Introducing a puppy to a "scaredy cat"

[Carol Russman]

I am looking forward to my labradoodle puppy in the spring. I have an 18yr. old bichon frise,he is blind,but very active for his age. My cat puddy adopted us 3 years ago. She is comfortabe(at best) with him because he can't see her. She is very skittish with other dogs. She has been submissive to ALL neighborhood cats. Any suggestions on how to create a safe and hopefully harmonious relationship between my puppy and the scaredy cat?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Does the cat still have her claws? If so, the puppy will learn very quickly where his boundaries are. I would certainly supervise the puppy very closely around the cat, but then, you'll have to be supervising the puppy anyway, at least until he's housetrained, lol. Make sure the cat has places she can get to (under beds, closets, high perches, etc.) where the puppy can't follow her.
One thing I want to mention is about the fact that your cat is "submissive to ALL neighborhood cats." I hope this doesn't mean that the cat is allowed to roam outdoors. In addition to being unsafe for the cat, it means your puppy is going to be exposed to diseases that the cat might be bringing into your home, and which the pup won't have immunity for yet.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No offense meant to those whose cats are allowed out loose. Most shelters will only adopt out cats on the condition that they be kept indoors, and most humane & rescue organizations caution against alowing them outdoors as well. I have lived in suburban areas all my life, and although there are those who do allow the cats outdoors, we have coyotes in our area who do kill them. I have also seen many cats lying dead in the street from cars hitting them. My point in mentioning it was in regard to possible health hazards to the puppy. Again, no offense meant, it IS a personal choice.

[Carol Russman]

Inever thought about the outdoor thing thanks, my cat is afraid to leave the yard, unfortunately 3 neighbor cats do come to "visit" us. I am sure they are current on thier shots,what other diseases should I be concerned with? p.s. she was a 100% outdoor cat before she adopted us 3 yrs. ago.(she showed up on my screen porch) I hate to let her out as I don't believe in self supervised pets, but she grew up that way so it is impossible to change her at this age. Luckily, our house is tucked back in a cul-de-sac so she is not close to any traffic

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think if your cat doesn't leave the yard, you're okay...your older dog uses the yard, too, as will the puppy, and I'm sure you pick up any droppings from anybody, lol!
The problem comes in when another animal in the house would be coming into contact with droppings from other animals elsewhere that might carry giardia, other parasites, salmonella, etc., maybe even some other parvo type things I'm unaware of, and then bring them into your house. Drinking from standing water in open areas can carry some of that too. An older animal with a healthy immune system wouldn't be affected, but a puppy before he's had all his shots might. Jackdoodle has immune system problems, and the vets always double check that the cat is an indoor only cat; it's been a long time since I had a puppy, but I do remember the breeder cautioning me about letting the puppy go outdoors where other animals may have been. Perhaps the breeders here on DK could weigh in on this.
I hope I'm not making you worry unnecessarily, that was not my intention! I know you were really asking about them getting along indoors! Didn't mean to change the direction of your post, Carol!