Is there a way to introduce my dogs to a kitten

[Claudia36oh]

if they never been around one. My youngest daughter is about to move back in after 3 weeks on her own but has gotten a kitten.

My dogs are big dogs and I'm a bit afraid for the little kitty, is it possible they get along, how should I introduce them.

I know it's not like bringing in another dog, they wouldn't have a problem...just don't know how to approach this one

Any tips would be great

[sugarcatmom]

Totally possible, but it will take a lot of diligence on everyone's part. Having more than 1 dog will add considerably to the challenge. The dogs should never be unsupervised around the kitten, period. I would go so far as to keep them leashed or somehow restrained while in the same room until you can be absolutely certain of their response. Kittens are especially vulnerable because their erratic movements and high pitch make them seem particularly prey-like, and their defences aren't well developed. The kitten should have a safe place, like it's own room that the dogs aren't allowed in, and plenty of easy escape routes. Introductions should be slow and steady. How well trained are you dogs?

Some related reading for you:

http://www.labadoption.org/wp-conten....pdf#zoom=100%
http://www.kindnessclub.nb.ca/pets_i...g_your_pet.php

[Claudia36oh]

Originally Posted by sugarcatmom

Totally possible, but it will take a lot of diligence on everyone's part. Having more than 1 dog will add considerably to the challenge. The dogs should never be unsupervised around the kitten, period. I would go so far as to keep them leashed or somehow restrained while in the same room until you can be absolutely certain of their response. Kittens are especially vulnerable because their erratic movements and high pitch make them seem particularly prey-like, and their defences aren't well developed. The kitten should have a safe place, like it's own room that the dogs aren't allowed in, and plenty of easy escape routes. Introductions should be slow and steady. How well trained are you dogs?

Some related reading for you:

http://www.labadoption.org/wp-conten....pdf#zoom=100%
http://www.kindnessclub.nb.ca/pets_i...g_your_pet.php

Thanks, my dogs are well trained, the kitten would have a room on it's own (my daughters bedroom) she never would let the dogs in there, I have four big dogs, 3 goldens and a lab/mix

[Claudia36oh]

We had a little meeting today, dogs didn't even know the kitten was in the house until my daughter carried it out the house, the dogs just sniffed and the kitten to my surprise just purred at them