Found a kitten yesterday - Page 5

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@smoochy

Oh, no ..... SO sorry about Boo, but he changed your life in little more than a day.

I'm sure you've probably seen this before .... but it's so heartwarming .... A Cat's Last Will and Testament.

this could be Boo's Last Will and Testament.

Congrats on finding little Stanley ........

Oh that is so beautiful and makes me want to cry. I had not seen this before.

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

@smoochy I am so sorry that Pixie isn't accepting Stanley. I can only give you my experience. I had always had dogs and cats together. Years ago I adopted a rescue Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

I had other Cavaliers that had gotten along well with my cats, but this one didn't. He chased them and made their lives miserable. I have never forgiven myself for not returning him to the rescue group.

He lived about four years, and my two cats were completely miserable during that time. I tried everything. I consulted with the rescue group and others and read countless articles. I would never ever do that again. He was extremely sweet, but my cats were here first. It was awful.

For that reason, I would suggest returnly the kitten. I am so sorry that it isn't working out. I love cats and dogs equally and have one of each right now.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

@NickNack You make a good point. About no one being happy. If we wait too long the opportunity to return and get adopted by someone else will be lost. It will break my heart. But it will break my heart more,if Pixie hurts him and/or I break both of their spirits by keeping kitten in a situation that isn't safe.
The unknown factor is, would Pixie ever accept the kitten, enough to where we could feel confident about his safety. My best guess is no. Now I've seen her prey drive and territorial behavior at this level.

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

Then again, it's only been three days, so.... need to give it more time??
Kitten is so sweet and lovable.

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@smoochy wrote:
so we have a problem neither I nor my husband anticipated. Our six yr old chihuahua mix dog Pixie, a 12 pound hyper girl and my special dog, is unbelievably jealous.
She has never met a cat. So we figured it would be a little adjustment and they would be friends. Nope. Pixie relentlessly chases the kitten. Tries to attack, teeth bared. Needless to say we are hyper vigilant in supervising them. Pixie is so bonded and devoted to me that I think she feels totally betrayed by this intruder.
She is demonstrating an extremely high prey drive, which we were unaware of. Overnight I put Stanley in a closed room with litter box, food and water. Will have to do this anytime both my husband and I are gone. Cannot trust Pixie. I think if she catches him she will hurt him or worse.
The animal control shelter has a ten day return/exchange policy. The officer who helped me with the adoption said if the new pet doesn't work out in your home setting you can bring it back.
I have no experience with the situation we are in. Will Pixie ever adjust enough to be safe around the kitten? Will this problem correct itself when he's big enough to defend himself on his own? Or should we take Stanley back tomorrow before something bad happens and before I get any more attached? And learn from this.

need input from ppl who have been though this. Thanks.

@smoochy

Google the problem ... several experts have covered "introductions". There is a process, but this is nowhere near a hopeless situation.

YES, in the interim, keep the two of them apart any time you go out.

What worked for us was the dog and kitten were initially kept apart by a closed door, letting the kitten get settled and comfortable in one room where his food and litter box were kept.

The dog was occasionally put in a bedroom while the kitten then had a chance to get to know the whole house, a little at a time. Their scent around the house was a "sign" someone new had moved in.

When the dog was let out again, after the kitten was put back in their room, the dog had a chance to get used to the idea of a new roommate.

It took almost a week, but he finally accepted a new friend. At one point, we had short "sessions" where the dog on leash was held in the living room, the kitten was brought in and they got to see and smell each other, under strict supervision. The first time was very short, but reassurring the dog settled them down fairly quickly.

Finally, the dog and kitten, still separated by the closed door, were putting their paws under the door, trying to touch each other. It took time, but before long they were best friends ... and partners in crime, LOL.

HTH.

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

@Tinkrbl44

Oh man. We have totally blown it. I brought the kitten home and basically said look guys a little friend for you. He has had the run of the house, gets into the dog bowls, plays with the dog's toys (as well as the cat toys). No wonder Pixie wants him gone.
I wonder if we can repair the situation. As you have probably guessed, I already love this baby kitten.
But I want everyone to live happily ever after.

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

TexasMom1 · ‎03-09-2010

I would keep the kitten confined to just one or two rooms if possible. Your other animals would know she is in the house, but just not directly with thiem. It might just give your precious kitty time to calm down. This is all new to him too! Please. keep the little fella! Don't give up on him. He is just a baby and needs to learn some manners.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@smoochy wrote:
@Tinkrbl44

Oh man. We have totally blown it. I brought the kitten home and basically said look guys a little friend for you. He has had the run of the house, gets into the dog bowls, plays with the dog's toys (as well as the cat toys). O wonder Pixie wants him gone.
I wonder if we can repair the situation. As you have probably guessed, I already love this baby kitten.
But I want everyone to live happily ever after.

@smoochy

LOL .... trust me, it CAN be done. Remember Pixie wants to please you ... and maybe he just thinks he's protecting you from the Little Invader.

One other thing came to mind ..... a friend had a VERY difficult time introducing a new pet. The dog just wasn't having it, no matter what. So, this clever person "changed the territory".

They worked things out with a neighbor to go visit. She took the kitten over, then her hubs brought the dog over .... and the animals were finally introduced to each other in someone else's house, where the dog was in someone else's territory, not guarding their own home.

Since the dog was no longer in charge, guarding their home, it was a more level playing field for the two to get to know each other.

Two visits to the other home did it.

Sending you good thoughts .....

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

@Tinkrbl44

You have a lot of good ideas. 🥰

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@TexasMom1 wrote:
I would keep the kitten confined to just one or two rooms if possible. Your other animals would know she is in the house, but just not directly with thiem. It might just give your precious kitty time to calm down. This is all new to him too! Please. keep the little fella! Don't give up on him. He is just a baby and needs to learn some manners.

@TexasMom1 @smoochy

ITA .... The kitty can settle in, and the dogs will get used to the Little Invader's scent and realize the house isn't under attack, and this might actually be a new playmate for them. How fun for them!