keeping peace between new cat and newer dog?

I'm fairly new to the board - esp to being a cat owner! Sorry -about the novel to follow - but I want you to have a full picture -

Around Christmas, a stray kitty wandered into our home and hearts. Teal'c was a comfort to us as we were dealing with our Golden retreiver mix - Tristan's, Lymphoma. Teal'c had a quiet "truce" with Tristan - it seemed he realized that Tristan was ill and would not cause him any harm. They actually got to the point where they could BOTH share our loveseat/couch with me or my son Jon - but Teal'c was still very cautious. (undertandable, as he isn't a big kitty and he'd been outdoors on his own for awhile, and obviously had been in some fights)Teal'c is a very smart cat - he learned how to use the doggy door on his own and has never sprayed or had an 'accident' in the house, he's sweet natured, affectionate and has kept his claws to himself. (somebody let a very nice kitty wander off, and now WE get to enjoy him!)

Tristan passed away Jan 24.

In the weeks after Tristan's death, Teal'c became very comfortable in our home. He stayed mostly inside, going outside to potty or occasionally wander. He is quite a cuddler and very affectionate, loves to be handled and brushed. He came out of 'hiding' under the bed, and made himself at home, streatched out on the beds or couch, and even would tolerate one or two new humans around. He seems to really enjoy the companionship of just being in the same room with us.

Since we are 'dog people', we had already been looking for another dog before Tristan died. Monday we brought home Fizz - a 23month old golden retreiver. Fizz is a conformation show dog that is very calm ( for a golden) and while she has no formal obedience training, she knows basics like 'come' and 'no'.

since Fizz has been here, Teal'c has gone back to being outside more and hiding more when he IS in the house. We have made him a number of high, comfy 'perches' and safe spots in each room where he can usually observe Fizz and not feel threatened by her. He seems to like these, and instinctively knew they were made for him. We are also feeding him high, so Fizz stays away from his food. She is naturally curious, and wants to 'investigate' Teal'c, but there was a cat at her breeders that she was familiar with so she knows a cat is not a 'toy'. To Teal'c, she is HUGE and scary - so I can understand his fear and caution, even though she has not made the slightest agressive move toward him, (neither had Tristan - but i understand his caution about dogs)

I don't expect them to be best buddies - though that would be nice, someday.

What i DO want is for them to respect each other's space, and be able to occupy the same room, without Fizz getting her face ripped up by Teal'c. I would like Teal'c to be able to come out for some attention and petting, which I KNOW he likes, without his feeling like Fizz is going to eat him (Though often Fizz doesn't even notice him when he comes thru a room, or when she enters a room where he is - esp if he is up high) Goldens are naturally friendly and curious - I have a feeling that once Fizz 'inspects' Teal'c, she'll probably get used to him and ignore him.

Teal'c ALWAYS notices her - and watches her, ready to spit, hiss and scratch if she gets too close. yesterday, Teal'c was on a table in the kitchen, and Fizz walked through, weaving between the chairs. she didn't even SEE him. Teal'c, on the other hand, growled, hissed and swiped at her - even though I was between them. I didn't see if his claws were out or not - it was too fast. it also strikes me that when he first met Tristan - he also hissed and swiped, but definately it was a 'warning' not fighting, as his claws were definately sheathed, then. Through out our almost 2 months with Teal'c - he has never scratched or bitten me or Jon, (or Tristan) even when he was mad and we told him 'NO!" Even if I picked him up and he was fighting mad - he just gave me dirty looks, but made no attempt to fight or scratch me.

Tristan was much less active than Fizz, and he learned to ignore Teal'c faster, too. Fizz still has enough puppy in her that I'm not sure she'll figure out the message that quickly. Teal'c also never 'growled' at Tristan, but he definately has stronger negative feelings about Fizz!

So I'm wondering if there is anything else I can do to reduce the animosity between these two, and help them learn to accept each other peacefully? So far, I've just been trying to be very cautious, keeping a 'safe' distance between them, but letting htem BOTH know that I don't like fighting - as I don't want to push them together and have a worse relationship to fix.

BTW - BOTH are going in next week to be 'fixed', which should make Teal'c a little less territorial, and Fizz a little worn out next week.

Do you experienced dog/ cat households have any other suggestions?

Laura

I'm soirry, I wish I could help, but I have hte opposite problem: my big dog is scared of the cats. I'm sure someone will be able to help you.

I have no dog myself but maybe some of that feliway would help calm the kitty baby. I would suggest keeping them in different rooms and gradually get them use to one anothers scents? Then do a slow introduction again. Someone more experienced may offer you something better...

Sadlt Tael,when,he was a stray,may have had some bad experiences,with Dogs,usually as a result,of some idiot,siccing,the Dog,on a homeless Cat.Which,is stupid,as Cats,at least at first,have the advantage,of speed,and claws,and the Dog,gets hurt.Being fixed,should help,and we hope,that as you say,they will become Friends,if not bosom Buddies.

Sadlt Tael,when,he was a stray,may have had some bad experiences,with Dogs,usually as a result,of some idiot,siccing,the Dog,on a homeless Cat.Which,is stupid,as Cats,at least at first,have the advantage,of speed,and claws,and the Dog,gets hurt.Being fixed,should help,and we hope,that as you say,they will become Friends,if not bosom Buddies.:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

They will work it out themselves. Really. The dog will learn to never chase a cat and the cat will know places to go when he wants to get away from the dog. My cats and dogs have no problem with each other at all. The dogs have never chased the cats although pixie does fluff her fur up when they come in from outside, but I would 2 they run in like lions. Other then that they all love each other and when they are not loving each other they ignore each other. LOL. At first they were all very interested in the new cat (pixie) but they all got used to her and are fine now.
Good luck!