I have a six year old female Alaskan husky- I adopted her when she was two from northern Canada- we were pretty sure she lived in the woods for awhile as she knows how to hunt, pick berries, catch fish, etc. We moved from Alaska to Minneapolis, MN a couple of years ago. She is a VERY mellow house dog and is well trained and obedient indoors- outside is a different story and she heels when she wants to but is always looking for prey (small dogs, bunnies, etc). We live in the third story of a house in an 800 square foot apartment. My dog rules my schedule and she is exercised at least four times a day- often running or biking.

One month ago, I adopted a one year old cat. My dog has always shown a fascination and playful disposition with cats and has been around my brother's cat numerous times without altercation. However, my husky has been known (on leash) to kill bunnies and squirrels (she's is so quick- I don't condone this). I have taken the cat and dog introduction very very slow. Started with cat in different room, exchanging blankets with scent, feeding treats outside door, showing cat affection in front of dog, showing dog affection in from of cat, giving lots of treats when other is near, etc. When I have allowed them to interact, my dog remains on a leash. Normally they ignore each other- cat eats, cleans herself and plays until she hears dog's collar and then she arches her back. Dog pretty much remains in normal routine until she hears cat then she goes and investigates, finds the cat and is scared enough to retreat.

Three times in one month of slow introductions, the dog has gotten too close to the cat and the cat swats at dog's face. INSTEAD OF RETREATING, THE DOG RETALIATES BY ATTACKING THE CAT. The dog pins the cat until I pull her off. Dog comes away bleeding with multiple scratches and cat comes away unharmed. Cat has cat trees and a separate room with gate but she stands her ground and doesn't run when dog approaches. Cat will "block" our movement through house (dog and I enter bathroom, cat appears at doorway and won't leave, trapping dog and I in room). If I touch the cat, the dog goes a little crazy.

I am a nervous wreck. I don't want either animal getting hurt and I fear that the two may never get along. Is it a bad sign that my dog retaliates instead of retreating when the cat gives the "back off" swat???? I'm almost too nervous now to let them interact anymore. What can I do?

Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you!!
(I'm new to the forum)

Honestly, you should have never adopted a cat knowing your dog has a high prey drive towards small animals. If I were you, I would return the cat to the rescue or try to rehome it. It's not fair that your cat should live in fear and its not fair that you have to live with the stress it will bring.

Sounds like returning cat would be good. All 3 of my dogs back down if they are swatted.

If your husky has killed small animals already, its only a matter of time before she goes for the cat and the cat ends up dead. I would either keep them completely separated, or as the others said, return the cat, for it's own safety and well being.