Pit Bull w/Kitten...Now Pit will not eat?

Question

For a little background...I have three dogs and a newly added kitten. A female shephard mix and a brendel mastif/ terrier (or commonly known as pit bull) that are both 2 1/2 years old that we rescued from the pound when they were about 4-6 months. We also have a 3 year old female toy chihuahua. The females have always eaten fine and continue to eat normally. The pit has always been a bit thinner. His ribs have shown most of his life. He has never been lethargic or had a real aggressive side though and is very playful and active. He has been netured since released from the pound as well as the shephard spayed. Both the shephard and the pit do become possessive at times with particular toys, but nothing too bad.

Ok, so since we got the kitten (about 3 days ago) the pit will not stop staring and following the kitten and will not eat very much. I should inject here that when we first got the pit and the shephard we had cats. They got along fine at first, but then they started to play to rough with the cats so the cats started to stay away from the dogs. We then moved without the cats and ever since the dogs have had the "normal attitude" towards cats. When we got the kitten the two females sniffed and were curious at first but then went on their way as usual. Now, the pit will not leave the kitten alone. Of course, the kitten doesn't like it very much so he hisses and swipes at him which kinda sets him off. We have had 2 close calls so far, but nothing serious.

Ok, so after the long intro...(sorry about that) what do I do to get the pit to leave the cat alone and to eat normal? And actually a second part to the question is should I give the dogs seperate bowls? I have tried that and single bowls, but the pit just does not eat that much no matter what. Any help would be great.

Answer 1

I have a huge German Shepherd that isn't a big eater.  I've asked different sources on this issue and the answer that I've been given is to not only feed the dogs separately, but also to feed them on regular schedules.  Put the food out and leave it out for only 20 minutes or so, and then put it away.  Eventually the dog is going to get hungry enough to eat the food and they will get used to being on a regular schedule like that.  If you leave the food out all day, the dog gets accustomed to it, and won't eat as well.  

I highly doubt that your Pit Bull is going to eat your kitten because it is hungry.  It might attack the kitten because it doesn't know how to interact with it, but it's not going to eat the kitten because it sounds like a tasty meal.  

You are going to have to introduce the kitten to the dog and 'babysit' their interaction.  It would be just like if you brought a child into the house.  You wouldn't just assume that the dogs would be fine with the child and leave them together unattended.  You have to supervise their meetings and interactions until they become accustomed to each other.  You have to watch the dogs behavior and reward good behavior, and 'punish' bad behavior'  Usually a good firm "NO" when the dog has done something undesirableis good enough, especially if the dog lives to please you.

I hope that's helpful!

Answer 2

Nothing wrong with keeping a cat with a pitbull, as long as both pup and kitten are stable, happy animals.

But, it sounds like the pit has some emotional issues that may be underlying his kitten-obsession and not eating. I would contact a dog trainer and have her come to your house to observe the situation and give you tips.

In the meantime, I would definitely suggest feeding all the dogs from their own bowls. Have you taken the pit to a vet to make sure that the diminished appetite is not caused by a medical condition?

Answer 3

you keep a cat with a pitbull......?

Answer 4

keep the pitbull away from kitten. the pit bull is very interested in this cat and if you already have had some close calls then it would be best to keep them seperate. maybe let the pitbull sniff at the kitten on lead so you can control him. and if the kitten does swipe at your dog tell the kitten off! the kitten may scratch your dogs eyes. If you tell your dog off for having a go, then tell your kitten off.

As for your dog not eating maybe feed him 30 mins before or after you feed or other dogs. He may even be picky with his food, or the food or feeding him may be upsetting him.

just watch him closely and try out different dog foods.  

Answer 5

This sounds like a recipe (no pun intended) for disaster. It sounds like the pit's prey drive has kicked in. Kitty is in danger. Find kitty a new home.

As to the weight problem on the pit, I would consult a vet. It sounds like a medical problem.

Edit:  For the person who said that the dog won't eat the kitten. I have taken several phone calls from people who called the animal hospital I used to work at about dogs eating kittens. YES dogs WILL eat kittens.

Answer 6

Crate your dogs when you feed them and do not trust a dog who stars at the cat. When you are not there the dog will kill your new kitten and then you have set up the pattern for behavior that is not good and can not be trained out of them. Even a cavalier king charles spaniel will kill a cat if the situation is right.

Answer 7

a mastiff is not a pit bull. take the dog to the vet, something is defiantly wrong with his/her appetite. has the dog been checked for worms or anything of the sort?