A question about introducing Amelia to Peter.

[riff]

Peter is a 3 year old schnauser. He is a good guy, a little hyper (as the breed is), and he is neutered.

Amelia is a 7 week old kitten. I used to babysit Peter for my parents when they went out of town. But now I am worried about Amelia. I don't want for her to become frightened of him or traumatized if they meet.

I wonder if they can be friends. I don't know how to go about introducing them.

I don't think Peter can handle it and I don't think Amelia can. But- what to do?

Should I attempt this now when she is young or wait until she is grown?

 

[AzureAngel]

Depending on the size, it might not be a big deal. Our kittens/cats got used to our dogs by being around them. We have a large lab-like dog (HAH) and a miniature weenie dog. The cats would only play with the smaller dog when they were alive - never with the big dog.

 

[Andreina]

best to do it as early as possible. give them about a week to get used to each other and when it doesn't work out - then it doesnt. best to hold amelia while you introduce her to him so that she feels secure enough.

good luck

 

[brokenbrainwave]

but what if she is an appetizer for him?

 

[Guest]

Do it now

Amelia will be fine. Introduce them now before she gets too much older.

Peter will be fine too.

It's a myth that cats and dogs can't co exist. I have both and they are fine.

Keep in mind Amelia has claws, and that is the biggest deterrent known to doggydom

 

[RawHumor]

PHEW! I figured this would be a thread about showing Lit's Amelia your happy silo.

 

[riff]

OK. I think I will try to introduce them this weekend. Yes she has claws! I know!!!

 

[just pet]

I agree that the sooner the better, but always closely supervise their visits, leash and/or held. They will best direct you as how to proceed.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images3/CATDogourbabies.jpg

 

[bluemuse]

You might try putting Amelia in the bathroom , closing the door and letting the two of them get acquainted through the crack under the door.

bluemuse

 

[riff]

You might try putting Amelia in the bathroom , closing the door and letting the two of them get acquainted through the crack under the door.

bluemuse

That sound like a good idea. The important thing is for her to feel safe.

 

[Hamletmaschine]

Amelia is probably too young to have learned to be scared of dogs, so she should be okay. Keep Peter calm and under control, and you may not have a problem.

 

[bluemuse]

That sound like a good idea. The important thing is for her to feel safe.

It's temporary, of course. Just for their initial meeting. My vet suggested this to me when we wanted to get a kitten....we have a full grown cat and a dog.

bluemuse

 

[RhumbRunner13]

Just be careful Riff, even an "old" schnauser can strike fast. They were bred to kill small animal pests and once the get an advantage, it's very hard to stop them!

Rhumb

 

[Starfish]

Riff, I think I am falling for you. You are totally precious.

Animals can communitate in non verbal vibes and it is likely that while you are introducing them, if you pay attention, you can sense a threat and prevent it before it ever occurs. I am an expert at introducing animals. I've been doing it constantly my whole life, so take my advice and do it in small doses over a period of time. Slow introduction=better adaptment and less stress on the animals.

It will be a longer time for them to get used to each others boundries and likes and dislikes. Sometimes you have to let them piss at each other to tell each other off. Especially if one is more pushy and obnoxiously playful than the other one wants. It Peter and Amelia start to relax around each other after meeting a few times, but amelia pulls a 'silly kitty' and gets all goofy on him and he doesn't like it, let him snap at her, or nip, whatever... It is his only way of showing her that is a NO NO! Just like a mama to a baby.

They'll be romping in no time. I gaureentee it unless the dog is one of those ultra bitchy dogs. I doubt the dog will try to kill the cat. Cats are viscious and dogs know it.

My dog Jack doesn't get it, and gets his 'feelings' hurt because the all of the kitties don't love on him. He doesn't understand that they have all been trampled by his clumsy ass and didn't get a good first impression of him. Now, Atticus and Grey (the bigger cats) are both starting to love on him, cuddle with him, romp a little and want to be his sidekicks.

It will all work out in the end for you, Amelia, and Peter.

Good luck and happy Petting!

 

[alexandraaah]

My dog, the little yellow horse, adores cats. He kinda fears them sometimes, but is usually mesmerized and does have many cat friends.

He also has a bunny friend.

I need a nap.

Good luck!

 

[riff]

Riff, I think I am falling for you. You are totally precious.

Animals can communitate in non verbal vibes and it is likely that while you are introducing them, if you pay attention, you can sense a threat and prevent it before it ever occurs. I am an expert at introducing animals. I've been doing it constantly my whole life, so take my advice and do it in small doses over a period of time. Slow introduction=better adaptment and less stress on the animals.

They'll be romping in no time. I gaureentee it unless the dog is one of those ultra bitchy dogs. I doubt the dog will try to kill the cat. Cats are viscious and dogs know it.

My dog Jack doesn't get it, and gets his 'feelings' hurt because the all of the kitties don't love on him. He doesn't understand that they have all been trampled by his clumsy ass and didn't get a good first impression of him. Now, Atticus and Grey (the bigger cats) are both starting to love on him, cuddle with him, romp a little and want to be his sidekicks.

It will all work out in the end for you, Amelia, and Peter.

Good luck and happy Petting!

That is the sweetest post I have ever seen you make Starfish.

Really.

 

[Starfish]

I edited in a tidbit about what to do if he nips at her after a while of being around each other. Check back on it. It might help a little.

*kisses riffs cheek and runs off to sew some summer clothes*

 

[Calamity Jane]

All of my pets get a long fine Riff. We're always introducing new ones, and there are always initial spats, but eventually, they're great together.

I'd recommend making sure that your kitty feels safe, but not confined. If she wants down, let her go. Don't get upset if they're not best friends right off. As long as they're not actually fighting, leave them be. The dog may growl, the cat may spit, but that's normal. It's their way of saying "HEY! This is my spot!!!"

If they start acting aggressive toward each other, or the kitty starts getting very scared, seperate them for awhile and try again later.

 

[J.B.]

What I did....

I had the puppy placed in our closed in back porch & held the kitten against the window screen so they could get used to eachother. After about a week they were inseperable.

 

[Starfish]

All of my pets get a long fine Riff. We're always introducing new ones, and there are always initial spats, but eventually, they're great together.

I'd recommend making sure that your kitty feels safe, but not confined. If she wants down, let her go. Don't get upset if they're not best friends right off. As long as they're not actually fighting, leave them be. The dog may growl, the cat may spit, but that's normal. It's their way of saying "HEY! This is my spot!!!"

If they start acting aggressive toward each other, or the kitty starts getting very scared, seperate them for awhile and try again later.

I just knew you would be able to verify that it can work. You seemed to me to be a person that would have animals and knowt this sort of thing. Could that be because you are the coolest chica alive? I think Maaaaayyyybe...


No offense to the 'other coolest chicas alive' as there are many of us, aren't there?

 

[Calamity Jane]

I just knew you would be able to verify that it can work. You seemed to me to be a person that would have animals and knowt this sort of thing. Could that be because you are the coolest chica alive? I think Maaaaayyyybe...


No offense to the 'other coolest chicas alive' as there are many of us, aren't there?

Seem to be a person that would have animals huh? I take it you haven't seen 'the list'??? The humans in the house are far outnumbered, that's for sure.

And yeah, there are a few coolest chica's alive... you being one of the most coolest.

BTW, the fish are doing great. Went with mollies and platys this time because they're cheap. Haven't killed any of 'em.