Are sugar gliders or other small pets safe with my growing kittens?

Bringing a kitten into a home with a dog that has high prey drive, especially if that dog has a history of killing small animals like squirrels, etc. can be very dangerous - because of this, I would strongly recommend making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist who can evaluate your dog in person and help you do this as safely as possible. You will likely need to keep your dog on-leash at all times around the kitten for quite a while, so that you can prevent any chasing and reward calm behavior with treats and praise. The kitten and dog should never be loose together when you aren't home, or when you aren't able to supervise. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who can help you in person here: www.dacvb.org

It's difficult to say, because cats are naturally predators and will usually have the instinct to attack and kill any small animals; which is probably what you're limited to as other options for pets. I've seen some amazing relationships between cats and other animals though. I've known cats that were friends with pet rats, ferrets and birds. Pet rats and other small rodents are usually good pets for beginner pet owners. I do not recommend rabbits, birds or reptiles for a beginner. However, rodents are a natural prey for cats, so you'll have to be very cautious if you want to introduce them. If your cats are known to eat mice and birds, then I would not even bother trying this out. Sorry, I know I didn't give you a clear answer, but there really isn't one for this circumstance. I hope that at-least helps with your decision.

Yes, you got it right. They often can't distinguish between kittens and other small preys and will attack and kill the kittens as well. The same can apply to small children, that in their eyes can be considered something not human as they are not fully grown up, make funny sounds and have different smells. This does not apply got every dog, but does apply to dogs like yours that feel the instinct to attack. I would advise against rescuing a kitten or it might end up in a tragedy ! Best wishes

It should be fine getting a kitten with having a toddler in the house, but you will have to work with the baby on gentle touch with the kitten. I personally would recommend getting a ragdoll. They are laid back cats, and from my own experience, very good with kids. I have a young son, and when he was learning gentle touch with animals, the ragdoll never once swiped or hissed at him. They are also very loving cats. Living in London, I would not recommend allowing the cat outside. There would be too many chances the kitten could be hit by a car, taken by another family, or attacked by another cat. It's also recommended that ragdolls be inside only cats due to their gentle nature. If you do decide to let the kitten outdoors, I would make sure to be with it outside especially when it's young so that it doesn't wander off.

I would be concerned that the dog thought the kitten was a play toy, and that's why Dixie grabbed it out of the cage. Newborn kittens are extremely fragile, and Dixie could potentially hurt the kitten even if she didn't mean to; therefore, I would keep the dogs away from your cat and her kittens until the kittens are at least four weeks of age. At that age, they will be exploring the world around the, and the dogs can have contact with the kittens when fully supervised.

it is ok to sleep with your adult cats most of the time. Eventually the kittens will probably come lie with you as well. In the beginning there will probably be hisses etc. but eventually over time the cats probably will take turns. Do not lock them inot the 'safe room', keep it open, so they can start to get more couragsous venturing out and start to interact with the adult cats. It will take time, but eventually they will all at least tolerate each other.

Hi! That is not something I have heard of! Supervise them when they are together for the first few days, and if Jerry is acting aggressively at all, then they will need to be separated. Hopefully they will become the best of friends!