Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there, I have a 5 month old Border Collie puppy (Delta) who is currently an indoor/outdoor dog. She comes in for a few hours each day but prefers to live outside (being a border collie she wants to be able to run and chase birds). Sometimes she sleeps indoors, sometimes outdoors, depending on her mood.

Im considering getting a kitten but Im unsure as to how it would work out. The kitten would be an indoor cat only (theres no doggy door, Delta lets me know when she wants to go in or out) and there are plenty of high places that Delta couldnt reach but Im worried about how they would get along. Being a border collie she will likely try to herd the kitten up; however, im hoping that considering she is still quite young she will adapt to the new family member quickly.

Also, is it common for dogs to eat out of the litter tray? Can it be put up higher?

Does anybody have any advice or experience they can share with me?

Does Delta show a strong prey drive towards squirrels and such outdoors? If not, there should not be too many problems. Keep your kitten clawed and definately let her have acces to places away from Delta.

As for litter box snacking- well- I put mine in a room in my house that has a cat door cut into the door. It helps, but still my determined lady squeezes herself through it at times to get the snacks.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Well we havent really got anything like squirrels that she can go for in Sydney, just birds to chase. She doesnt try to eat the pet mice if that counts

Im figuring I will put a baby gate up to block off a "kitten room". Its a 3 bedroom house and Im living alone so I have room to spare. Somewhere the kitten can get to but not Delta... as well as cat-trees throughout the house.

Do you think it would be a good idea to take her with me to the shelter to observe how the different kittens react to her? Id rather a kitten that seems tolerant and keen to play and that might help me make a decision.

Typically it's a good idea for pets to meet prior to being taken home together. Not so sure a shelter setting woudl give you a good indication if there's going to be a problem or not.

Good luck to you and Delta- it will be an adventure.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles