Dachshund Puppy Meeting Kitten So They Can Be BFFs Backfires—'No Thank You'

A social media video that captures how a puppy and a kitten reacted to each other during their very first meeting has left the internet in hysterics.

The viral video, which has been viewed more than 1.9 million times since it was first shared to TikTok on Sunday, showed the pair's first encounter, which involved plenty of uncertain stares and cautious tail movements.

Viewers were shown the puppy and kitten at first testing the waters with each other, by gaging how they each respond to certain body language cues or rounds of chase. For a while, things seemed to be going well but before long the meeting descended into chaos after the kitten lunged at Flynn the dog, which prompted a fight.

The post had been captioned: "Apparently kittens are Flynn's kryptonite."

Although dachshunds are known for their headstrong nature, Flynn the puppy appeared keen to let tensions settle with the cat who belongs to his owner's friend.

"Dachshunds were bred to be an independent hunter of dangerous prey," says the American Kennel Club (AKC) on its website. "They can be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn, but their endearing nature and unique look has won millions of hearts the world over."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) acknowledged in one of its online publications that historically cats and dogs have not been deemed to be the best of friends.

However, the animal welfare organization does add that the vastly different animals can become close members of a family, or at least tolerate each other, if they are introduced to each other in a sensible way.

This crucial introduction should happen at a quiet time, to provide both animals with a reassuring and peaceful environment, according to the RSPCA.

"Choose a quiet time when the household is calm. Avoid festivities, parties, visiting
relatives or friends, and find time to concentrate on calm reassurance for both pets," the RSPCA writes online.

Owners are then encouraged to reward both pets for responding well to meeting each other. "The cat should be given a safe position in the room, and the animals should be allowed to get used to each other gradually. This will take patience. become used to each other. Again, associate the presence of the cat with reward for your dog's calm behavior," the organization adds.

What Do The Comments Say?

Since it had been shared to the social media platform on January 28 by @andreal.corbin, the TikTok post has been liked by over 169,000 users and commented on more than 250 times. TikTokers have voiced their takes on the viral moment in the post's comments section.

"I've learned recently that the way cats play is very similar to rude dog behavior. Getting face taps is a sign of dominance for dogs," one user wrote.

Another user added: "Such a confident kitten! I'm impressed!"

"He didn't really help though and I love that. Most dogs are yelping up a storm when a cat chases them," shared a third user.

A different TikToker commented: "He's used to people being bigger than him, he's freaked out when he finds someone smaller than him."

The TikTok post can be seen here.

Newsweek reached out to @andreal.corbin for more information via email.

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