You should definitely plan to introduce the puppy through some sort of barrier like a screen door/window or baby gate. Also get some bedding that the puppy has slept on and put it in the house the cat will get used to it. You might also want to rub a towel on the cat, then on the bedding and even on the puppy so the cat's own smell will be integrated into everything.

Keep the first visit short and plan several more short visits through the barrier. Then you might try a leashed introduction. Take things slow. If you decide to adopt the puppy, keep him in a room behind a baby gate and give the cat plenty of time to get used to this arrangement. Occasionally you might want to put the cat in the puppy's space and let the puppy wander around the rest of the house - on a leash of course.

Provide lots of high areas where the cat can leap if he becomes afraid of the puppy.

Good luck!
-----
Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]