Beagles with cats

Question
I had two older cats when I got my beagle 7 plus years ago.  He lived with
them for seven months until they died and seemed not to mind them but the
occasional bark.  Sense then we have had only the dog and now would like to
get another cat but I don't know if a kitten or older cat would be best or how
we should go about introducing them.  The dog is fairly well trained enough to
walk off lead for short distances and listens well when told not to do
something.  I would really like a cat but don't want to cause a problem. Can
you give me some advise.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi thanks for writing.  Although I believe strongly in rescue I think inviting in an older cat means you know nothing about their past or their history with dogs. You won't know if they are going to accept being with a dog. Under natural circumstances cats dont like dogs and dogs like to chase cats plus eat their poop. The fact that many homes have both shows that they CAN be trained to get along although I have heard from jsut as many who could not.

My suggestion then would be to get a kitten who will grow up with the beagle thinking it is perfectly normal, wont know the difference and may even be able to play and get close to him.