Okay, so picture this: I got this Jindo, a real beauty, but man, was he a terror to the neighborhood cats. Every time he saw a cat, it was game on – chasing, barking, the whole nine yards. It got to the point where I was seriously worried someone would get hurt, either my dog or one of the cats.
So, I started reading up and watching videos to figure out what to do. Turns out, Jindos are super territorial and have a high prey drive. That means they’re natural-born watchdogs but also that they love to chase smaller animals. I had to do something to make sure this was a safe home for all pets, so I thought, why not a kitten? I’d always wanted a cat, and this seemed like as good a time as any to try it out.
Getting Started
- First thing I did was keep them totally separate. I set up a room just for the kitten with everything she needed – food, water, a litter box, the works. My Jindo, let’s call him Bolt, wasn’t allowed anywhere near that room. I made sure there was a closed door between them for a good week or so. I wanted them to get used to each other’s smells without any face-to-face drama.
Slow Introductions
- After that first week, I started letting them sniff each other under the door. Bolt was super curious, always sniffing and pawing at the door, but I made sure he stayed calm. I’d give him treats and praise whenever he was gentle. It was all about making him associate the kitten’s smell with good things.
- Next step was letting them see each other through a baby gate. I’d put the kitten in her carrier and put the carrier on the other side of the gate. Bolt could see her, but he couldn’t get to her. They’d spend a few minutes like that every day, and I’d gradually increase the time as they got more comfortable.
- Then came the supervised visits. I’d let the kitten out of her carrier, but I’d keep Bolt on a leash. They were in the same room, but I had control over Bolt. I made sure these meetings were short and sweet, always ending on a positive note.
Making Progress
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were times when Bolt would get too excited and start barking, and I’d have to end the session right there. But slowly but surely, they started getting used to each other. Bolt learned that the kitten wasn’t a threat, and the kitten, well, she was a kitten – she adapted pretty quickly.
Living Together
Now, they’re like an old married couple. They’re not exactly cuddling together, but they coexist peacefully. Bolt doesn’t chase her, and the kitten doesn’t seem scared of him. They even play together sometimes, in their own way. It took a lot of patience and consistency, but it was totally worth it.
I learned a lot through this whole process. The biggest takeaway? Slow and steady wins the race. You can’t rush these things, especially with a breed like a Jindo. You gotta respect their instincts but also show them that not everything is prey. And honestly, seeing them together now, it’s one of the most rewarding things ever. And you know what? Bolt is way more chill now, even with the neighborhood cats. It’s like having the kitten around taught him some manners or something.
