stress and make things more positive.
• For the actual meeting, choose a location in your house that both animals are already familiar with. Another important thing is to ensure multiple escape routes when things get too heated. You don’t want either animal to feel trapped in an uncomfortable situation.
• Cats and dogs are both very fond of tasty treats. This simple fact can be leveraged to create some common ground during the first introduction. Have a delicious snack on hand that both animals will enjoy. Doing so will encourage positive associations and make the first introduction a memorable one for both. But do make sure that each gets their treats; you don’t want your newly acquainted pets to start things off with a fight over resources!

2. A haven

Kittens (and adult cats) are spooked easily, so an energized puppy running around the house will invariably cause some jump scares.

Scared cats need a safe place to retreat and calm their emotions, and the perfect way to provide such a place is by introducing some verticality.

Consider placing a scratch tree in your house. Then, when things get a little too hectic, your kitten will be able to retreat to the upper floors where they can safely calm down.

Besides the fact that the upper floor of a cat tree is a place safe from roaming puppies, it also provides an excellent vantage point for your kitten to survey their surroundings.

3. Trimmed nails

Raising a kitten and a puppy together always results in a busy household full of laughter and fun. But sharp claws can turn even the most innocent interactions into a horror show. Unfortunately, cats and dogs have enough strength in their paws to inflict lasting damage with a quick swipe, which you’ll want to avoid at all costs. The solution? Invest in a good nail trimmer, and keep those nails short!

4. Be patient

A friendship is rarely forged in a day or even a week. Both animals will likely need time to adjust to their new family situation and get to know each other after moving into a new home, so try not to be too disappointed if things don’t start off on super friendly terms right away; you may find that trust is slowly gained over a period of weeks or even months.

If you want to expedite this process, try to actively arrange games with the family that both animals can participate in. Shared games encourage animal bonding and positive associations!

5. Avoid feelings of jealousy

Animals experience emotions as humans do, and jealousy is a common cause of resentment among animals that you’ll want to avoid as much as possible. If one pet feels like the other is getting preferential treatment, then that can easily lead to animosity between both. This applies to treats, cuddles, and everything else that constitutes a positive reward.

By feeding and rewarding all your pets simultaneously, you can avoid having one harbor resentment or feeling left out.

Tip: Most dogs will literally eat anything in sight, so be sure to keep an eye on your kitten’s food bowl to ensure it is not being plundered.

6. Toys

The same concept applies to toys. Shared toys are a common source of problems in multi-pet families. You can easily avoid these problems by ensuring that both your puppy and your kitten have their own toys to play with. Doing so will minimize the chances of fights over who gets to play with what.

7. Do not tolerate disrespect

As kittens and puppies grow up, they will inevitably start to push some boundaries to find their place in the family hierarchy. This is nothing to be concerned about, but if things escalate into violence, that can seriously impact the bond that your pets share.

It is important that you can distinguish real aggression from playtime. Animals playing a game of hide-and-seek may chase each other for good fun, but a cat being chased into a corner with a tucked tail is under significant duress and probably wants you to intervene.

Under no circumstances should an animal be permitted to chase, frighten, or harm the other – or vice versa.

Being well-versed in dogs’ body language will help you recognize the difference between playtime and actual aggression.

Final words

Who said cats and dogs couldn’t get along? Successfully raising a puppy and a kitten together is very possible, and in fact, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever get as a pet owner.

As long as you stay mindful of proper introductions and keep feelings of jealousy and aggression in check, you will see a beautiful friendship unfold.