Some say they’re like fire and water, oil and vinegar. Other people hold the opinion that puppies and kittens get along just fine as long as they’re introduced at a young age.
The American Pet Product Manufacturer’s Association conducted a survey recently that says puppies and kittens can live quite nicely under the same roof. They found that 26 percent of people who shared their lives with puppies and kittens reported no problems between the animals.
Still, there are concerns about the relative size of the puppies and kittens. A well meaning but bumbling puppy could squash a kitten without meaning to. And to be fair to kittens, there’s always the possibility of using those new claws.
So there are few things that need to be taken into account when first introducing puppies and kittens. No matter how sure you are that the puppy will be well behaved, he should still be leashed for his initial meeting with his feline counterpart. The kitten, however, can be left to meet the dog untethered at her own pace.
Another good piece of advice is to always separate the two youngsters when they won’t be supervised. Even though they might appear to be the best of friends, puppies and kittens have a way of intentionally upsetting each other. A well-meaning sniff could easily result in a nasty scratch if the kitten becomes frightened.
Here’s a final tip about managing the relationship between puppies and kittens and it takes a page from caution and care you lavished on another important member of the house. A baby gate can keep the dog out of the kitten’s area, but allow the cat to come and go as needed to her food and litter box. It also allows for a safe haven for naps.
Valerie Mellema is the owner of Words You Want, a ghostwriting and writing services company. She has a BS in Agribusiness/Equine Business and a Minor in Animal Science. She is the published author of "The Professional Bartender's Handbook" as well as "Horses 101: The Complete Guide to Buying and Caring for Your Horse" and "Caring for Your Kitten."
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