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We've had an old dog for a while now and since we both work all day we've been feeling bad that he's alone so much. He's about 12 years old and is a silky terrier. Despite his age he's extremely active and very friendly. He's also starved for attention and is absurdly social.
So... today we bought a little 6 week old kitten. We got it to keep the dog company and because we've always wanted one. Right now we have her staying in the guest room until she gets a little older and more used to the house.
I brought the kitten into the house in a carrying cage and the dog went right up to it and sniffed around the cage very excited. He didn't bark or anything but was obviously very curious - the cat didn't seem too phased by him. When I brought her into the guest room the dog came right up to the closed door and started sniffing wildly and scratching at the door, still obviously very curious but still not barking.
Now, my question is - what do I do now? I'm afraid that even though the dog is as sweet as they come, he'll get excited and hurt the kitten. Also, the fact that he is a "ratter" and the kitten is so small makes me worried that he might try to kill it. The dog is also very excitable.
Has anyone ever introduced a kitten to an old dog before? Any suggestions on when and how to allow a face to face meeting with no cages or leashes or anything? The meeting went better than I expected (ie, no hissing or barking) but I'm still very afraid.
Advice?
So... today we bought a little 6 week old kitten. We got it to keep the dog company and because we've always wanted one. Right now we have her staying in the guest room until she gets a little older and more used to the house.
I brought the kitten into the house in a carrying cage and the dog went right up to it and sniffed around the cage very excited. He didn't bark or anything but was obviously very curious - the cat didn't seem too phased by him. When I brought her into the guest room the dog came right up to the closed door and started sniffing wildly and scratching at the door, still obviously very curious but still not barking.
Now, my question is - what do I do now? I'm afraid that even though the dog is as sweet as they come, he'll get excited and hurt the kitten. Also, the fact that he is a "ratter" and the kitten is so small makes me worried that he might try to kill it. The dog is also very excitable.
Has anyone ever introduced a kitten to an old dog before? Any suggestions on when and how to allow a face to face meeting with no cages or leashes or anything? The meeting went better than I expected (ie, no hissing or barking) but I'm still very afraid.
Advice?
But seriously, in my experience problems when introducing animals crop up rather quickly. If you're worried about the kitten do what I would have done and get a puppy instead.
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