Hi, Tasmanianred:
My favorite toy collie, Bacchus acquired me when she was only weeks old. Being a puppy, I'd doubts that she and my sister's cat, Blitzen. Who was about a year old, would get along.
There were territorial arguments for around two months. Noisy. Mostly fruitless and (discounting toppled vases and spilled drinks) non-violent.
Soon, detente was reached and the two got along. Until Blitzen started snooping out quiet, secluded places.
In July, Blitzen dropped a litter of five kittens under the kitchen porch. With Bacchus standing guard. Making sure Blitzen and her kindle were not bothered by prying eyes.
The kittens grew and watched their mother and Bacchus play. With Blitzen's signature, claws reatracted swat to Bacchus's nose to let her know that she'd had enough fun.
One day the furry family was in the living room. And Omar, one of the more prococious of the litter decided to rear up on his hind legs and swat Bacchus's nose.
My girl took the blow silently. Beads of blood on her snout. And planted Omar flat onto the floor with her right paw. Splaying Omar's legs and paws.
As if to say:
"Just because your mother can do it. Doesn't meant that you can!"
Jack.
I had some thoughts about introducting a cat into my family . My friend Sandy has successfully blended cats and dogs for many years. Her dogs are on the small size though.
My girls are 55 and 70 lbs. I'm not sure it would be fair.