puppy vs cat question

[mamamillet]

SO we got a puppy on Monday. Not at all what I thought I would get but, I fell in love at that was that. She seems very smart; housetraining and cratetraining are going very well. My question is about her interactions with our cat. The puppy is about 8-10 wks old and about 6-7 lbs. Our cat is one of the most laid back cats I have ever known, nothing seems to bother him (except taking meds). Anway, at their first meeting there was some sniffing on both parts and then the cat rubbed his head with hers--his sign for I like ya! Over the past two dys the interactions have become more active so to speak. The cat becomes completetly submissive with the pup, rolling on to his back and letting her sorta pounce on him and nibble a bit. There has been no hissing, one meow that made the pup back off and then the cat ran. Obviously the cat can get away if he wants to but how much should I let the pup do? SHould I just expect my cat to let her know when to back off? I have never had an adult cat with a puppy before. I have had kittens with adult dogs and also had both adult cat and dog intros. Also the pup will be going out to my moms with me frequently and they have two cats that won't be as tolerant as well as three large dogs. Any advice?
(when I figure out how to post pictures I will post some pics of my animal freinds)

[Alana]

Generally cats dont have a problem holding their own with pups. Plus, lots of times when cats are playing they roll over on their backs and bat at the "combatant" with their paws. I used to have a cat that would lie in wait, and then LEAP out of nowhere onto our very large German Shepherd....he was SO scared of that kitty!!

[mamamillet]

So I should let the cat decide how much he wants to put up with?

[familylove]

I think as long as you keep an eye on their interactions and intervene if and when things do get out of hand, your cat and pup should keep on enjoying themselves.

Can't wait to see pics!

[Alana]

Cats are pretty good at knowing their tolerance levels, and can run away and jump out of reach if pup gets annoying. Have fun!!! I love watching them play. When I was a teen I got a kitten, and my brother got a pup. They would play together...but the puppy soon grew into a moose, and he was so worried about hurting the kitten (who was totally obnoxious towards him) that when kitty got out of hand, the pup would sit on him.

[greenegirl]

My sister once nannied for a family that had a cat and a dog. At the time she became the nanny, both animals were adults. However, the family had the adult cat when they had acquired the puppy. The cat taught the puppy how to hunt, just like she would have taught her own kittens. One of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life was this now adult yellow lab crouched down, with its butt up in the air, wiggling its butt and then pouncing on a mouse in the backyard -- exactly like a cat would have done it.

[mamamillet]

It has been very fun to watch. The cat was very close to our dog that was put to sleep last month and I think he is happy to have the new pup around. Although its not quite the same as curling up to a 90 lb dog I think the cat is happy to have a new canine companion!

[caeden&connersmom]

I agree with everyone else. Our youngest cat and our dog wrestle all the time! They love to chase each other and actually take turns being *it*

When the cats has had enough, he simply goes upstairs, or if the dog is being abnoxious, will give a quick hit on the snout. THat usually keeps the dog in line!

[shannon0218]

What the others have said, cats are pretty darned good at letting a pup know when to back off and I find they are much more efficient at training than humans are
My old cat Chaos was totally in charge. I came home one day and neither dog came to great me, I called them and I heard whining--I go on the hunt and Chaos had both german shepherds cornered in the bathroom and wouldnt' let them out : 11 lbs of cat, 130 lbs of dog....cat wins paws down!