Need help with a stray!

Oh what a sweetie! Aren't you wonderful for rescuing her!

You should be able to keep her! Introductions between cats that take a little time are totally normal. It's not recommended to just throw them into the mix, it's a process, because cats are territorial!

Yes, get her to the vet, have her treated with Revolution or Advantage Plus (get rid of fleas and/or ticks and internal parasites), get her tested for FIV/FeLV, have them check her out. (She will need to be treated at least one more time in three weeks with the Revolution or Advantage plus to finish eliminating internal parasites). If the vet gives her the "all clear," then you can begin scent swapping.

Rub her with a couple of cloths. Put one under your Wyatt's food dish. Whenever you have a play session with Wyatt and you finish, put another cloth down and put treats on it. Since he wants to be friends already, it's not SO important - but it is important you do the same thing with him for her. Get her associating his scent with "good" things.

Poor thing's been out there on her own, and for all we know she's had to fight with other kitties for food - or was bullied by other kitties and didn't get any food. Give her at least a few days to understand she's "home," she's safe, and she won't ever have to worry about food again. When she understands that, and she associates Wyatt's scent with "good" things, it'll be much easier.

Whatever room is her "safe" room, when she's more comfortable, let him in for a few minutes. Do NOT focus on them "meeting" so much as having a play session, or feeding them at the same time, or giving them treats at the same time. Make sure there are places she (or he) can go "up" to just watch, if he/she so chooses. Don't force anything - if there's any aggression, just take Wyatt out, and start again the next day.

Hissing, posturing - all of this is normal, and the process with slightly older kitties can take a little while. She's invading his territory, and she knows it. He may be friendly, and she may be scared.

But with love and patience, and just understanding that they have to work out who's who in the hierarchy, I'm sure you'll make it work!

They may become best buddies. They may just work out a kind of "truce" and just kind of ... share the space. But even that works.

P.S. She is really a beauty!!!!!

She is beautiful! I hope it all works out... she may just be hissing because she's scared. I know my big cat hisses at newcomers at first, but eventually they are cuddled up together.

What a gorgeous girl! Thank you for taking her in - and giving her a chance.

Most times when you bring in a new cat, like Laurie/LDG said, there is some hissing going on. I've introduced many new cats to my multi-cat household, and if they are given time they often go fairly smoothly.

WOW she is just gorgeous! AND so lucky to have found you. You are a very kind person to have saved her. She can definitely become your kitty. Oh yes!!! Very typical, the hissing. You have to do the introductions very, very slowly and over a couple of weeks or even more. The slower the better. Don't rush things. I am absolutely sure she will become great friends with your other friendly kitty.

Just a thought... fecal floats don't always turn up internal parasites even when they exist. When rescuing kitties that have lived outside, we stopped paying for them, and just assume they have them and treat for them.

If she doesn't have diarrhea, it's a pretty safe bet to assume she doesn't have giardia or coccidia or one of those nasties.

for you and your little Charlie! Please keep us posted, and we're always here for any questions!

I do the same. Always just treat them for parasites, all rescue kitties . YAY for Charlie that the tests were negative and she is on her way to becoming a integral part of your life.

OH, I love rabbits too!! Very sweet little animals. I had a rabbit many years ago. The rabbit and cats go along so well, it was cute to see them together. The rabbit even used a litter box. Good luck with darling Charlie

YAY So happy to hear she is doing so well. She is one lucky little girl to have found such a loving meowmy. Congratulations and keep us posted.