Introducing new pup to old cat! -- Advice?

[theoconbrio]

We have been working on it for three years and still don't have an answer. I think there is a great deal of variability and it really depends on the cat. Theo would love nothing more than to be able to play with Molly, cuddle, snuggle her, etc., but she wants nothing to do with it. When we were crate-training Theo he barked a lot, which terrified her (she hid for days), and I think she never got over that initial reaction.

As Seattlemom recommends, we always gave Molly an escape--and several rooms Theo was not allowed in at first, since cats are territorial. We also kept him away from her food, water, and litter box, so she wouldn't feel encroached upon. We let her investigate him on her own terms, and we did a lot of "leave it" training with the dog. Still, she would rather have nothing to do with him.

Interestingly, when he would investigate the cat and she would hiss at him, we would tell him "down!" Now, whenever she hisses at him he drops into a down! And then looks to us to release him. It's really quite pathetic. She is clearly dominant and will jump out at him while he's doing nothing in particular. Poor guy. But we did get the message across, which is that she's above him in the hierarchy and he needs to respect her desire to be left alone. Still, he can't help but try to get a butt-lick in now and then, which really pisses her off. : The good news is that they comfortably share the same room without stress, so even if your cat is as cantankerous and nasty as ours is, harmony can be achieved. Good luck!

[imported_MilesMom]

Still, he can't help but try to get a butt-lick in now and then, which really pisses her off. :

LOL!! Oh my gosh is that funny!! ;D