[Skunky]

I recently adopted a 3 year old male cat named Skunky from the animal shelter. I have never owned a cat, I was always a dog owner and currently own a 4 1/2 year old female boxer. The shelter was unsure if the cat had ever been around dogs before and by his actions here at home, I am assuming he has never been around dogs. And my dog has never been around cats. So we are doing what we feel is best right now and that's keeping them separated.

Right now, we have a gate up in our home keeping both cat and dog separated. They can see each other through the gate and I switch them so they can be on the opposite side just to get the scent of the other.

When I hold the cat near the gate when our dog is standing there, he starts meowing and wants down. To me, that's an indication Skunky still does not feel comfortable around the dog.

I am assuming this is going to take a while and am willing to make the introduction as peaceful as possible for both. Am I doing the right thing at this point or is there something else I should be doing or am I going about this all wrong?

Thank you.