The assumption I make as I write this article is that you have a family cat and a new puppy.
So now that your household holds both puppies and kitties you want to know if you put the dog and cat together without a lot of damage to your real estate or personal property! Generally the introduction of a young puppy with a cat can go pretty smoothly; or it can be problematic.
Either way, you need to know what to do.
When you first introduce your pup to your cat, keep the puppy restrained.
Don't try to hold the cat.
The cat should be free to react naturally.
Now there are basically two kinds of cats: Cats that will stand and fight for themselves, and cats that will run away from any kind of problem.
You probably know what kind of cat you have - but if you don't, you are about to find out.
If your cat is the type that defends himself, he will probably spit and hiss at the pup.
This will probably cause your puppy to retreat.
Don't force your puppy to stay - allow it to do what comes naturally, with the exception of allowing it to pounce on the cat.
Here you must restrain him.
If, on the other hand, your cat is of the variety that runs from perceived problems, hold on to your puppy and do not allow it to chase the cat.
Whatever happens, realize that it is natural behavior between puppies and kitties.
OK.
You have now, at some level, gotten your dog and cat together.
At least they now know each other.
As your puppy grows, make certain that he doesn't chase your cat.
Restrain him as necessary until your cat is used to him being around and the pup has learned that cat chasing is an unacceptable behavior.
When you are not there to supervise your dog and cat together, it would be best to either put your pup in his puppy playpen or put the cat outside.
Don't allow them access to one another without proper supervision.
As your puppy grows and gains confidence there may still be problems that will arise.
He might try to pounce on the cat because he wants the cat to run so he can give chase.
When you see him about to pounce attach a leash to the pup's collar and give a yank, stopping him from chasing the cat.
You can then substitute one of his toys and praise him when he begins to play with it.
It's a good idea to make certain your cat has access to plenty of places up high he can retreat to.
Be sure to clear off a shelf here or there and make certain it is firmly attached to your wall.
Your cat will be glad for this refuge.
Having puppies and kitties in the same household can, at first, be a challenge.
Eventually, however, both will learn that a dog and cat together under the same roof can live peaceably.
In time they will both learn to respect the space of the other.