I've never really had any issues in adding animals to my household...however, before I tried, I did do some reading. Some of the suggestions are: make sure that your kitten can get away from the dog...i.e. a high spot she can climb to to get away. You might want to isolate them if you have to leave the house, so nothing bad happens while you are away. While the introductions are happening, you should give the dog lots of treats or rewards whenever the kitten comes close to her, so she associates the kitten with good things...you can also share scent, by placing a blanket with the dog's smell on it under the cat dishes, and a blanket or towel with the cat's smell on it under the dog dishes. That way, (the theory goes) the cat or dog will associate the smell of the other one with good things...i.e. food! But the biggest thing of all is to supervise, supervise, supervise! Lots of treats, and lots of your shared attention will set up a situation where they not only tolerate the others' presence, but come to think of it as a good thing. Best of Luck...I believe that given your support it will work out! I've been lucky enough to have a number of cats/dogs share our home with nothing more than a few introductory squabbles. |