Introducing cat and large boxer dog??

Has anyone been able to introduce their cat to a dog that isn't used to being around cats? I'm currently dating someone who has a boxer dog. At this stage there's no guarantee it'll go anywhere, but we have talked about the future somewhat, which makes me a little worried about transitioning my cat into the picture. Obviously if we ever move in together it'll be us, my kitty, and I'm pretty sure his dog isn't going anywhere. I'm a little fearful because I remember reading a post on another site about a lady whose cat was mauled by their dog and killed. It really bothered me and I swore I'd never have my kitty around dogs. Before my cat belonged to me, she used to belong to an abusive roommate of mine, who would allow her (small) dog to attack, bite, and chase the cat. Obviously I have removed kitty from that situation, and since then, no dogs! She gets a little frightened though if she hears barking or yappy dogs outside. So the whole idea of the boxer is really bothering me, especially since it's a large dog. What is the protocol for this situation? Do we expose them gradually to each other? Orrr? I know nothing about boxers or their temperments/abilities to get along with other animals. I know it's premature since we have no set plans to actually move in at this point, but I want to know now if they could get along or be trusted together, because if not, I would totally break things off for my cat (as psycho and cat-lady as that sounds haha). I love this guy, but my kitty is my child and totally comes first (lol).

Here's a good article on introducing cats to dogs. http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-dogs

It's a tough call because you know your kitty is stressed out by dogs because of her past abuse. Do you have any idea if the boxer has had any prior exposure to cats? Some dogs are mellow and adapt to cats just fine, but some dogs do seem to have a high prey drive and it can be difficult to train them to not chase.

vball91 said:

 
Here's a good article on introducing cats to dogs. http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-dogs

It's a tough call because you know your kitty is stressed out by dogs because of her past abuse. Do you have any idea if the boxer has had any prior exposure to cats? Some dogs are mellow and adapt to cats just fine, but some dogs do seem to have a high prey drive and it can be difficult to train them to not chase.

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Thank you! I talked to him more about it and spent more time with the dog this week (casually) and he revealed the dog has actually killed rabbits in the past, and flips out if anything wanders into the yard. I asked questions casually and didn't allude that I was asking because of my cat (because I knew if I did he would either not tell me or down-play things), and I just kind of smiled and went along with whatever he told me about it. The dog has been very rambunctious every time I've been over and I just don't love its temperament. It's not fully trained as it is so I would consider it dangerous to her and wouldn't trust any subsequent training not to chase, especially since it obviously likes to attack and kill things already. It's great with his kids, but my cat is little as it is and him telling me about the rabbit thing really disturbed me... a lot. I don't want her exposed to it at all after that, like ever. I actually decided to call things off, because I just don't see the situation working in my kitty's favor if things go any further (although I probably won't be saying that's the reason lol). I'm not sure if that puts me in psycho cat lady territory (probably does, haha) but my kitty is my world and nothing is worth a risk to her! He's a great person but I don't see the situation ending well if it progresses.