We are thinking of adding a new puppy--rhodesian ridgeback--and kitten to our household, which already includes two male cats who tolerate each other and a poodle which they both ignore. I mention the breed of puppy because they grow to be large, if reasonably amiable dogs. My question is this: If we bring in a puppy and kitten at the same time and of the same age, will they learn to get along and will they grow up to be buddies, which we would like?

-- Anonymous, September 17, 1998

Answers

Hi, I have successfully blended two MC kittens, at different times, into a household with a Rottweiler and a Welsh Corgi without any problems. A friend of mine who has a three year old Rhodesian Ridgeback had a kitten at the time she brought the Ridgeback puppy home and they are the best of friends. Any multi pet household requires common sense and a lot of patience, but if the animals are basically good natured and watched closely in the early stages, you should be able to manage the Maine Coon/Ridgeback combination. Best of luck.

Jane

-- Anonymous, September 17, 1998

Hi, I got a three-month old Rhodesian ridgeback when my Maine Coon kitten was about 9 months old. They initially enjoyed playing together. However, ridgebacks tend to be inactive in the house and as mine became an adult, she and the cat lost interest in each. The ridgeback was gentle in the house. However, outdoors she was very fast and liked to kill small furry animals. I did worry that, should the cat accidentally get out, she might dispatch it before she realised who it was.

-- Anonymous, October 12, 1999