Need your OPINIONS PLEASE.

[rg_girlca]

Well, in answer to you question I will ask a few of my own....

1) How long are you (realistically) able to keep her in a closed off room without it being inconvienient to the rest of the family?

For as long as need be Jen and it isn't really an inconvenience to the rest of the family. In fact, when I had her the last time, I had closed all the boys in another room and opened the door to the room Angelina was in, to let her roam around the house. She just stayed in the doorway wanting nothing to do with it. She seemed very content to just be in the room.

2) Where would she go if it REALLY did not work? (back-up plan)

Good question Jen as I really don't have a back-up plan at this moment. I have asked all my friends if they would take her, but that was a no go.

In my personal opinion, almost all cats can get used to other cats, but how willing are you to disrupt you cat's lives in the meantime?

The few times that I have had her here didn't SEEM to disrupt the other cats as they are usually not in my room during the day time. They seem to prefer to be in my sons room or the living room. BUT, they do like to come into my room at bedtime. This is what I would have to think about as to how long I am willing to disrupt this routine.

You see the last time, I had brought Willy into the room while holding him in my arms and let Angelina smell him. She didn't hiss or do anything to him. Maybe she sensed he was still young, I don't know. But when I brought Poppy in, she hissed at him. The only one out of my crew that hissed and growled at her, was my grandkitty Sades. He is the main one that I am worried about.
All I know, is that in my heart, I really have to give this a try.

I thank you all for your input and advice in regards to this, as I value your opinions very much. If you Jen, Lisa and Kim, who have a lot more cats than I, can do it, with great results, then I am willing to give it a try.

I'm sure I will be coming for more help from you guys who have experienced introducing an older cat to your crew, as this will be my first time with an older cat.

[orangemm]

I'm sure Angelina will be grateful (eventually!!). Better you than someone who is just lukewarm about adopting her.

[jenluckenbach]

All I know, is that in my heart, I really have to give this a try.

Then that is all that matters.

My very first piece of advice to you.....do not allow hissing to bother you. Hissing and growling are a warning to others to "stay away, I am not happy". BUT it is prefectly normal and to be expected.

Also remember that chasing, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. A cat will chase off an intruder and the NEW cat will be trying to protect an amount of territory. Only when the chase ends in an all out brawl OR if one party begins to be terrorized into hiding all the time, would I worry.

oops....sorry for the unsolisited advice.

[Kfamr]

There was lots of hissing, growling, and unhappy noises when introducing Orion and my brother's new kitten Monte. It was horrible sounding! Now they are fine with eachother, only after a week or so.