How to Introduce a Kitten to a Dog
Bringing a kitten into a home with a dog can be exciting — and a little nerve-wracking. While dogs and cats can live together happily, the first impression matters. A poor introduction can lead to fear, stress, or even aggression, while a calm and controlled approach helps build trust from the start. Whether your dog is curious, excitable, or unsure around cats, introducing them to a new kitten takes patience, structure, and supervision.
Start with Separate Spaces
Before you let your dog and kitten meet face-to-face, it’s important to keep them separated at first. Set up a safe, quiet space for your kitten — ideally a room your dog can’t access — and let the kitten adjust to their new surroundings. Your dog will smell the new arrival, and that alone can stir curiosity or anxiety. Give both animals a few days to settle and become aware of each other’s scent from a distance.
During this time, swap items like bedding or toys between them to help build familiarity. Scent is a powerful way for animals to get used to one another without a direct encounter.
Controlled First Meetings
When it’s time to introduce them, keep your dog on a lead and have the kitten in a secure space, such as in a carrier or behind a baby gate. This allows them to see and smell each other safely, with no risk of chasing or sudden movements. Stay calm and watch both animals’ body language. If the kitten seems curious or relaxed and the dog is calm and responsive to your voice, that’s a positive sign.
Keep the sessions short and end on a calm note. Praise your dog for good behaviour and give them something else to focus on after the session. Avoid forcing interaction — let both animals control the pace.
Keep Your Dog’s Energy in Check
Even if your dog is friendly, their energy might overwhelm a small kitten. Use basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "leave it" to keep them focused and under control during introductions. A well-exercised dog is less likely to get overexcited, so make sure they’ve had a walk or some playtime before any new interactions.
If your dog has a strong prey drive or reacts to fast movements, you may need to go slower and work with a trainer to ensure safety.
Let the Kitten Lead the Way
Kittens are naturally cautious, and they need to feel in control of the interaction. Don’t push them toward your dog. Instead, let the kitten approach when they’re ready. They might take days or even weeks to feel confident enough to get close. Allow plenty of space for retreat, and never hold the kitten still to “make” them interact — that can lead to fear and set back the process.
Supervise Until You’re Sure
Even once the two seem to tolerate each other, you’ll need to supervise closely for the first few weeks. Keep them separated when you’re not home, and continue to reinforce calm behaviour in your dog. Over time, the novelty will wear off, and both pets will learn to share the space comfortably.
Some pairs become fast friends, while others remain polite housemates who simply coexist. Both outcomes are perfectly fine.
Summary
Introducing a kitten to a dog takes time, patience, and structure. Start with scent and space separation, move to controlled visual introductions, and let the kitten take the lead. Keep your dog calm, supervised, and positively reinforced throughout the process. With care and consistency, your home can become a peaceful shared space for both species — and maybe even the start of an unlikely friendship.