Introducing a cat to a dog?

[Shanshannon]

OK, so I have a seven year old cat whom I've had for six years, and my step-dad is getting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel soon. We know how to handle dogs, we used to have a labrador, but she passed away seven years ago. Anyway, cats are very territorial so how the heck can I introduce my cat to a puppy? That's all I need to know, thank you.

 

[mom tree]

A seven year old cat is quite aged and mature, set in it's ways and (depending on it's nature) may or may not accept a dog into it's "world". The only thing that can be done is to let them both find their own pecking order and tolerance levels.
The cat is either going to gets it's nose bent out of shape and take to hiding most of the time or it's going to regularly put the pup in it's place...(poor puppy) with a few well placed swipes to the muzzle.
Again, it depends upon the cat's nature to determine just how long it's going to take before the two of them can get along in the household. This may be days or this may be weeks (or even months).

Also, DO NOT cage/kennel the puppy so that the cat can "get used to it". Although kenneling has it's good uses, introduction to a cat is NOT one of them.
Either way, good luck in the future with both wonderful animals.

 

[YorkiiTorii]

Put the puppy in a kennel. Let the cat BY ITSELF approach the cage. Let the cat sniff around it and see the puppy. Let the cat do her business for about ten to twenty minutes. Then, if the cat has not hisses or shown any sign of fear or anger, open the cage. Let the puppy come out and have the cat keep it's distance. So basically, let nature run it's course. Don't force the cat or puppy next to each other. They may have a natural hatred, or just the cat. My dog and cat have lived together for 2 years and although my dog tries to cuddle or play with my cat, the cat claws at her. Just let the two animals get to know each other. Hope I helped.