I just got a 4 month old kitten last night and when I tried to introduce him to my two puppies he would freak out his hair would stand up he'd hiss and scratch me. I even tried when the puppies were in their crates, the dogs didn't bark or anything they just seemed excited. So should I just leave the bedroom door open and allow him to come out on his own or how should I introduce them?

Wow! That poor kitty! Nervous breakdown time!

First he has to get used to you and the house. Is there a room you can put him in and close him off until he gets used to you and playing with you--gets used to your voice, the food you bring him, his litter box, etc. Slowly, very slowly (like in a few weeks), introduce him to the dogs.

I have introduced puppies to my cats - they didn't like them. But, you can always put the cat in a crate and let the dogs come to it. They will learn to live together. It just takes time. The puppies will just want to play and the cat will let them know who is boss. I don't think I would hold the cat during the introductions though - that could get painful.
Put the dogs on their leashes and then put the cat down.

Like I said, it will take time and they will learn to live together.

I don't agree with putting the cat into a crate and letting the dogs come to it; this will give the cat a bad experience which will make it even harder for him to get use to the pups. The best thing you can do is let the cat go into the house and let time take it's course. He will probably hide out for a while until he feels comfortable... and he will eventually.

One last thing... NEVER physically "hold the cat down" while doing this! It will only cause the cat to have a BAD experience and you to get hurt.

Since this sounds like mostly a problem with the cat, I moved the question to Cats.

To expand on wondergirls idea, you could also bring him into the living area, in a carrier maybe cover up one end of it so he could hide. Also sit it up high so he can see the dogs and watch them but not have to be bothered by them coming up to his cage. Do this for an hour or so each day.

TWO threads merged