Kitten and dog?

I have posted on this site quite a bit lately, I got a kitten (Marlee) two weeks ago from a shelter. Shes about 11 weeks old. She was having some trouble, but is doing very well now. My parents are coming to visit on Sunday (I'm living in a different town, attending college and have an apartment where I can't have dogs) and are bringing my dog Maggie to stay with me for a week or so while they go out of town. Maggie is a great dog, a Lhasa Apso about to turn 3. She is very happy and easy to please, and loves everyone, including other dogs, cats, etc. My problem is that this is the first time Marlee and Maggie will be meeting. I thought it would go okay, considering Marlee was around dogs in the shelter. But I have a friend with a very calm dog, who I thought would be a good "practice meet". Marlee DID NOT seem to like it. She hissed and growled, but didn't try to run away. So I need some tips to make it easier for Baby Marlee. If it absolutely won't work, my parents said they'll find somewhere else for her to stay. But I'd like to let them get to know eachother, b/c when I graduate and get a house, they will be living together permanantly. Any help?

when i brought PB home to my dogs (2 German Shepherds, and a 9 pound Chinese Crested hairless dog) PB hissed and swatted at the dogs. Calista, my chinese crested hairless dog grew up with cats, as her breeder bred persians as well, So she was happy to have a kitty in the house. SHe loves kitties. The GSDs were intrigued that this little package (PB) could be soo mean. PB finally stopped hissing at the big dogs about a week later. They all sleep together at nites. and during the day PB and Calista curl up together on our bed. It takes some time-- Marlee will probably hiss and all, just dont let Maggie chase or aggravate Marlee. I would suggest keeping Maggie on a leash for the first few hours or gating her off in the bathroom or something. I had to keep my shepherds on a leash at first with PB. They could have done some serious damage to PB.

good luck with the intros!

Thanks for the advice. The gate will be a good thing, b/c I always keep a baby gate around when I babysit, incase she misbehaves or will have to be alone for a little longer than usual. I can definately try that, so Marlee can climb the gate if she wants, but Maggie won't be able to. It will be an interesting thing...I'll post back after it happens!

From my experience, having 4 dogs and 6 cats, kittys can defend themselves pretty well. I have herding dogs that are no match for my kits. Good luck.

dicknleah

From my experience, having 4 dogs and 6 cats, kittys can defend themselves pretty well. I have herding dogs that are no match for my kits. Good luck.

Click to expand...

Yes, hehe, If anything I'm more worried about Marlee scratching Maggie (the dog) b/c Maggie is very friendly and will want to play. Thats where I'm hoping the gate will come in handy! I also just don't want Marlee to get stressed out, b/c she is just now getting settled here with me and I don't want to start any new problems.


Hissy - Thanks for the link, I'm on my way there to read it right now.

Thanks again everyone!

Just wanted to give an update! Maggie arrived today and things are going SO well! I was afraid Marlee would be upset, but she hasn't hissed or growled at all! I did a trial run with a friends dog a few days ago, and it worried me b/c Marlee hissed, growled, and made all her hair stand up! But things are going very well with Maggie. I dont know if the trial meet with another dog helped, or what. Of course since Maggie is a Lhasa Apso, she is very cat like. She is fairly small, with silky hair like most cats, and has many cat mannerisms. Maybe this helped? I've been keeping Maggie harness on, and we are all in my bedroom, so I can keep an eye on them. Marlee is even letting Maggie groom her! (while I hold maggie's harness incase Marlee gets uncomfortable). Hopefully thigns will continue well!