How do I introduce a kitten to Rufus?
 I've never had a cat, let alone a kitten and a sheepie at the same time. In fact, I had never even wanted a cat until 6 months ago, but somehow, for some reason, I changed my mind in a HUGE way.... and started researching cat breeds. I decided on the British Shorthair as they have a good reputation for getting along well with dogs and have a relaxed disposition. I carefully chose a breeder who shows her cats and has a good reputation. My kitten will be 4 weeks old soon and I'm going to see him for the first time on Saturday 21st May. When I spoke to the breeder, she told me all about how she has the kittens around her dogs (supervised) from an early age so he will be used to being around dogs. I explained that I planned to keep the kitten in Ru's large crate for the first few days and in a separate room from my OES. She said this would be a good idea to start, then gradually let the kitten get used to the one room, and after a while, let him roam more of the house. But I don't really know how Rufus will react. How should I handle this? I'm thinking I could keep him on a lead and let him sniff the crate while the kitten is in there, or will that make Rufus frustrated? I'm going to put a cat bed in there that the kitten can hide inside in case he gets scared. I'm worried about frightening the kitten because Ru will be very keen to play and will bark, and probably would paw at the crate if I didn't keep him on a lead. Should I do this for a week or two so they get used to eachother- just brief introductions- before I allow the kitten uncrated in the same room as Ru? I'm thinking I should keep Ru on a lead if he's in the same room as the cat for the next few weeks? I can imagine Rufus getting his nose or eyes scratched if I make the mistake of letting him get too excited around the cat offleash. Am I thinking about this too much?  I know some of you guys have cats and sheepies, I'm new to cats and know that sheepies are very different to other breeds of dogs and know Ru could get over excited. |
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Oh Cassie, how is Ru with cats on the whole? My yorkie goes mad when she sees one so of course Summer sees then as a menace to be exterminated. Perhaps with gentle persuasion and patience Ru will be fine, I really hope so..xx  |
| I don't think he even knows what a cat is If they see him in the street, they run away before he sees them. When he sees dogs he wants to play. I take him to see the bunnies at the pet store & he wags his tail then I take him away from them before he gets over excited because I sense he will bark at them. He's never shown aggression to anything, but he is dominant. |
| A lot is going to depend on your kitty. If he is truly used to dogs and acts calm, you pretty much have it made. Most issues are when the cat runs and the dog chases. Our cat was a old kitten/young adult when he came up to my SIL's house as a stray. We brought him home and he acted like it was normal to enter a home w/ 6 dogs who never lived w/ a cat before!  He never ran, gave a clawed slap when needed, and he still rules the house 5 years later! |
| Pearl, our 16 yr old cat was our first pet, Violet was brought in first and I dont' remember having any problems with the two together. The two Aussies sho came in much later..even now feel, the have to run after her once a day. Pearl does stick up for herself and I stop the dogs from chasing her, but most of the time Pearl walks around and doesn't get bothered by any of the dogs. So I guess it depends on both animals. My advise it to make sure the cat has places to hide. Good luck with your new kitty. |
Thanks  I should mention I won't be leaving them in the same room if I am out of the house.I suspect Ru wouldn't stand a chance against lightening speed & needle sharp claws & teeth. I'll make sure the kitty has lots of hiding places. |
| Pictures??? |
There will be plenty of pics  I think I bring him home at the end of July... the loooong wait begins! |
| Cassie, I thought Tiggy wouldn't stand a chance against an 8 month old siamese cat either. As siamese are notorious for being bossy boots. How wrong was I!! Being a young cat he liked to run, being a sheepdog she likes to chase. They are friends but Tiggy can be a bit too rough for Rowdy cat at times. The issue is all the fluff. I have seen Rowdy swipe at Tiggy and quite a few times he has attacked Tiggy's front leg. Rowdy wraps his front paws around Tiggy's front leg and bites and kicks at her. Tiggy stands and looks at him with a puzzled look on her face and then walks away with cat still attached at which point he falls off and spits out a mouth full of fluff. Basically Tiggy can't feel anything through all the coat. Some nights Rowdy deliberately teases Tiggy till she gets up and chases him. In fact Rowdy is behind the curtains teasing Tiggy right now. But we just got back from a big run so Tiggy isn't interested. But I have a 5 feet tall cat pool and a baby gate that allow Rowdy to escape Tiggy's attentions when need be. With a kitten I would make sure that you introduce slowly and supervised and that the kitten doesn't get scared and run where Ru can chase. My dalmo was older when I brought Rowdy home and he rarely chases him so Rowdy sleeps with Rastus to keep warm. Siamese hate the cold.  Tiggy would get too hot with a snuggly cat. |
| Cassie, The kitten will quickly find holes and places where Rufus wont be able to reach it, believe me, and if cornered it will puff itself up and hiss and spit - they can look after themselves. But it's always a good idea to provide a safe place for it to go to if it needs refuge. Animals seem to know when its a kitten or pup and tolerate much more. I dare say it will be Rufus doing the hiding after a short while! Make sure it can't pinch Rufus' food, as that may upset him. I have a Britsh Blue (Stilton) and a British Cream (Cracker) (as well as a moggie called Pickle) and they have always got on great together, once the initial "who's this stranger in my house" reaction was past. Nik |
in 2006, when we first our himmie mix, Potato - we were nervous about London's behavior too.. He can be hyper (was still a puppy at the time)... So what we did was we introduced them both on our bed because that was when London was calm and relaxed.. Then my husband and I played with the kitten while at the same time petted London.. We then allowed London to smell and kiss Potato (as shown in the photo) and now they cannot be apart from each other.      |
Those are great pictures   |
 You guys have taken some of the fear away. I'm sure I'll be asking more specific questions nearer the time. I think as long as I dont let Ru's excitement escalate it should all be ok. Thank you! |
Cats are good at putting dogs in their place.  |
| ^^^^^ Love it! ^^^^^ |
| Wow that video is a real eye-opener I just visited my kitten and fell in love I've named him Greebo     I'm excited now! I'm bringing him home in July  |
| Kittens ARE pretty crazy cute! |
| Lovely Cassie - you forget how small they are as kittens. It reminds me of when I picked my Blue, Stilt, up; he's 7 kilos now! It will be a fun house at yours! Nik |
| Wow, those are really interesting looking cats! They look like they should have plenty of attitude.....Ru, better look out!  |
| Those pics of the kitten are great...he looks like he will have attitude! Very cute. Makes me miss my cat...maybe hmmm....no stop thinking about kittens. I look forward to seeing your future posts. Nancy |
well, that picture says it all. cassie, ru and greebo, all with a hint of mischief.  |
| When I read your thread title I thought of one thing: How do I introduce a kitten to Rufus? NOT in a brown gravy.  those kittens are gorgeous! I would like to get a kitten eventually, so I'll be watching your thread to see how you do- maybe I can follow your lead! |
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