Some advice on my new kitten please?

Question

The 10 week wait is over and I finally got my gorgeous little ball of fluff on Sunday. She is just adorable, and very clever using her kitty litter straight away (thanks to everyone for advice on kitty litter a few weeks ago) I also asked for some names for her and for those of you who answered I have named her Isis, pronounced Ice ess. My little boy calls her icy, which I think is very cute to! Anyway I’m so excited I’m rambling so I’ll get to the question. I was concerned about how my little dog would act with a new kitten, but my dog is being wonderful with her, it’s the kitten that is terrified of the dog. She is aching her back, hissing and scratching my dog when she comes to close. And they keep having these staring standoffs, the kitten is fine until the dog moves. What should I do? I know its only day 2, so should I just be supervising and letting them sort it out themselves? Do you think kitty will get used to the dog and stop her hissing and scratching? I’m just worried that our dog will lose an eye the way they are going, but the dog is so good with her she just wants to say hello but is scared of the kitten and backs off lol. Anything I should be doing or some advice would be great!!!! Thanks so much :)

Hi all, just wanted to say I’m about to pick a best answer but it’s so hard because you all gave wonderful answers, so thank you all so much for your stories and advice. A quick update. Its been a week with Isis now and we had some problems and already have an expensive vet bill as Isis got sick last week, but she is doing much better now (thank god) As for her and my dog Chelsea, well they aren’t the best of friends yet, but Isis is way more curious of Chelsea now.

She likes to play with her, and she seeks the dog out for some “play time” this of cause involves Isis chasing the dog’s tail then rolling over in a ball of fluff as if to say “I’m so innocent it wasn’t me” lol. Chelsea is still being good with the kitten, she has learnt to lick and play with the back of the kitten, as there are no claws at the back lol. And although Isis gives the occasional hiss and scratch to warn the dog off, its mostly all fun and games, oh and the cutest thing is that they fall asleep in my lap together!!!! I took the advice some of you gave me and got kitty’s claws trimmed when we were at the vet last week. And I am glad to say that the food bowls are now side by side :)

Answer 1

Just be patient. The kitten is very young and probably isn't sure what exactly a dog is. The hissing, arching of the back and scratching are perfectly normal and a way of trying to demonstrate that although she's small, she isn't a pushover.

The dog, being older, recognizes Isis as another animal. Since he isn't being aggressive in retaliation, he obviously understands that she doesn't really mean any harm and I'm guessing that he backs off more in disappointment than anything else.

Like I said, just be patient. Continue to supervise them. You could try setting their food bowls out at the same time, on different sides of the room, and each day bring them closer together. By the time the bowls are side by side, I think you will find that the two animals will have figured everything out.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I would just let the two of them work things out. If the dog is being so wonderful the kitten will get used to the dog and know that it is of no harm. This is all a natural part of GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER!!! If the dog hasn't yelped then the kitten isn't really being defensive--the kitten is just saying "Stay back, I'm not too sure of you yet." They are both curious of each other. You could also trim the kittens claws so there isn't blood drawn on the dog, just to be safe.
They'll be good friends!!! I have a cat, German Shepherd and Beagle--they get along well and my cat is declawed so if he swipes at either one of them in play nothing happens but he does have is hide claws when he thinks he needs to get rough.

Answer 3

As you said it's only day 2. I have 3 cats and a few weeks ago I got a dog. It took about a week for the youngest cat, (she is still a kitten really) to get used to Honey. Now they play all the time. The 2 older cats do not like to play, the oldest runs away (she is quite small as she was a stray that we found when she was 2 weeks old) and the second oldest is huge... like a lion lol. He just has to sit quiet and raise a paw inthe air if Honey goes near him and Honey backs off lol. It took all my cats a good few weeks to get used to each other too. Just hang in there, it takes time, I am still waiting after a few weeks...

Answer 4

Cats are very territorial creatures. A dog is often perceived as an invading force. Your dog also presents a very unfamiliar and foreign presense which can make your kitty feel very insecure and threatened. If it's only two days,, it may be worth it to wait it out a little longer. If the hissing continues, you should call your vet and ask for advice, and if need be, ask to be referred to an animal behaviorist who could give you more information and advice. I hope the situation settles down and that this all works out. Good luck.

Answer 5

the mum needs and could have been on a high quality kitten nutrition all in the process the being pregnant and until the kittens are weaned. this could help insure she keeps to be healthful and the kittens besides, plus no to show to have sufficient breast milk. only like human beings they want the extra vit, mineral, protein, and calcium. The kittens would be eating milk from the mum for weeks, and approximately 5 wks they start to attempt to nibble at it, some start up eating on there own at 6 wks others take an entire 8 wks. shop the nutrition out 24/7 and lot of unpolluted water, DON"T provide cows milk it reason diarrhea and dehydration. terrific of success

Answer 6

Hi, I'm a Vet Tech and this is the advice that we would give any of our customers at our practice - Let the kitten get used to the dog and also her new home. Moving to a new place can be quite interesting and scary for a new pet. I would supervise, just to make sure nothing happens to your dog in the process. Soon, the kitten will get used to new home and get used to her new family. Hope this helps! Remember to get your kittens boosters!

Answer 7

Give it some time.

Cats are naturally afraid of dogs, but they can outgrow it. I've had both several times.

It's good that your dog isn't being aggressive. It sounds like the dog will have to be patient. The dog will learn to avoid the cat's claws until they acclimate to each other.

Don't force it. Don't get upset at the kitten for acting on its natural instincts. Just let them exist together, and they'll become friends.

Answer 8

i know Isis will get used to your dog. she is just afraid because your dog is bigger than her and something that she has never seen before. supervise. do not let the dog chase her or anything like that. my 12 year old cat was able to get used to my boyfriend's 2 dogs within one month. she still has her hissing and swatting moments... but they are few and far between. all pets that live together will have their differences, just like people.... but they will be fine.
encourage them both when they are around each other. pet them both and maybe give them both treats when they are being friendly. and give it time. kitty will get used to the big funny looking creature!

Answer 9

Give it a week or two before you let them be alone together without supervision. You don't want a tragedy, and a dog can hurt a kitten without even meaning to.

It's great your dog is good with the kitten, though. Dogs sometimes don't like sharing.

Answer 10

First, keep the kittens nails clipped.
Second, things will settle down between the animals adventually, even if it is an uneasy truce. It takes time. I found that once I stopped trying to be the peacekeeper between my cats, and let them work it out..they were fine.