Desperately needing advice!

Hi Everyone,

I am a newbie to this site and to the care of cats as well - I am hoping I will be able to get some advice on my current predicament!

We received a 7 week old female kitten last night from friends who's cat had a litter of 4. We were originally due to receive her in 2 weeks time, but due to our acquaintance's circumstances we had to bring it forward. We already have an 8 month old pup.

Bringing the kitten home at such short notice meant that we hadn't properly prepared for her arrival - our little pup is not coping very well with her being with us, she paces the house at night and everytime she hears any noises from kitten's room, she starts whining and howling. Kitten is currently too small to be left roaming the house with pup around even when we are home, as our pup is fascinated with her and even though she only wants to give it lots of licks, she still doesn't fathom the small size of the kitten and the potential for hurting her accidentally.

I am an animal lover, however my partner is more of a dog-person - he has been really good with the kitten since we got her and has no qualms with her staying, but the dog tried to bite her several times and has not been coping with the 'competition'. I feel utterly awful about it because the possibility of handing her back to her original owners is looking like the only option, as I don't think that we will be able to successfully integrate her into our household with a young pup.

I need some ethical advice as to what this may mean for the kitten - as I write this post she has only been with us for 1 day and a bit, but I still worry that handing her back to her parents would be unethical and cruel. Plus I don't know if I'm jumping to negative conclusions by thinking that the arrangement won't work, but it's already having colossal impacts on the household environment.

Any advice or similar stories anyone can share would be most appreciated.. Thank you guys!

Cheers,
Newbie

Dear Newbie,

No way would I return her to a questionable environment. Is there any way you could rehome the dog instead?

I have no expirience in this matter, but have had several friends with both dogs and cats. I also am an avid fan of The Dog Whisperer. I believe that with two animals so young, it should be possible to successfully integrate them. You have done the right thing by confining the kitten unless supervised. Try focusing your attention on training your puppy. Look at things from his perspective. Overnight without warning his whole world has been altered. Of course he needs time to adjust. Try looking at some books that deal with your issues and I'm sure you will also find great advice here. You might try posting this in the cats and other animals section. Good Luck.

I've done it just the opposite- added the dog to a houseful of cats who weren't thrilled about it. Everything I have read says just to take it slow, and since they are both so young, they will probably adjust just fine.

I guess we actually did add a kitten at one point, though she is long since adopted out. We had a foster kitten who came to us at 3 weeks (not long after we got our then 1 year old "new" dog) and by 3 months, they were playing together (even though our dog is a 58 lb Boxer!). For the first few months, our dog could sniff and investigate the kitten, and she (the dog) let her bat her ears and chew on her face, and it progressed from there. Just make sure your puppy knows that any ugliness will result in separation from the kitten and you (we used the spare bath for a short time out for our dog) and don't let the kitten abuse the puppy either, so there isn't "resentment" there. Good luck ! I think you will find it will probably work out after a spell .


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View from under the front end of the rocking horse:

Hello and a warm welcome to you !

I can full appreciate your concerns & worries. As you have mentioned you have only had this kitten for a very short time, so it is too soon to make any decisions as yet. As described above things do take time and it is a slow process that you have to all be wiling to commit to.

Its strange for everyone concerned - even you & your partner - I remember when I 1st got a puppy and I already had 2 cats, I thought I had made a bad decision and our lives were gonna be hell. But over time things settled.

Keep the kitten seperated, but slowly introduce the puppy, maybe only 10-15mins at a time with you monitoring the situation at all times. If the puppy gets over zealous - which will happen - do not scould, just gentle remove from the situation. Get the kitten used to the puppys scent by swapping blankets/towels that they use, all these little things help to bring the two together over time

Good luck at keep us posted

Any updates? I think it will work out if you give them both time...they're just babies.

Hola y bienvenido a TCS!..
(Translate: Hi and Welcome to TCS!!!... ..)

See you on the forums!

Hi there

we're so happy to welcome you and your lovely furfamily to TCS. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay with us - we're one great big family and you'll find loads of friends here. If I can help at all while you're finding your way around TCS just click on my username and send me a Personal Message - I'll do what I can to answer your questions

This is still a new situation for both animals, give them time and they will come around - just be prepared to take it slowly. Introducing an existing pet to a newcomer can be a fraught business, but it settles down in no time with just a bit of patience on our part.

Hello and welcome to TCS. I agree with other here to say give it more time...It may take weeks for the 2 to get comfortable with each other. I am sure the kitten is very "stressed" from leaving mommy and siblings..Be patient and calm, and give it time.

Hi welcome to TCS!