Sure they can get along, but it takes work!
We have always had German Shepherds and always had cats. At this time we have two Shepherds, one old one and a three year old. We also have 3 cats (I vacuum every day!).
Two of our cats are great friends with the Shepherds, and are even allowed to eat out of the dogs' bowls. The third cat tolerates the dogs, but will never be found sleeping in bed with the dogs as the other cats will.
We introduced all the animals the same way whenever a new one came into the home. First, the new animal was kept in a bedroom, so that other animals could sniff at the new one under the door. Then, we put up a child's gate, so there would be separation, but now there was visual contact. Whenever the gate was up, one of us was there so no one tried to jump the gate or knock it down. If just one of us was around, then that person would be on the side with the family animals, reassuring them and being affirmative when good behaviour was present. If more than one was around, we would switch sides, and we made sure the dogs would see us pay attention not just to them, but to the new kitten, also. I think it helps the dogs to see that this new animal is part of that pack and welcomed by the alpha (which should be the human! not the dog!).
Once the new kitten was let out, the dogs were put on long leashes, so that corrections could be made if the dogs became too enthusiastic. We would periodically call one or other dog to us, so that we could give him a good petting and love, and so that the dog remembered that it was still to listen to our commands, no matter how cute the kitten might look!
After a bit, when it seemed that the dogs were fine with the kitten out and about, we would let them have free roam while the kitten was around, but our dogs are well-behaved and will stop and sit if given a command, so if the new kitten ever showed distress, the dogs were made to sit and cease movement. It worked well for us to always show the dogs that we were in charge of both them and the new kitten, they were not to be the new alphas.
This does sound like a lot of work, but it really only takes a good weekend, but you have to be sure to commit that whole weekend to the introduction. I have never brought in a new animal to my home in the middle of the week when we would not have the time to be fully present, it just doesn't work well that way for us. I prefer the intense approach.
Now two of our cats are great and love the dogs, and vice versa. Our other cat does not like the dogs, and screeches as if she is being killed when the dog even lifts its head. She is a very dramatic cat, and if she does not like something, will let you know and not tolerate what she doesn't like. From day one, she has had no desire to let the dogs sniff nor lick her to say hello, and I think that is why she is so enticing to the dogs. The other two cats are all buddy-buddy, but this one, she is like a high-fashion model on a pedestal, only to be approached by a select few, and she knows it.
The dogs will never hurt her, I am completely confident with that. They know she is in the pack, but I think they have given her alpha cat status. The other cats defer to her, too, she eats first, uses the litter box first, and gets prime sunshine choice. This is just her. You may get a cat like that, and then your dog and cat may not be great friends, but as long as your dog knows the cat is in the pack, and will remain in the pack, I think it will work out.
This is what all has worked for us. I am sure you will find a way to make your dog/cat introductions work for you, too! Good luck!
We have never tried to bring in another animal since then.
