Could my kitten scratch my dog's eye?

momotyler

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Hi guys,

My name is Morgan and I recently became a first time cat owner. I have a chihuahua/rat terrier mix as well and I was worried about how she would react to a cat, but they get along better than I had hoped. Bella (my dog) will follow my kitten Mew around licking her and tries to play with her all the time, and the kitten likes playing with her as well. I'm happy that they get along and that Bella wants to play with the kitten, but when they play Bella will stick her whole face right into Mew's tummy and Mew will play-claw at her face. Mew is only 8 weeks now so I know it's not a problem at the moment, but Bella is such a small dog that I'm worried that Mew could accidently poke her in the eye when she's older and her claws are a lot stronger. I don't want to discourage them from playing with each other, but at the same time I'm worried about Bella getting hurt. Should I try to stop this now or am I worrying over nothing? 
 

NewYork1303

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My friend's kitten (now six months old), plays often with the two basset hounds that she has. The kitten often uses claws and has never hurt the dog or at least not seriously. The dogs stop playing if the kitten gets too rough, teaching him to play nice if he wants to keep playing.

If your kitten is an indoor cat, you can try clipping her nails or using nail caps to keep your dog safe for sure. Every cat I've known has learned to play with claws in as they get older. This is why cats don't hurt each other when they play. 

Here's an article about regular claw clipping:
[article="29669"]How To Best Take Care Of Cat Claws  [/article]
Clipping a cats nails can be very beneficial in general since it can keep their nails from snagging on carpet, furniture, and toys.
 
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momotyler

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Ah ok, I''ve already started clipping her nails but I wasn't sure if that would be enough. I guess I'll just let the kitten learn to play nice in her own. Thank you for the advice!
 

kittycort

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I love that you named your cat Mew! Cute! And congrats!

If Mew is really going at it during play time and is in Bellas face, I think I would be a little worried too about an accidental scratch. ANail caps might be a good idea because if the eye gets bumped, it shouldnt do damage that way. Also, its great they get along so well....but maybe try detering her from Bellas face? Use toys to encourage them to play together but safer.
 

christfawk

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Its shouldn't be a issue if she learns proper claw control and you keep up in her regular nail trimmings, I've always had dogs and cats and I've never had an accidental injury yet. (My dog did sustain a recent eye injury, but I saw the wound with a flourisine stain and there is no way it was a cat scratch) My parents have a small chi mix too as well as two cats and its always been smooth sailing. I wouldn't be terribly concerned as long as they get a long well. When I worked in a vet's office, we did have a case where a Himalayan  whacked her French Bulldog sibling right in the eye, but the cat also outright hated to dog.

I know someone also suggested nail caps, I'm not entirely sure how those work, I've never needed them, but if it would put your fears to rest give it a try. Just please don't declaw her under any circumstances.
 
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