Answer: Because of its natural predatory instincts, it is unreasonable and unrealistic to except a cat not to attack the smaller pet mammals (such as hamsters, guinea pigs, or even rabbits), fish and cage birds. Where a kitten and the young of one of these species have been raised together, they may accept each other as equal and co-exist in harmony, but in practice this situation is rare. Therefore these pets should be segregated in their own cages, runs, etc. and the cat allow no opportunity to interfere with them.
The household pet with which they are most likely to get along happily is the dog, especially the kitten and puppy were introduce into the household at the same time.If kitten is bought into a house where there is already a dog, there is the danger of the dog becoming jealous and attacking the kitten. Therefore much the same procedure should be adopted as when introducing a kitten and an older cat i.e. giving increased attention to the dog and feeding the animals separately, particularly as they will have different food requirements and the dog will usually finish his meal first. Generally there will be gradual acceptance. Introduction of an older cat may be present greater difficulty, but again it should be attempted along the same lines.
