How to integrate a stray cat into the family. I already have one cat.?

Question

There is a little skinny, scabby cat that has taken to hanging round my house. She's obviously used to people, she's friendly and affectionate. I'd like to take her in, I've been feeding her for a fortnight now. Sadly my other cat seems to hate her, he'll tolerate her in the garden and even goes in for a sniff but if she comes in the house he growls and hisses. Also, because she is in a bit of a state I don't want to bring her into the house until she is better but don't see how I can make her better without bringing her in! Confusing huh? The bizarre thing is, apart from being smaller she is the absolute double of my cat, the kids can't tell the difference.

Answer 1

If you want to take her in take her to the vet to get her tests, shots, and everything else done. That is what is most important!!

Answer 2

What a sweet thing thing to do :) xoxo

I can not stress enough that the most important thing is the safety of your existing house kitty first.   It is really imperative that you do not allow them near each other until this new friend has been to the vet for a complete check up.  You MUST have her tested for feline leukemia/aids. They will check her for worms to but at least that is treatable.  Another thing to let them apply is some either Frontline or Advantage for fleas and or ticks.  



As for getting along with your other kitty, that may just take some time.  If everything checks out OK at the vets, try keeping them separated in different rooms for a few weeks and slowly allow supervised visits.  Keep a water spray bottle ready to squirt at them in case one or the other gets out of hand.  Allow for extra litter pans and food dishes to.  Also seeing that they are both spayed and or neutered would help cut down on any potential fights as well.

Good luck and hope this helped.

It is a beautiful thing you are doing but take the precautions now to help avoid the possible heartbreak later.    :)

Answer 3

I'd say just keep on with what you are doing as it sounds as if the cat is a bit nervous of people at the moment. We had a cat with only three legs that kept coming on our yard for food for a while and eventually he moved in and has been with us for about two years. I  think what you need to do is gradually encourage the cat to let you get closer and closer to it and at some point it will move in. As for your other cat I would guess that it will get used to the new one eventually as we had already got a cat who didn't   like the idea of another one moving in on his territory, but has got over it now. As the cat's condition I suspect that the only way that it will improve  is if and when it does move into your house

Answer 4

If you are thinking of taking in a Stray, First and foremost take him/her to the vet for a checkup and all necessary shots before assimilating into household. If money is an issue, find a local clinic for the proper care. Once you get the ok, bring the cat home and if you decide to make them an indoor cat, find a room that can be separated from the rest of the house. This is so the cats can get used to each other scents for about two weeks.  Slowly bring the cat into other rooms of the house so that family and other pets can get acquainted. Your current cat the new cat will probably duke it out at first but will soon become friends if the have too.