Any kitty someone takes in that is unwanted is definitely a rescue. There's no telling what might have happened to them. Bless you for caring for the precious ones.

Any time I bring home a new kitty to my babies I put the kitty carrier with the new kitty or kitties in it in a room off the beaten path, like a bedroom and open the door to the carrier. I leave the door to the room open too so the new ones can emerge at their own pace. They will also have a safe haven (the carrier) to escape to in the event they are frightened. Be sure to put food and water and a temporary litter box in the room. The other cats will of course be curious as to what's in the carrier and will at their own pace investigate. There is a lot of hissing and growling, but in a couple of days they all realize they are family and get along just fine.

However, occasionally there will be one cat that will not accept the new ones right away and you will have to intervene to let him know he'll just have to deal with it. A firm "NO" directed at the troublemaker at the time of the confrontation will make him back down. I use a water pistol or squirt bottle with water in it to help out if necessary. Just be sure to pet and love on him to let him know he hasn't been replaced. It usually always works out and they become a family.

Spencerthelion is absolutely right about the Feline Leukemia. I have lost several of my precious cats because I kittysat for a friend whose cat had it and neither of us knew it till all 11 of my babies had been exposed. I only have 3 left.



[ September 01, 2001: Message edited by: Kittylady ]

[ September 01, 2001: Message edited by: Kittylady ]