Gucci meets his new little brother

Gucci is a six-year-old French Bulldog who has ruled our condo in On Nut since he was a puppy. He does not share well, and he certainly does not share his sofa. So when my daughter brought home a tiny kitten last month, I was nervous.

Our first rule was separate rooms. The kitten stayed in the bedroom for three days with her litter tray, food, and an old T-shirt of mine. Gucci got to sniff under the closed door, which he did for hours, snorting like a steam engine. Every time he settled down, we gave him a chew.

Next came short visits. We put the kitten in a carrier on the floor while Gucci lay nearby, and we rewarded calm behaviour from both sides. By the second week he was sleeping across the room from her, pretending he was not interested.

Now they nap in the same patch of sunlight by the balcony door. Gucci still gets the best cushion, and the kitten knows it. Honestly, it has been easier than I expected. Patience and treats do most of the work.