We have an older Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is deaf and mostly blind. He’s usually pretty relaxed, but we recently brought home a kitten and things aren’t going well. We’ve kept them separated for a few days, but the dog has been inconsolable, crying and barking nonstop. He gets scared when he hears the kitten, and when we separate them with a baby gate, he just sits there crying. What should we do?
That sounds really tough! It might help to let the kitten roam freely in a controlled space. Sometimes dogs just need time to adjust.
Ari said:
That sounds really tough! It might help to let the kitten roam freely in a controlled space. Sometimes dogs just need time to adjust.
I’m worried that the dog’s barking will scare the kitten more though.
Have you tried using calming aids for your dog? Something like a pheromone diffuser might help him relax a bit during the adjustment period.
Make sure to give your dog lots of attention and treats when he’s quiet. It might help him associate the kitten with positive experiences.
Lior said:
Make sure to give your dog lots of attention and treats when he’s quiet. It might help him associate the kitten with positive experiences.
That’s a great idea! I’ll definitely try to reward him when he’s calm.
It might take some time, but patience is key. Gradually increase their interactions and supervise everything closely.
Kit said:
It might take some time, but patience is key. Gradually increase their interactions and supervise everything closely.
I’ll keep that in mind. I just want both of them to feel comfortable.
Consider letting the kitten explore while your dog is in a different room, then switch them. This way, they can get used to each other’s scent without direct interaction at first.