My kitten is stressed by our new puppy. Will his personality change?

Question

Our kitten is particular quiet but lately since we've introduced the puppy at home he's become very vocal and agitated. I realize a transition phase is normal for about a month until they become acclimated, however I'm wondering if this will change his personality from affectionate and calm to easily irritated and skittish? Is there anything I can do to prevent this? How can I better establish a relationship among my pets? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 months and 8 days old | 5 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Bringing a new puppy into the home can be stressfully for Jinx, and he could be reacting like this due to stress. I can give you a method that will hopefully help them get along. Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first bring your puppy home, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. Make sure your kitten has a litter box, food, and water in their room. You can also place a blanket with the puppy's smell in the kitten's room, and a blanket with the kitten's smell in the puppy's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your kitten and a DAP for your puppy. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing the kitten in the puppy's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the puppy on a leash to the kitten while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the puppy for being calm and quiet near the kitten. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your kitten has a cat tree where he can escape from the puppy as needed, and don't allow the puppy to chase the kitten.

My kitten is stressed by our new puppy. Will his personality change?

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