[maggiepie]

I don't want a full scale fight either. A few times when I have been holding NIkki securely while she observes the cat, she has turned suddenly 'crazy' and growling as if she is saying, "Let me at her, I'll rip her face right off!" That's the behavior that scared me.
I found a trainer advice that said to have one hold the cat across the room and the other hold the dog on the other side of the room. The dog is supposed to be on leash. The one with the cat is to get closer and closer and if the dog remains good and calm you praise and praise and give a treat. Continue until there are no signs of agression. I'm going to try that method too. The trainer said they would soon associate the cat with good things.