It is in fact a big misconception that cats and dogs could never live together. But, if you introduce a puppy to your house with a cat, it takes careful planning and patience in order to make it go smooth. The introduction has to be done slowly as well and this should be done in a step-by-step process.
If you will be buying a puppy and taking it home, consider separating the puppy first from your cat through placing it in an adjacent room which is separated by a door. See to it though that you are going to give your cat with the basics like water, food, toys, perches, litter box and others. By doing this, both your puppy as well as the cat will be used in hearing and smelling each other without having to risk direct interactions during the sensitive times.
If you will consider placing a towel or blanket and have the scent of your puppy in the room with your cat, this will be able to help in easing up the transition. You also may place a towel or blanket with the scent of your cat in the room with the puppy. Using pheromone products will also be able to help in easing the transition for your puppy and cat.
During such time, it is important to make sure that you spend time bonding with your pet individually first. Give both of them the time to become relax and comfortable in their own areas.
After the two pets are relaxed with the current situation, consider switching their positions. It is important to allow the puppy to occupy the room with where the cat had been and the cat occupy on the room where you have placed the puppy. You must switch their rooms several times at the time of their introductory period.
Once that the puppy and cat became comfortable with each other scents, it is best to introduce them face to face. But, you should put a barrier in between them. It is important to put the cat in the large open sided carrier or you can use a baby gate so that the cat can’t get under or over.
You have to reward your puppy when it stays calm and quiet when near your cat. Also avoid letting the puppy chase or harass the cat. Bad behavior must never be allowed but you must not punish when there are lapses that occurs accidentally because it could create an unwanted response and issue between both your pets.
In a lot of cases, your puppy as well as the cat will be able to accept each other and they could also become friends in time. You need to be aware that every situation is actually different and you have to assess their reactions before allowing both of them to remain together.