I have a 2 year old Shih Tzu and am interested in adopting a kitten from my friend. From past experiences my dog has been very curious about cats and isn’t likely to chase them. The cat I’m wanting to adopt is a kitten, and is already able to tolerate dogs. Is it a safer idea to let them meet first? Also, if you know any good cat hotels around the Bay Area, CA please let me know.
I have a Shih Tzu who is about three, about a year ago we got a kitten, and they took to each other great. They love each other, and play with each other nonstop. My dog even acts more like a cat now. My dog did grow up with a cat around, although she wasn’t around her like Maggie is(my other cat is older and really not very sociable).
My suggestion would be to let them meet first, just to see how they would initially take to each other. I would think that if your dog had only been curious in the past, then it would probably be okay. The fact that the kitten can already tolerate dogs is probably a good sign, too. I know that when we brought Maggie home, my dog was so hyped up and excited to see her that she scared her, but after a while they became really close.
That was just my experience,although it really depends on both your your Shih Tzu’s and the kitten’s personality, hopefully it will help you.