There are many interesting stories regarding the addition of a cat to a ‘dog’ household and vice-versa. Both species are predators, though the cat is more of a loner than the dog, who is a pack species. Having both these differing and common traits influence the normal clash seen in having one or more of each of these household pets. The pet ‘drama’ between cats and dogs can be stirred up occasionally even between the best of household friends, even those who ‘grew up together’. While raising a puppy and a kitten together influences their territorial forgiveness and ultimate respect for each other, this rather rare situation can also show signs of disruption between the two species. Environmental disruption to a pet, whether from the owner, neighborhood or even other pets, can have a negative effect on pet health just as much as stress to humans is also well known to instigate health problems. For this reason we will take a look at the pros and cons to raising a puppy and kitten, or cat and dog, or any combination the the above on a dog or cat’s health.
If you psyched about bringing a puppy home to a family with one more more cats, don’t expect everyone to be so excited about the new addition. Cats are loners, and are also territorial not only for concerns of food scarcity and general survival but also for sharing / protecting your attention. Often times the cats can go into near full isolation-mode at the introduction of a wiggly puppy to their scene. Of course they will still eat, but any fun lap attention that you had before will be greatly reduced as your cats choose to hide out from the strange, new, loud and altogether invasive-feeling creature you have come to adore – the new puppy. Children have been known to pose the same effect on cats, so consider a cat hotel or other pet care option for your cats if you are expecting rambunctious infant or adolescent guests for a while.
When introducing a kitten to a home already made comfortable by a dog great care must be exercised to secure the kitten’s health from being battered by possibly much stronger, and playful, canine family member. Even if the dog or puppy is careful in their curious kitten approaches you can never tell when they might act up or decide to chase the kitten (or cat). Most important is to protect your kitten addition (or reverse the adoption / kitten purchase altogether) from rough or aggressive dogs or puppies as such altercations can lead to the death of your kitten if noticed too late.
There are many tips available from your pet’s veterinarian, and even online on pet health forums and the like, regarding the expansion of your pet family and assuring that all members are appropriate matches. Ensuring that your current cat’s health or dog’s health is protected by providing a comfortable environment and care is the pet owner’s number one priority. If you can also ensure that new pet additions will not impose a risk to any animal party’s health, then do some research before introducing the irresistible new pet to your home.
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