Introducing cats to a dog (and chickens?)

[cheeryble]

Hi We have a four month old modest sized dog, a loveable scallywag, and a perfect large adventure garden for pets with some small trees (escape routes?)

 

I'd like to add a couple of cats to the family.

 

I was first thinking of adding little kittens with the thought that Bear would be "in loco parentis" and not harm them and then theyd all end up pals.

But I've come across both a pair and a single kitten-cat all four months old smallish build.

 

Whats the best way

1. To introduce the cat(S) to the house so they don't run away?

2. TO introduce them to the dog?

3. We have a fenced off chicken area .........are they safe?

 

ps the dog is usually out in the day and in home at night

 

thanks!

[Crossy]

Both creatures relatively young, just introduce them gently, maybe have kitty in a pet carrier where it's out of range if the dog decides to try for a snack.

 

Some good ideas here https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/how-introduce-dog-and-cat

 

We don't have our own cats, but our two chihuahuas would chase any moggie that dared to trespass. Somehow one of the neighbourhood kitties has decided that our garden has good pickings (rodents) and the dogs now ignore her. Same with the chooks / geese.

 

But, woe betide any creature that crosses the invisible line of death which marks the dogs domain (basically inside the house).

 

 

[nobodysfriend]

Hold the kitten when you introduce it to the dog . Show the dog that you like it and will protect it . Closely survey when the dog tries to make contact , ( smell ) . Make that the dog gets used to the presence of the kitten .

Normally it is the cats who are afraid of the dog and become a little aggressive . Keep a distance between them for the first 2 or 3 days .

That only works with very young kittens , an older cat will possibly try to fight , what will not end good .

Time arranges everything in that relationship , you have to be patient , but observe ...

[mfd101]

After the initial introductions & settling down period, they'll learn first to play together without harming each other, then will end up all comfy & snoozing together at night & best of mates. That's the norm.

[cheeryble]

2 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

Hold the kitten when you introduce it to the dog . Show the dog that you like it and will protect it . Closely survey when the dog tries to make contact , ( smell ) . Make that the dog gets used to the presence of the kitten .

Normally it is the cats who are afraid of the dog and become a little aggressive . Keep a distance between them for the first 2 or 3 days .

That only works with very young kittens , an older cat will possibly try to fight , what will not end good .

Time arranges everything in that relationship , you have to be patient , but observe ...

Yes a bit concerned that the potential catmates aren't so little but someone at dinner last night did it and says just give them time they now snuggle up either side of him.

[Crossy]

1 minute ago, mfd101 said:

After the initial introductions & settling down period, they'll learn first to play together without harming each other, then will end up all comfy & snoozing together at night & best of mates. That's the norm.

 

If they both end up on the bed there won't be room for @cheeryble 

 

[cheeryble]

1 minute ago, mfd101 said:

After the initial introductions & settling down period, they'll learn first to play together without harming each other, then will end up all comfy & snoozing together at night & best of mates. That's the norm.

That sounds v hopeful and similar to my friend's experience

[cheeryble]

Just now, Crossy said:

 

If they both end up on the bed there won't be room for @cheeryble 

 

I'll kick the missus out

[cooked]

It will depend on the breed of dog. Our Cocker Spaniel accepted (put up with) the presence of a kitten we found on the road (damn it, I said take it away from there, not to bring it into the car) but other breeds are very territorial and jealous. Said cat now has the dogs under control, just needed a few bloody noses to sort things out, 

What happens when you leave them alone together? You'll have to watch them at first.

The cat should be kept indoors for a few days so it knows where the food and cat litter are.