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How Cats React to Adopting a New Dog: Miki’s Rescued Sister

Dr. Maja Platisa

By Dr. Maja Platisa

Miki sitting outdoor

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Dr. Maja Platisa Photo

Written by

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Miki, the kitten who made me a cat person.

Miki is the most tolerant cat I know. Since he was a kitten, he’s been living with two dogs, whom he accepted easily and bonded with. He met my brother’s dogs as well and tolerated them, allowing them to join him in his exploring. Then in November last year, I rescued two kittens and was initially worried how he would react to this. Again, he welcomed both of them without too much fuss and is now playing with them like they’ve been living with us since the beginning. And the latest canine edition joined us only three weeks ago, unplanned. And again, my Miki never ceases to amaze me.

Miki’s First Reaction to Our New Canine Addition

The newest dog that joined our pack a few weeks ago wasn’t a planned addition. I rescued her from the street (literally), and because she was not microchipped and had no other means of identification, I decided to keep her after no one had come forward looking for her. From the first day I brought her back home, she joined us on our walk. Miki was weary to begin with and decided to skip the walk altogether. He watched us head to the fields from the thick undergrowth nearby, his favorite spot.

The dog was very excitable and tried to approach Miki over the first few days, but he remained cautious, although there was no hissing or swiping. His hair would rise on his back, and he would make himself look quite big and proud. But after only a few days, when he realized the little dog was only just a bit bigger than him and showed no intention of chasing him, he started going on walks with us, as if nothing new had happened. Three on the walk became four.

Miki walking with dogs in the snow

How Miki Protects What Is His

Funnily enough, a few months ago, a hunting dog got lost in the area, and came to my house, as she was familiar with the territory and was here once before. While I was waiting for the owner to collect her, she was resting outside my front door. Miki was not very pleased and he behaved much more protective of the house and yard than the two dogs did. The dogs found the visitor quite interesting and wanted to play, while Miki was guarding the front door, all puffed up and hissing. He even attempted to swipe the dog a few times as she got a bit too close to the door for his liking.

I’ve never seen him do anything like this before. There aren’t unfamiliar dogs at my property often, but the neighbors’ dogs may pass every few months with their herd of sheep, and Miki has learned to steer clear of them. He would climb a tree or hide somewhere close to the house, and if I wasn’t home, just by his demeanor, I would know he must have gotten scared. This was totally different and he was the one in charge.

adorable Lajka looking up

Miki Knows She’s Here to Stay

I thought initially he may associate this little hunting dog with the intruder from last year, against whom he bravely defended the front door. But maybe he realized straight away this one is here to stay, as she was given a crate inside and joined us on every walk since then. Now he walks with the three dogs and although is still paying attention to where the little dog is, he doesn’t try to run off or hide. He’s approached her a few times while she’s resting in her crate, and seems unimpressed.

Miki walking with the dogs

Teaching Kittens By Example

The kittens have taken different approaches to the new dog, based on their differing personalities. Minnie was climbing up and down her crate and tried playing with the dog’s tail if it was sticking out of it. She is totally unphased by everything (which could become concerning when she starts exploring the outside world). Nara on the other hand is quite cautious around the new addition. She doesn’t run off when the dog moves or barks, which is an improvement considering it took her more than a month to get used to Lava and Hela, the two big dogs whom she loves playing with now and sleeping next to. Both kittens must have seen how calm and composed Miki is around the new dog, assuring them they have nothing to fear.

Finally, It’s All About Time and Patience

One thing I realized while having pets is that time helps with most challenges and issues. While some take to change easily and embrace it, others need a bit more time to make sense of it. Animals are not that different from us. Luckily in my home, minus a few benign daily arguments between the naughty kittens, and very occasionally (maybe once yearly) between the dogs when it comes to food, there is generally a balanced sense of contentment from them all and a nice and friendly coexistence, making me feel very grateful.

Lava, Hela and Miki sleeping on bed

This article is a part of Dr. Maja and Miki's series.

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Dr. Maja Platisa

Authored by

Dr. Maja has over 8 years of veterinary experience working with various animal species in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands, from dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, to cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Maja is very enthusiastic about veterinary volunteering work and often helps in neutering projects for stray animals in Greece. She has a wide range of skills in the fields of animal medicine and surgery, diagn...Read more

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