How do I introduce my new kitten to my 7-year-old Golden Retriever?

It is generally recommended to keep the puppy and cat separated for a period of time to allow them both to acclimate. You will want to start the introduction by allowing them to sniff each other between a door. Then allow them to see each other but not be able to physically interact. Once they both seem comfortable with this, gradually allow them to sniff each other, touch noses, etc. It is often best to do this by having the puppy on a leash so you can control her, but give the cat more free range. Keep it positive by giving praise and treats to both. If either seems upset, discontinue the interaction and try again the next day. Depending on their personalities it can be a quick transition or it might take a few weeks. Make sure your cat can escape and hide if he needs to. Also, if there are any issues or concerns, bring them up to your veterinarian.

Hi Ollie! There isn't really one specific breed that's best with cats, although I'm very partial to Golden Retrievers. It's more how you introduce them, allow them to get to know each other slowly, and not let the puppy chase the cat. I can give you a method for introducing to cause the least stress to your cat. Best of luck. Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first bring your puppy home, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. Make sure your cat has a litter box, food, and water in their room. You can also place a blanket with the puppy's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the puppy's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for your puppy. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing the cat in the puppy's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the puppy on a leash to the cat while she is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the puppy for being calm and quiet near the cat. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your cat has a cat tree where he can escape from the puppy as needed, and don't allow the puppy to chase the cat.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The next step should be allowing them to be in the same room while Guayo is on a leash and Zoey is out. Allow the dog to do her thing while you hold the leash. If that goes well for 1-2 weeks then Guayo is allowed off the leash while adults are present. I wouldn't leave them out alone together until Zoey is an adult and you have had MONTHS of no issues. Good luck!

It is absolutely possible for you to introduce a new dog into your home with Cassie. Here are some tips on how to make the transition: 1) Introductions should always be done at home. 2) Start by keeping them in separate rooms and then, over a few days alternate their rooms so that each has a chance to explore the other's smell. 3) Then place a blanket or other item from the dog with cat and vice versa. 4) Once the dog is calm, you can allow both animals to be in the same room at the same time, but keep the dog securely leashed. 5) Once both the dog and cat seem happy and relaxed around each other, you can allow them free (but supervised) access to each other. 6) Eventually you should be able to work up to unsupervised access.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think you should be able to introduce Velvet to her now as long as it is supervised. What I recommend is to do it for short amounts of time initially and increase the length slowly to have them be with each other permanently over a period of perhaps 1 month. It is best to always supervise them at least at the beginning. Good luck!

Some dogs do get very excited about meeting cats, and don't realize how big they are in comparison - I can definitely sympathize! The best way to manage this is to keep Moose on a leash at all times around the kitten at first. Practice asking him to sit or lie down, and reward him with treats for being calm around her. It may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for him to be relaxed enough around the kitten to be allowed off-leash, so be patient! I would also definitely recommend keeping them separated for now unless someone is actively supervising their interactions.

Good question! Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first bring your kitten home, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. Make sure your kitten has a litter box, food, and water in their room. You can also place a blanket with the Jax's smell in the kitten's room, and a blanket with the kitten's smell in the his room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your kitten and a DAP for your dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing the kitten in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce Jax on a leash to the kitten while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward him for being calm and quiet near the kitten. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your kitten has a cat tree where he can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow Jax to chase the kitten. Best of luck, I hope the helps!