How can I introduce a new cat (a stray that I found) to my household of one very, very spoiled cat, who has “ruled the roost” alone for the past four years?
First, be sure that your new kitty is tested for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). If she is negative for both of these diseases, then she should be pretty safe around your cat. Still, quarantine her for 1 week (2-3 weeks is even better); then put her in her own room in your house to start the introduction process. The key to introducing a new pet is to GO SLOW! Give the new cat about 1-2 weeks in her own room where the two cats can sniff each other under the door. Once they are doing this with minimal hissing, switch the situation. Put your cat in the room for a few hours and let the new kitty roam the house. This allows the resident cat to smell the new cat’s scent and explore without worrying about having to fight the newcomer. It also allows the new cat to explore the new house and become familiar with hiding areas. The next step is to let them see each other from across a room or through a tall baby gate you put across the doorway of the roo
