Oh goody lol another thread where I get to post about this!
I really think you should get another kitten of a similar age if you possibly can...
We have a lovely 9 year old dog who has always been ok with cats but hadn't lived with any since a puppy and so he was nervous of them as first, and barked at them a bit. We are glad every day we got two kittens for so many reasons - they are the best of friends and keep each other amused, exercised and happy, it meant that we could at first keep the kittens in one room without them getting lonely - and they never really needed to bother the dog for attention. The female at first would shadow box him every time he came near but now after 4 months they all get on famously, he sniffs and kisses them quite a lot and they "nose" him back which is lovely. The only time I have to watch them is when I'm feeding them and they're all clamouring for their dinner round his legs, but bless him he doesn't even mind if they dive in his bowl these days (though this can be a very dangerous situation, my friend could tell you a horror story about this one - so even though we're all cool I usually put the cat food down first to prevent this happening)
Also it was the thought of our little Halo being all alone when we went out (with the dog) that swayed us. Harry came too and as I said we are thankful every day that we made that decision
Anyway here are some reasons why you, the dogs and your new kitten might be better off if you got two, I really hope you go for it
I know that this article mentions an older cat - well I think the same stands for an older, established dog (or two)
Quote:
|
Although it might sound contrary, an older, established (cat) will probably accept two kittens better than one. One kitten will seek out the older (cat) as a playmate, or worse, tease and pester the senior cat which can cause stress to an older (cat). The kitten in return, will be "rewarded" for his playful efforts with hisses and swats. Two kittens will expend their energy in play with each other, leaving their older "uncle" to relax in peace.
|
When Two is Better Than One
10 Reasons Why Two Kittens Are Better Than One
Aside from that i wouldn't bother introducing your cousins cats to your dogs! They are different from your new kitten.
As with any new kitten I would say keep the kitten in a separate room for 3 weeks. Once or twice a day you could bring him/her down and hold it very carefully, offer the (un-threatening) tail end and allow the dogs to sniff the kitten's bum. Any signs of aggression, remove the kitten instantly from the room and ignore the dog. Keep them apart at mealtimes at this stage and only feed the kitten in the room you've designated as "kitten room".
After 3 weeks the kitten will be wanting to explore further and I expect you will have more of an idea how your dogs are dealing with their new housemate. I would say if you are only going to have one, if it starts to bother the dogs while they're sleeping or whatever remove the kitten from the dogs' space as quickly as possible and distract him/her with any toy that comes to hand - feather, pencil, scrunched up paper, fingers - dogs aren't usually bothered about "toys" like that so you can safely distract the kitten's attention this way and not have the dogs trying to join in. With just the one you'll have to do a lot of active play time at first though or littlun will probably find it's own amusement, attacking the dogs' tails etc.
Best of luck xxxxx