circa 29 Jun 2004 06:39:15 -0700, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav,
Citgo Sign (arnold_h1970@yahoo.com) said,

I tend to lean towards the last one, myself. I think most adapt.

Laura

Citgo,
Cats in general do not like changes.  Your cat probably is more normal than
you think.
My concern with a Boxer puppy is that he will grow rapidly and will not know
his own strength. He soon could easily hurt of kill the cat by grabbing her
and shaking her in play.
I don't know your cat, but I believe that most cats adapt with time.  First,
it is important that the cat have safe places that are not accessible to the
dog.
Second, the cat needs to keep to her normal routine as much as possible.
Your attention and reassurance is of utmost importance.  If you have
established eating, playing and/or cuddle times with the cat, keep them as
well as you can.  Be sure the cat can get to food, water, and the litter box
without having to deal with the puppy.
As for the puppy, give him plenty of opportunity to work off some of that
energy. Play time and obedience classes will help.  He has to know there are
limits. Do not let him chase the cat. Do not leave him alone with the cat
until long after you are positive that they are safe.  This probably will be
after the dog is a year or more old.
Crate training him, as you are doing, is a good idea.  But, remember, he is
a baby now and needs to exercise his body and his brain. He has a lot to
learn.
Your cat and dog can learn to co-exist, and may even become good company
for each other. It will take a lot of time and effort on your part for the
next several months. Do not push the dog on the cat.  Teach the dog to give
the cat space. Slow introductions are best. Let things develop a little at a
time.
I need to tack on one more caution.  Our next-door neighbors have one-eyed
lab/pitbull cross that got too close to their cat before the cat was used to
the puppy. Hence, the one-eyed dog.
Good luck with your project.
I hope you found a good home for the kitten.
Annie