introduction problem/read prior posts

Hi,

I have to almost 5-year-olds tabbies who I adopted together. I have since introduced a dog to them (3 years ago), and they got over their initial hatred of her and now eat with her, sleep with her, etc.
I have now taken in a stray (kitten) tabby and my cats are mad at him, and each other. I have been following the instructions in Hissy's article for a few days now. I purchased a feliway diffuser, and have isolated new kitty. My old kitties are standoffish and will be near each other, but when face to face, the alpha hisses at the other. In fact, that is all they do to new baby is hiss. Should I just leave them be and hope they come around? I LOVE them and don't want to cause them to become isolated from each other.

Oh...P.S. How does the kitten know that one litter box is for pee, and the other for poo?
I have a litter maide automated box, is this enough?

Sometimes all Male Cats never get along. My Brother and my Sister both had to give a Male up because they would try to kill each other. They locked jaws with each other an dmy brother got clawed. There is a chance yours will learn to live with each other. My brother has other Males now and same problem they try to kill each other. I hope ypours will get along.

We've had the exact opposite experience. Our males all accept new kittens well, but the females give us problems.

A new introduction can take more than a few days. I would keep kitten separated in his own space until things settle down between your existing cats. Make sure you spend time with the kitten so it doesn't get bored or lonely.

Make sure to give lots of extra attention to your existing cats - especially play time. This helps diffuse the stress of the situation.

Also, cats do not necessarily pee or poop in a separate box. Some cats like to do this, others aren't so fussy. The rule of thumb is that you should have one more litter box than you have cats. With an automatic litter box, you can have less. But we have six cats, and we have six litter boxes and two automatic litter boxes. We could probably get away with four litter boxes and the two automatic litter boxes, but we like to make sure there aren't any problems. With the automatic box, I would still probably have two more boxes for the three of them. But for now, kitty needs his own box. One should be fine during his separation/integration.

I'll see if I can find some of the other threads discussing introductions.

Laurie

This isn't the exact same situation, but the suggestions in this thread will be helpful (especially the scent swapping): http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=153405

Another thread with suggestions: http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=153948

...and the follow-up thread to the one above: http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...12#post2129012

Laurie

Okay. I will definitely try your suggestions. As always, I thank you for your help!!! This web-site has really been a life-saver to me over the past 4 years, and you all are kind, smart, helpful, and really just awesome. I think it makes me a better mom to my cats.

My old two guys are doing better today. They are hanging out together more and have not been hissing at each other. I just want them to get back to their snuggling and brotherly love.