That is so helpful! Before I read MadameAlto's reply, I took one of the babes (which Myrtle will let us do without complaint) out of the bedroom and held it up outside of the kennel (with Myrtle locked in bedroom). Ernie took a submissive pose and layed down. Then with my permission, he came up and began kissing the baby! The babe did hiss, so I took her back to Mommy right away. Then, I let Ernie out, and went and got Myrtle (making sure the whole time that kittens were locked up safe and sound) and holding her by the scruff of her neck which relaxes her for some reason, I brought her out. The animals sat two feet from eachother, Ernie laying down (bowing to the queen of the house), and me holding Myrtle stroking her, I was able to eventualy release her and just pet her lightly and she began to purr!
So I think it's like you said, Ernie is just doesn't like outsiders. And like MadameAlto said, Myrtle needs to learn that Ernie's not a threat. And I don't think he would have hurt the cat or he I wouldn't have been able to stop him! I also think that comfort zone plugins will go a long way too. But I will keep cats seperate from dogs until the kits are weaned and Myrtle's fixed, allowing minimal supervised visits from time to time... and just play by ear.
But if anyone thinks this is a bad idea, please let me know!!!

Destany

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