Making adoption permanent - integrating with existing cats?

vsheetz

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About two to three weeks ago a sweet little kitty came to our back yard. We have been feeding and caring for him, while trying to find his home without success. He is staying outside - the weather has been dry and warm - we have a large enclosed yard and patio - etc. He's a tabby likely about six months old. Very sweet and well behaved. Pretty obvious he has been around people and cared for.

We have two cats already - about one year old male and six year old female - inside only kitties. Thoughts of making the new kitty's adoption permanent and bringing him inside, but have some concerns of any disease or problems the new kitty could introduce to the two existing cats since we have no idea of his medical history or care to date.

Should we be concerned? We would take the new kitty to the vet for a good checkup and recommended/needed shots, etc. prior to introducing him to the household.

Thanks in advance for suggestions and comments.
 

cat person

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Hi and congratulations to your maybe new addition
? Yes you do have to be concerned about some feline communicable diseases. Some example are: Feline Aids, FeLV, FIP and such. Most of these diseases can and should be tested for by your veterinarian. Then assuming he tests negative for such diseases I would then get him the needed vaccines.

Let us know how it goes
.
 

white cat lover

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Welcome to TCS! :wavey

You can find all kinds of useful threads on how to do a proper introduction between existing cats & the newbie of the household in the behavior forum.


I'd go ahead & book him in for a vet appt asap to start shots, Feline Leukemia/FIV test, de-worming, & flea/tick preventative. I'd book an appt for neuter (or spay) right away also.
 

StefanZ

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Welcome to the Forums!

Nice you have a place for this newbe.


Yes, as you think and Cat Person above said, some precautions are highly advisable, especielly as you do have inside only residents.
A vet check up, including tests. Deworming, deparasiting. Some quarantine period. You can prob shorten the quarantine period somewhat by giving him the first dosage of dewormers already when he is still outside. - plan together with the vet - let him advise on the dewormers.
Quarantine is among others, to be entirely sure all the worms and parasites had died out.
So prepare a quarantine - a room easy to clean which you can confine him in. Many rescuers use their bathroom, as most dont have spare rooms.
If you dont have any room to spare, you can use a big dog cage.
Take him to the doc for testing check up etc. Probably neutering too. (If the vet doesnt want to do everything at once, as deworming and vaccining IS heaving on him, neutering may be done several days later. He isnt no adult tom, so neutering doesnt hurry)
After it you take him home to the quarantine room. At least one week, but preferably up to three.
He shouldnt be outside between the vet check up and you bringing him in.
If after this quarantine time, if you dont see any sickednesses coming, all worms and parasites safely died out -
you begin with the introduction process.

You will probably dont have bigger problems - he is a newcomer, and will be eager to please himself in into the company of residents.
But still - take it easy. Better safe than sorry.


Good luck!
 
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vsheetz

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Thanks everyone for the excellent advice!!
 
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