Now I did not just let the dog or cat just run into each other, I was there monitoring the whole event. It did not go well to say the least. As time went on the cat/dog hate never changed. As soon as the cat would hiss at the dog, the dog would growl/bark and sometimes lunge (very bad) and the cat would proceed to attempt to claw up the dogs face. Being successful once and ending up ulcerating the dogs eye. (Pricey at the vets but dogs eye healed).
Since then I keep them completely separate. I never take any chances anymore as I can't afford to have someone get hurt, and I'd feel like a horrible pet parent if any major damage happened to either one of them.
So in a few weeks I will be moving to my new place, and I really want to be able to have us all live in peace. I feel a little bummed out at the idea of having one of them confined to one area of the house all the time, but that may be the only option.
Have any of you had a situation like this? If so were you ever able to make things work? Suggestions ideas?