I have a 11/2 year old bichon and am getting ready to adopt a kitten. How would you suggest to introduce them

Question

The little bichon is quite active.

Answer 1

We have two bichons and a border collie. Dogs are territorial by breeding and by nature, some more than others. This has worked well for us with our pack and numerous overnight critter guests. Introduce them to each other in an area neutral to both, perhaps a friends or parents yard or house. Keep both of them leashed and let them smell and check each other out, give each a treat as a reward if behavior is acceptable. If all goes well after a few minutes the three of you should go into a room with all doors closed and let them off their leashes. Let them check out and play with each other, have some cat and dog toys available initiate play as necessary. Play with them and let them settle in. If after 15 minutes (at a minimum) all is well, put them in their individual crates and take them home. Our bichon was two when he got his first sister, he needed extra love to ensure his sense of security and place. Little thing like petting and feeding the bichon first will go a long way to its well being. Have a crate or safe zone for each, that way if the other is driving them nuts they can take a break. I am not sure if the kittens gender will matter. If your not going to breed, neuter as soon as vet recommends. Good Luck

Answer 2

Prepare in advance a room for the new kitten; make sure there are food and water as well as a sand box.
When you bring the kitten put him straight in the room. You should leave him there for about two weeks, make sure to go in everyday to play with him.
Each time you leave the room let your cat smell you.
Another thing to do: take two towels rub one on the new kitten and put it under the bowels of the older cat and visa versa.
Re-rub the towels every couple of day.

After two weeks put the kitten in a carrier and take him to the living room let your cat see him and smell him they may both hiss do that for 10 minutes each day add 10 more minutes do that for about two weeks or for when they will stop hissing at each other what ever comes first. To make them feel more at ease give them both cat treats and some cat canned food.

After two weeks let the kitten go free while your at home keep a close eye of them make sure the older one isn’t trying to hurt the new. Once you’re sure the old one won’t hard the new one let the kitten run free.
It will take some more time they might not end up being goof friends.

Answer 3

The way I did it was when I brought my kitten home to introduce it to my dog (a shepherd/chow mix-BIG DOG) was I made my dog lie down and I put the kitten in front of him. While I petted him and talked to him I let the kitten explore him. He was an outside dog so I let him in every chance I got so my kitten could interact with him. It worked great. Since you have a smaller dog, you may need to keep a close eye on both of them maybe even putting up a gate between them or putting the kitten in a carrier and just letting the kitten out occasionally to eat or use the litter box. It shouldn't take too long for them to become buddies. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

The way that I introduced my animals was to put the dogs behind a gate and let the new kitten go up to the dogs when he was ready. This way there was no chance that the dogs would ruff house until the kitten was ready. It was good for both sides.

Answer 5

Approach is the key. Introduce them at your dog's level. First pet the dog and then the kitten and keep talking softly to the dog and the kitten. By petting your dog first and then the kitten, it is to signify to the dog that he or she was there first. Allow the dog to sniff the kitten and look at the kitten. Explain softly that this kitten is going to be a part of the family. Allow them to interact with each other while you are present. Don't let the dog bark at it or chase the kitten. Continue to be present when they interact with each other. Continue to play with the dog so he or she won't feel abandoned by you.

Good luck and I hope your animals can get along together. Animals are wonderful friends and companions to us humans who love them so much!

Answer 6

you shoud let them bond naturally but a suggestion is to keep the bichon is it's cage while you let the kitten run free. this way, the bichon can't hurt the kitten. eventually, te kitten will be able to escape to greater hieghts if the bichon starts chasing it.

Answer 7

I suggest straping a big juicy steak to the kittens back..lol, hope your not offended, I am just a dog person

Answer 8

Don't force them. Let them sniff each other out then let them roam. They will get used to each other in time.