Dog & Cat

I have a slight problem and am hoping someone can come up with an answer. I have a 12 year old cat who is a little on the nervous side. A neighbours small dog (similar to a Yorkshire terrier) frequently comes in through the cat flap and they maintain a reasonable distance from each other, but can't be described as friends. I have now met a man who has a yorkshire terrier of 8 years old and we are wondering how we can go about introducing my cat and his dog without them harming each other, and also without my cat leaving home, as there is already one dog around, although not permanent. His dog by the way only goes outside on a lead, whereas my cat has her freedom, never going far but always returning home. My cat and myself live in Portugal and the dog and his owner live in the UK, so it is essential that a solution is found before they think of relocating.

Slow introductions are key. Sounds like your kitty is already used to a dog so that may make it easier. Keep them in separate rooms for the first couple of days so they can get used to each other's scent. When the first in person intro's are done, the pup should be on a short lead to control it just in case it decides it wants to give chase.

If you are afraid of your cat leaving and not coming back, why don't you close the cat door so it can't?