I really don't want to take Oscar to the shelter becuase he tends to act stupid at places like that. Sort of like the vets office. But I figured that they would soon have to get along if they are around each other all day. And cats can get places that Oscar can't. I might try it out. I just don't want to bring the cat home then have to return it because the dog tried to eat it.

Oscar is a heck of a dog and a cat could be a snack for him.   Cats and dogs haven't gotten along since the beginning of time, but there are always a few exceptions and ways to work with the ones who don't fall into that category.

The biggest thing I would recommend is to get a kitten, not an adult cat.  An adult cat is already set in their ways and environment.  The change of going to a new home will be bad enough, but a dog that size will instantly put a cat on the defense.  Thats when trouble begins.  A kitten will growl and hiss at Oscar, but it will grow up knowing that Oscar is a normal parto f your home and not think of him as an intruder in the house.  The kitten will learn to deal with Oscar, where as an adult cat will take much more time to be able to do that (if it even happens).

Now, lets look at Oscar.  He is going to be curious when he see's this new animal and he may even think "Wow, mom brought me home a new play toy!".  You'll need to expect that Oscar could get a few kitty slaps in the face, because the cat/kitten will need to let Oscar know where they stand, as far as having a huge dog in their face...lol

Bringing in a cat where the dog is rule of the roost is different than bringing in a dog where a cat is rule of the roost.  We have done both at some point in our life.  In the past few years, SK (our cat) has obtained seniority here and she knows it.  She reacts differently to different dogs.  A neighbor brought over a dog and she attacked its face when he came in the house.  She has never once bothered Piper.  She don't like Piper (and I'm sure she walks by "kitty cursing" him everyday), but she don't bother him (he doesn't bother her as well).

One last point - the attention.  Dogs like to be owned, cats like to own.  This is why I am a cat person.  They bring so much joy to my life (mainly SK because she owns me).  They are VERY strange creatures, but in a funny way.  Cats really do believe that they own you, instead of you owning them.  If you have more than one cat, the cats will either own different members of your family or they will constantly fight over you if more than one of them wants to own you.  Once a cat has placed ownership on you there really isn't anything you can do.  That will be the cat that lays in your lap, sleeps with you, and mine is even so bad as to take showers with me!!  Generally the person who gives the cat/kitten the most attention is who they will take ownership up with.  Cats don't like for you to know that they 'need' you (unlike a dog).  They are very independant.  If you want to see just how bad they need you though - run out of their favorite food.  They will yell and scream at you with an array of meow's like you've never heard.  Personally, I like to let my cat think she is the Queen here.  She pretty much gets her way and has only had a few bevavior problems in the beginning (which wee my fault).  If her litter box wasn't cleaned to her liking, she'd use the bathtub.  Solution:  Clean litter box and aluminum foil on the bottom of the bath tub.....scares teh crap out of them when they jump down on it.

Ok, you mentioned a cat and I have rambled on forever now...lol....sorry.  My best advice from my own experiences is to start with a kitten and introduce them slowly.  Only let them see each other for a small amount of time in the beginning.  Increase that time amount as you see they are not going to attack eath other.  Also, once they can be within 3 feet of each other, pet them both at the same time, with diffferent hands of course.  This lets them both know that you are ok with both of them being there.  Dogs will protect their owners, cats will protect their domain (home).  If either of them see the other as a threat to their security, you will have problems.  Lastly, have A LOT of patience because this isn't something that will most likely work out in a few weeks.  It could take months.  I think it depends more on Oscars reaction.  If Oscar leaves the cat alone, the cat will probably leave him alone (for the most part).

Be sure you don't get mad at the animals if they fight, it's just their instinct.  We have had more laughs at how 'bad' a little old cat thinks she can be then I care to say.  For the most part, a cat can take care of themselves when it comes to a dog, but Oscar is an exception due to his size.  He can get a kitten inside his mouth and that would be my main concern.  After seeing that pic of Oscar and Kaitlyn, I know Oscar isn't an agressive dog.......but he may play a little rough with the new-found play toy - especially a moving one...lol.

This could make for some interesting posts here...lol....I can't wait to hear about it, if you get the cat/kitten.

I'll shut up now.

Another little hint that helps out is if there is a way you can confine the cat into a room with a gate so that the 2 of them can sniff & check each other out safely with the gate separating them.