My step daughter is bring her cat to stay with us for 6 weeks. My old spolied dog has never seen a cat. In his younger days he chased a few rabbitts that were in the yard. Is there anything we should do when bringing the two under the same roof. I do not want to force the cat to stay downstairs.

He's either going to like the cat, or he isn't really.

Some dogs get along fine with them and you will never have a problem... others like to chase... and eat :eek:
It's much easier with puppies than it is older dogs.

Before she brings to cat to your house try bringing a few of the cats things over if possible. Anything with the cats scent on it so the dog can get used to it.

Do you own a crate?
If so I would try putting your dog in a crate and letting the cat walk around the room. Otherwise just put a leash on the dog and get him to sit next to you.
That way the dog gets a good look at the cat, without being able to get to it... same with the cat, it gives it a chance to come up to the dog in the crate when it feels comfortable.

Depending on how obedient your dog is you can try having some treats on hand and getting the dog to focus on you while the cat is there.

Other than that I really can't give you much advice as I have never had a cat (allergies)

Thanks . I do not have a crate so the leash it is. He is pretty obedient ,but if the cat gets close enough he would fit in my dogs mouth. His chasing days are over.

My GSD (and I love your dog's photo) is territorial. She does not want other animals on her territory. I would have a BIG problem with any other animal in the house. I have two rescued cockatiels and she absolutely hates them. She stares at them with narrowed eyes (has never made a grab at them) and I KNOW she's trying to figure out how to open the window and then their cage.

I do have a second dog but they grew up together.

When he was young we did search and rescue so he was always around other dogs. Also during open dog classes. He has been a homebody for the last few years and an only child since his older buddy died 4 years ago. I am hoping that have a new friend will be an easy adjustment.

Ok so it has been about three weeks since the cat came to stay. The cat is afraid of the dog and will not come downstairs. The dog sleeps upstairs and then the cat stays out of our room. They have seen each other a few times and the cat hisses and dashes away and the dog barks a couple of times and makes no attempt to chase it. The dog waits by the doorway to see the cat .

I guess they are going to just ignore each other. The cat is king of the upstairs by day and then lets the dog reign at night.

At least there is no fighting.

That's good news! They don't have to be friends, they just have to put up with each other for a while.