Introducing dogs to a kitten

Mr. Manager

So me and the missus have been harping on about getting a 3rd dog but at the last minute decided to go with a kitten instead.

For the record, I know nothing about cats. Me and the missus know a lot about dogs (her knowledge exceeding mine) but with cats, not so much. She's an animal lover through and through so knows the basics.

At the moment, the kitten is in our room away from the other 2, sleeping. The dogs were so anxious about the kitten and we figured we'd leave it be alone to settle a bit. Last thing I'm sure it wants is to be hassled by a Newfoundland who's poos are probably bigger

Any advice on a gettin them introduced/socialised would be great!

I'll post pics tomorrow!

Macronelf

With my dog we just held the kitten in my arm and let the dog approach. Obviously didn't let her get too excited or anything, she just sniffed her.

Another thing I did was give her treats while the kitten was in the same room. As long as she didn't act aggressive towards the kitten she got a treat. As long as they know it's part of the family they'll be grand

ABajaninCork

I did it the other way round. I introduced my puppy to my elderly cat. We fed the cat upstairs in the back room to allow him some space whilst the puppy was making himself at home. After about 3 days, when the cat saw that the furry interloper was here to stay, he decided to make the dog's acquaintance, and let him know who was boss fairly quick!

Worked quite well. I wouldn't say they were best mates for the remainder of the cat's life, but they would often sunbathe together in the garden and eat out of each other's bowls.

It'll take time, but it'll work OP. Just keep an eye on the cat in case he decides to swipe the dog and might catch his eyes or something. I'd also set aside a quiet spot for the cat so he has somewhere to hide if it gets a bit much for him.

Good luck with the kitty!

jiblady

:)I have three dogs, but to be fair they are penned outside. I introduced the kitten by holding him in my arms and introuced dogs one at a time - just sniffing at first. They got used to each other very quickly and mostly ignore each other two years on, with the exception of one of my dogs who would love the cat as a playmate. Cat not quite so willing!!!!

Mr. Manager

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The kitten has been sleeping and hanging out in our room. Popped out today to pick up scratching posts and other toys.

Introduced both dogs to him today. Brought one in at a time for a few minutes, they were pretty excited and I could feel the kittens heart race a little faster when the dog came in so we cut the time short.. Hopefully after a few days they'll realise that the cat is here to stay for good!

Settled on a name today too - Jin

ABajaninCork

Welcome Jin! I have no doubt the canines will soon recognise their place in the home, and know that you are the CAT and therefore the BOSS!!!

mymo

Pick the calmer of the two dogs to start with, take a dog blanket or something that smells of dogs and rub kitten with it.
Let dogs smell kitten bedding too, keep up the swapping bedding for a few days, do you have a dog crate? I use mine to put kittens in, add a box to hide in and put it in livingroom and let dogs smell them for few mins, no excessive excitement, maybe give them a chew toy or call them over and give rubs, go over occasionally to kittens and say hi through cage.
Keep this up for a few days, it works best in evening after dogs have been walked, they tend to be calmer. next step is to allow calmer dog to meet kitten, do it in a neutral place, bathroom is good, make sure kitten has escape place and keep dog on lead. sit on floor, get dog to sit and wait for kitten to approach, keep dog as calm as possible.
Gradually build up time spent with kitten from couple of mins to ten or so, over a week, try other dog when kitten is getting comfy with first dog.
after a week or so if you are confident with dogs behaviour hold them on leads and one of you sit with kitten on lap, let dogs approach and have a sniff.
keep this up until dogs are relaxed and won't chase if kitten moves.
It shouldn't take more than about two weeks, but never leave them alone together until kitten is almost full grown, remember kitten is tiny and can be easily hurt by a dog that wants to play.
My two like to bounce my cats and tried it with kittens we rescued at 4 weeks, so had to be very careful for few weeks, but by the time the kittens went to their new home they were all playing together happily.
Just take it slow, and give them all space of their own.

Ziegfeldgirl27

When I introduced my kitten to my dog, I couldn't stop them from growling, barking and hissing at each other! Then after a few days the cat started to wrestle with the dog and the dog thought this was a brilliant game. I eventually moved the kittens crate into the dogs room at night for a week or so before removing the crate and they both sleep together!
They are inseparable right now, they play, eat and sleep together! The dog is now 11 and the cat is 3.