My Yellow Lab with a new Cat

I am having a dilema. We have had a yellow lab for almost three years now. We bought it for our son who graduated from high school. We also had a mixed cocker spaniel at the time who passed away last May. It was my husband's dog. Now he has fallen in love with this himalaya cat on the internet that he wants and I am having reservations about it with my lab. I fear for not only the cat's safety but Chester's as well. I would like them to get along but am afraid if they don't. I understand my husband missing his dog and wanting something that's his to relate to. I told him I don't think it's a good idea and now my husband is upset with me because of it. I"m not sure what to do at this point. Any suggestions would be helpful.....