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Updated: December 13, 2011 8:26PM

Q. I have been thinking about getting a puppy for a while now, but cannot make up my mind because of one issue: We have an adult cat. The cat is 8. Although he is not aggressive, I do not know how he will react to a new pet. Friends have advised me against taking a dog because they believe that the cat’s life will become miserable. On the other hand, while the puppy is young, I could see that the cat may become aggressive toward it.

Please let me know what realistically I can expect from having an adult cat and a puppy at the same household.

A. Here’s the basic wisdom about dogs and cats living together: Better to put an old cat and a young dog together than an old dog and a young cat. A puppy will be much more malleable and trainable around your senior feline who knows all the tricks of the trade about how to elude the canine interloper. There’s a good chance that after a period of adjustment they will get along like ham and eggs — smooshing on home plate when they have to. The puppy will have no reason to believe the cat is anyone but his mother; the cat, of course, will have a different opinion. Still, as long as you give them space and time, there’s every reason to believe they will get along just fine (and read the book or rent the movie “The Incredible Journey” if you need reassurance). Give peace a chance by introducing the animals happily, matter-of-factly and confidently.

Q. I grew up with dogs but took in a rescue cat 13 years ago. Maggie has been with me through thick and thin, and when my boyfriend left me, she climbed up on my lap as I cried. Animals sense when something’s wrong.

A. Companion animals of all species provide implausibly simple comforts in times of stress and woe. They know far more than we can ever imagine. Thanks for sharing this magic cat story during the season for giving when our pets are Santa Claws, giving generously and unconditionally.