Conference misery::feline_v1

       Donna,  there are tons of notes in here about integration.  I'm
    sure someone probably knows how to get you a list of notes. There is
    an awful lot of really good info. in here!  
       I have integrated so many kitties in my time.  I've never had
    a problem.  I think it's all in your attitude towards it. If you act
    relaxed and introduce everybody and just use common sense and safety,
    you probably will be ok.  If you acted real tense every time the
    kitties were in the same room, then they would feel that you are
    anticipating some problem, and one may occur.
       I would keep the new kitty in separate quarters until he is fixed,
    has had all shots, been tested FELV negative, and is cleaned of fleas,
    parasites.  You know what kind of a personality he is, if he is calm
    and laid back, or if he's nervous, if he's been around cats or been
    a loner.  Take these facts into consideration when introducing him to
    the rest of the household.  If he's very territorial, been spraying,
    fighting, etc., it will be a little harder than if he's young enough
    not to have been that "macho".  Don't leave the cats together without
    supervision for a while, until you feel the new cat is comfortable.
    The change in hormonal status will be taking affect as well, making
    him calmer over a period of time. A little catnip never hurts either.
    It's kind of a peace offering.
    
       But do read some of the notes in here.  They will help you a lot.
    
                              good luck,  let us know how it goes...
    
                                         Denise
    

    I want to underscore what Denise said about keeping the stray
    isolated from your other cat(s).  It is CRITICAL to do that until
    you are sure the cat is healthy.  Be sure you wash your hands
    thoroughly with soap and hot water immediately after any contact
    with the cat.  Even if he's negative for FLV you need to keep him
    away from yours for at least a month until you are sure he's healthy.
    Take it from someone who learned the hard way - and luckily got a
    relatively mild lesson.  Besides - in about a month his hormones
    will subside and he'll be less aggressive and less likely to spray.
    
    If you have any other questions feel free to send mail.
      Nancy DC

    I have introduced many cats to the family and have not found one good
    way that works for all of them.  The latest, Chuckie Cheese, is still
    being difficult--he's a punk teenager and I think came from a family of
    siblings.  He wants to play and doesn't understand when my two other
    middle age cats growl at him when he tries.  We gave Tigger and Moppet
    lots of love and support and included the three of them in grooming
    time and flee spray time, but it was the dogs next door who really
    brought them together.
    
    We have two large dogs next door and I very very stongly suspect that
    they are responsible for the disapperance of little Flea.  I believe
    they killed her.  When one of the dogs chased Tigger and treed him on
    the screen door, Chuckie tried to attach the dogs.
    
    
    Now the three cats can hardly be called the best of friends, but at
    least they don't attack each other all the time just sometimes around
    food time.  Oh, by the way--I found it helped to put their food on the
    floor at the same time so no one had to wait for a plate.
    
    I think it will take about a month for them to be comfortable around
    each other, and they will eventually.
    
    Best of luck,
    
    Mom to Guido Tiggerini, Miss Kitty Moppet, and Chuckie Cheese Straw.