Do you know how to introduce a hyper dog to a kitten?
Nowadays there are many animal-loving families who decide to have more than one furry friend at home, such as a dog and a cat. Pets are able to make the day to day of any family more fun. However, the situation can become challenging when the dog is hyperactive and the kitten is very calm.
Dogs have more energy than cats, and because they are bigger, they can end up hurting the felines during certain games. Therefore, some care needs to be taken so that this relationship is healthy and safe for both pets.
If you have a dog but are also passionate about cats, check out some ways to peacefully and safely introduce a hyperactive dog to a kitten!
How to Introduce a Hyper Dog to a Kitten?
Listening is important
It’s important that you train your dog to listen to you. Hyperactive dogs are curious and like to play all the time, and this can be dangerous for your kitty due to its size.
Teach your dog basic commands before bringing a new kitten home. This way, you will be more confident that he will obey you during a more energetic game, for example.
Read more: How to introduce dog to new baby?
The sooner the better!
Did you know that it’s easier to introduce a kitten to a hyperactive dog when he’s still a young kitten? A kitten is less likely to have past negative experiences with a dog, and thus, will likely not be afraid of the dog.
If the kitten already socializes with dogs, the introduction will be easier.
Exercise Your Pup
Exercise is a great way to keep your pup calmer and with less energy to chase your kitten around the house.
It is important that in the first few weeks with the kitten, you take your dog for long walks or activities that will make him tired, making him want to relax when he gets home.
You can also offer fun toys for your dog to occupy him indoors. There are plenty of toys that can offer mental stimulation.
Read more: Why does my dog act like a cat?
Scent Introductions
You want to introduce the smell of the kitten to your dog before they meet, and vice versa. For this, you can offer one of your cat’s toys or blankets to your dog, and one of your dog’s belongings to your kitten.
This way, they won’t be so nervous and curious, as they’ll already be recognizing each other’s scent.
The big day
After following all these tips, it’s time to introduce your hyperactive dog to your kitten.
To safely introduce your pets, hold your kitten on your lap and have someone else hold the dog. If your dog is calm, let him smell the kitten and recognize it.
If the dog tries to jump on the kitten, step away and make him calm down. When your dog calms down, you can put the two of them together on the floor for a few minutes. Then pick up the kitten again and take it back to your room.
You should repeat this process every day and gradually increase the time the two pets spend together.
Introducing your new kitten to your hyperactive dog can be quite a challenge, but with patience, love, and care, your two furry friends will soon be interacting with each other in happy and healthy ways.
Dog Walker Astoria
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Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram.
