Reader’s question
I have a six-month-old puppy and I would like to get a kitten, but I’m not sure whether this is a good idea with an excitable puppy around. What is the best age to introduce a new kitten to a puppy? Should I wait until the puppy is a bit older?

Kathy answers
I’d suggest you get the kitten as soon as possible. I like dogs and cats to grow up together. Although the puppy is excitable, you can train it to be calm with the kitten. I hope you have taken the puppy to puppy socialisation, and that at this age you are doing further training. A dog that has had some training will know commands and you will be able to work with it to get her to display good behaviour around the kitten. You’ve not mentioned the breed of your puppy. Just remember that some breeds are not compatible with cats. Terriers like to chase and herding dogs might herd a cat all day! There are many websites on various dog breeds and their compatibility with cats. Take a look.

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