If so (and they did not get along) how did you go about it, so they accepted eachother?I have 2 cats (albeit, they're not really in the house an awful lot) but I want to make it a comfortable situation, not scaring any of the animals.

i didn't but my friend's dad did and the two golden retreivers were best friends but they got along really well...

We currently have 4 dogs, 2 are rescues and one we are fostering for a soldier while she is in Iraq, and 5 cats, 3 are rescues and 1 is a foster for the same soldier. There were squabbles at first. We have had the best success with feeding them in seperate areas, strict discipline for any dog or cat that gets out of line. (Stern voice and time alone), extra attention for the older dogs and cats, and seperate sleeping arrangements, some with me and some with my daughter. Although, I'm not sure any will be willing to give up their side of the bed when my husband returns from his second tour in Iraq!!!

I have always believed in giving each animal time to adjust - making the time to slowly introduce them to one another.Separate rooms are essential to start with.having cats on one side of door and the dogs on inside, so they can sniff one another etc and see they are there(under the door) but unable to make contact.....over a few weeks, slowly open the door, with supervision and let them get used to one another.If you really care about your animals, and want whats best for them always supervise new arrivals, whether it be dogs, cats, Bunny's or birds etc.If the cats or dogs are stressed you can always use something like Rescue Remedy/or if you see they have had enough - its back to each separate room for them both.With patience you ll find they will soon learn that friendship is not so bad. spend equal time with both your rescues and settled animals.Good luck

Patience, I am told, is the key. dog must not be frightened of the cats. Must have a calm environment for all animals, and 'controlled socialisation'. I am on day 9 of a similar program with my new dog/puppy and have been told it can take up to six weeks. Dont expect the dogs & cats to become friends, they will hopefully learn to tolerate each other!Good luck and don't give in.