Hello. I have a 6 years old cat and want to bring a labrador retriever puppy into the house. I am very concerned with how my cat is going to get along with the puppy.. What are the best ways to introduce them? And are there any risks that my cat can get depressed?

I have always had cats and dogs in the same household. Your new pup will try to master the household at first, the cat will ignore him and probably put him in his place. After a little while of running back and forth, both will get along just fine. Just done worry about the outcome, bring the pup in and let them get acquainted on their own. There will be less drama this way. I don't think your cat will get depressed, may hide for a while to show his/her displeasure; I think that is all it will amount to.

Tick

I agree with TIck, I have always had cats and dogs, and usually there is some tension at first, but in the end they can get along nicely or totally ignore one another. The most important thing here is, making sure the cat doesn't feel pushed out. Don't let your pup corner the cat or steal her food, or push her around. The pup should know that the cat was there first and she is one up on him on the totem pole. Introduce slowly. I would bring the pup in a kennel and let the cat investigate on her own. When you take the pup out, put him on a leash and allow them to sniff, don't worry if the cat balks, hisses and runs away, they won't become besties over night especially with an older cat. Once the cat has found her hiding spot, allow the puppy a little more freedom to investigate.