Its usually much easier to establish a kitten than a grown cat. However, you may need to modify your approach slightly if you have other pets, such as dogs. Its always difficult to predict how they will react to each other, so much depends on the personality of the individual animals. There is unlikely to be any problem on the kittens side, other than perhaps a general one of nervousness at all the new experiences. On the other hand, the dogs reaction can be more unpredictable. Some do no more than give a casual sniff then ignore the new arrival; others will be far more hostile.
Its best to play safe and keep them in separate rooms for a daythis gives the kitten time to get used to you and the new home, and your dog has an opportunity to get used to the new scents.
If you are introducing an adult cat, then the problem may be greater. The dog is likely to accept a kitten much more readily than he is a grown cat. And the cat is probably going to be a lot more suspicious particularly if he has had some nasty encounters with other dogs in the past.
All this is not to say such new companions can’t be the best of friendsonly that you must be patient and careful not to get things off to a bad start.
With an adult cat, you will probably need to keep them in separate rooms for more than one day, and its a good idea to change rooms daily, so that they get more used to each others smells.
You’ll soon be able to try them togetherbut only when you’re there to supervise the affair. Its usually wise not to make this first encounter too long.
Its most important not to make more of a fuss of the newcomer than of the established pet (whether the dog or the cat is the new member of the family). In fact it is important to make a point of showing affection to the old pet first before stroking the new one. That way you’ll find there is less likelihood of jealousy.
Given a little time you can be fairly sure that they will come to accept each other. Some will become the closest of friends; others will tend to remain aloof and apart, though accepting each other. You can’t be sure in advance how close they’ll be. But remember there are very many instances of cats and dogs being closer friends with each other than with their own species.
In fact, it is often very difficult to introduce a new cat once you have an established adultcats are not by nature gregarious and the newcomer will be seen as a threat to the established pets territory. This may apply even if you’re introducing a kitten.
If you would like to keep a cat and a dog, the ideal way is to start them both offas youngsters at the same time. That way there’s less risk of jealousy or suspicion, and they will almost certainly grow up the best of friends. There may be a little rough and tumble playing, but that’s nothing to worry aboutand if your cat does sometimes strike out and hiss, hes probably only making it clear that he intends to be boss. It doesn’t mean they’re not friends.
There’s no reason either why a cat shouldnt be introduced into a home with birds or small mammals such as mice or hamsters. The only problem here is that if the cat does attack, the smaller animal will get killed. Fortunately such pets are usually kept in cages, so that evens up the situation.
You don’t, of course, want your cat poking his paw through the bars of your birds cage, or dipping into the goldfish bowl, but its surprising how soon they take such pets for granted and just learn to ignore them. However you must be watchful initially, and scold if he is taking too much interest. A bit of finger pointing and a few nos is all that’s called for. Smacks may only make your cat resentful and afraid of you.
There are numerous documented cases of cats and birds being on the most intimate termsweve all seen pictures of a bird sitting on a cats headbut its only prudent not to let your budgerigar or gerbil out while the cats on the prowl.
If you do have these pets it may be wise not to play the sort of games that will encourage the cats inborn urges to hunt.
Find out more about cat behaviour at www.catsguru.com