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Post by busy on Mar 14, 2022 15:14:11 GMT
The last time we got a kitten, it was 21 years ago and we found her and her sister abandoned near the beach at about 8 weeks old. There was no picking them out involved  And before that, I fostered (and ultimately adopted) a pregnant cat and kept her and two of her 8 kittens. That was when I was single and had no other pets. We’re going to start looking for a pair of littermate kittens after spring break and I would love any advice about what to look for in personality to maximize the chances of not just tolerating but actually getting along with a gentle but enthusiastic, good with other animals, 100+ pound dog. We’ve had dogs and cats together for a long time, but the cat was always here first and she basically tolerated (and ruled) the dog. The humane society will likely have some pointers but I’d love to hear from BTDT peas too. |
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Mar 14, 2022 15:35:19 GMT
If the dog won't bark and scare the kittens, there is a good chance that they will take right to him. Salem and Spellman still treat Gingersnap, a hyperactive 85 pound golden lab, like their momma - cuddle up with him, knead him, etc.
I always said that kittens/cats do better in pairs, and I still think that, but after having littermates who were soooo into each other that they practically ignored us, I think I will space it a little next time or separate them a little more in the beginning to make sure they bond with us, too. Over time, one of the two became a cuddler, but the other will only sit next to me.
For the record, Sabrina (who recently adopted my daughter...I continue to keep saying no, I but I think I lost the battle when I accidentally named her) isn't so sure about Gingersnap or the other two cats. I keep telling Alison to let her see them all cuddled up in a big pile.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Mar 14, 2022 15:48:02 GMT
I think it's a great idea. It's been 20 years since we've brought kittens into the house with dogs already here. Last time one was just 9 weeks old and the other 6 months. My Belgian Shepherd immediately took to the youngest one and treated her like her baby, always bathing her. That poor kitten was always wet when you'd pick her up.  We seriously thought about adopting one of DD's foster kittens during Covid. That kitten hated dogs and no amount of time around the dog was helping so we didn't adopt in the end. Has your dog been around cats before? Is there anyway you can take the dog to a meet & greet with the dog and potential kittens? It would be a good way to see how both the dog and cat react. Good luck. Will be waiting on pictures of the new additions! |
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,791
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Mar 14, 2022 17:08:27 GMT
We brought two kittens into our house with a 70-lb dog. The dog had been around our senior cat when she was a puppy, and when the cat passed it was another year before we brought in the kittens.
We kept the kittens separated for a few days before introducing them. It was love at first sight on all sides. I think our calico female imprinted on the dog - she followed her around all day and cuddled up with her for 12 years.
Our cats were Cornish Rexes, so very outgoing and playful and love being around people.
I'd have the dog checked for cat reactivity before bringing any kittens into the house.
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Post by busy on Mar 14, 2022 18:02:23 GMT
Has your dog been around cats before? Is there anyway you can take the dog to a meet & greet with the dog and potential kittens? It would be a good way to see how both the dog and cat react. Yes, we still had Boo when Otto came home. They lived together for about 10 months before she passed away. She was completely the boss of Otto and he mostly avoided her because she'd randomly swat him for no reason lol He was very very sweet with her in her final week, groomed her, constantly by her side, just watching out for her at all times, |
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,791
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Mar 14, 2022 18:56:48 GMT
Has your dog been around cats before? Is there anyway you can take the dog to a meet & greet with the dog and potential kittens? It would be a good way to see how both the dog and cat react. Yes, we still had Boo when Otto came home. They lived together for about 10 months before she passed away. She was completely the boss of Otto and he mostly avoided her because she'd randomly swat him for no reason lol He was very very sweet with her in her final week, groomed her, constantly by her side, just watching out for her at all times, My Cassie cat did the same for her bestie, Sophie the dog. The day Sophie passed, Cassie snuggled with her in the morning and purred, comforting Sophie. It was very loving and sweet. |
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And before that, I fostered (and ultimately adopted) a pregnant cat and kept her and two of her 8 kittens. That was when I was single and had no other pets. 
