Originally posted by dms
I have a 3 yr old cat that is not comfortable around strangers, much less dogs.I would love to get a golden or a lab but I am worried that the cat will react really badly. I love her dearly and wouldn't want her to lose her place in the family. I'm thinking that if I get a puppy, at least the cat will feel like she is the boss and before the dog gets too big it will know its place (ie that the cat is in charge). Any suggestions? Am I expecting too much?

Thanks
I saw this problem before on a british animal show,,, it was 2 cats tho,,, but this ought to work as well... Take a face cloth and rub each pets face throughly,, then switch the face cloths and wipe each pet again with the other smell..... then SLOWLY get them in the same room.. start at each end of the room and just sit with them,, read a book or watch the TV,, do this for 5 or 10 mins each day until you get tot he point where you can have them side by side for 30 mins,,, Refresh the face cloths with a wiping down each time... this help the pets to know the others smell and lessen the fear reaction..... It might work.... youll just have to keep the 2 apart if and when you get the dog until the process works....