Careful thoughtful planning, preparation and guidelines are required when a new arrival is introduced to the resident cat. Here's some useful advice:

http://www.reachoutrescue.org/info/display?PageID=10478

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/introducing-new-dog--cat#1

I'm sorry to read this and don't have much to offer, never having had such an experience with animals. I did a little searching "cat bullying dog help" but didn't come up with much.

Our terrier sometimes harasses the cat and they run through the house like a herd of animals. When I get tired of it, I get the cat and hold her on my lap and invite the dog to come see her. He sniffs her with great curiosity, she's not afraid knowing I have her. When I let her go, the situation is diffused. Not saying this would work for you at all, just sharing. I feel sorry for your pup. Some vets are knowledgeable about pet behavior; you could ask at the next trip.

I haven’t mixed cats and dogs, but have had both. Currently have too many dogs. I would try lots of things (maybe someone else’s suggestion will work for you), but keeping the little dog safe, both physically and mentally, should be the priority. I know a rescue group leader, and she says some animals just won’t get along, and she says to “crate, and rotate”. Meaning, keep them apart. Poor little dog. I’m sorry!

It’s been better today and yesterday. I have been really vigilant in watching their interactions and trying to control the situation before Topper (the cat) gets out of hand. Carrying the water spray bottle around sure helps—I haven’t had to use it since I first posted my question, but seeing it in my hand keeps him in check. The new dog (Alfie) is really starting to relax and show more of his personality. I think I need to just remain watchful while I’m home and still put the cat in a separate room when I have to go out, at least for the time being. Hopefully when Alfie starts to feel more secure in his new home, he won’t be seen as a target by the cat. He’s such a sweet and funny little dog who’s been through alot of stuff. It’s been nice to see him change and become more trusting and affectionate in just the 10 days that we’ve had him.

Here’s a picture of him.

Awwe...fingers and paws crossed for a peaceful coexistence!!

OMG, he's adorable. Tell him to "hang tough!!"

Sometimes these relationships take quite a while to smooth out. Sounds like you are making progress.

This new guy hardly makes a sound, but I suspect that will soon change! My husband and I had never thought much of chihuahuas, but years ago we wound up with a chihuahua mix named Annie, who was wonderful. When she died in April, it left a huge hole in our lives, and we decided we had to adopt another chihuahua. I love their quirky personalities and their insistence on being a part of everything that goes on in the household. I’ll tell Alfie to hang in there with the cats—it’s not easy being the new kid on the block, I guess. He really loves our big dog, and I think the big dog is helping him feel comfortable and acting like a big brother to him. I have to add two more pics, just because he’s so darn cute. One is really bad quality, but it’s of him sleeping with his head on our other dog. The other is him lying on his new fluffy blanket with several new toys around him. I’ve kind of gone overboard on the toys, I think.

After our last chihuahua (a hyper girl with severe separation anxiety), we vowed never to get another. But DD's mechanic's dog had puppies and she fell in love with the runt of the litter. Wouldn't you know it--Dad was a Chihuahua.......grrr.

It's great that he has bonded so quickly with your older dog and that is probably helping him settle in much faster.

When using the water bottle, the key is to spray it before the cat is actually chasing the dog......it's all in the timing and sometimes you have to wait until the last minute. If you end up running after the cat with the water bottle, it has then become a game. Another option is to distract the cat(s) with a toy and then give the bully cat a treat if he starts playing.

It's sad the 16 yr old cat is getting bullied. If you haven't already, try using at least 2 of the Feliway (Ceva) plug-ins. It made such a difference in my two cats adjusting to each other and helped keep my diva female in check. Also, try rearranging the cat towers (hope you have one), adding new interesting toys and perches for the bully cat and play with him more to use up his energy. Sounds like some of his antics may be due to boredom.

I know it's not easy with a bully cat. I fostered a 2 yr old that just wouldn't leave my 2 older cats alone. He would totally ignore any distraction from me when his goal was to charge my docile cats and one could tell he had claimed my home as his castle ;). Fortunately, he was adoped a month later.

Annztoo,

I will definitely try to Feliway plug-ins. He’s gotten a lot better with the 16-year-old since we started the water bottle. Usually just the sight of it will stop him in his tracks. Having “fresh blood” in the form of the new dog has probably revved him up again. And you’re right, the timing is not easy. I’m trying to be hyper alert to any body language that might signal trouble. This is the third day without any new episodes, but I’ll keep watching and will try your suggestions. Right now, the bully cat is sleeping next to me on the couch and the little dog is on the top of the couch and all is peaceful. Of course, the little dog just moved farther up the couch to lay down directly behind me, but still, it’s progress!

He wants to be nearer to you. Sweet! My dog does the same thing when I watch TV, lies on the back of the sofa behind me.