How often do established colonies let new cats in?

So, this group has been together for 2 years. That's when Tiger showed up, the rest have been here almost 3 years now. Yesterday, something rather unusual happened.

A black kitten showed up. Maybe 5-6 months old. All the kitties took up guard posts, like Judy and the neighbor's cats did for momma and the girls. Not to keep the kitten away, but to make it feel comfortable enough to come into the yard and eat. I swear, it followed Luna from the one neighbor's yard. She clearly introduced us. I was so surprised. The kitten rolled on it's back, showing its belly, when I met it's eyes. (with a fence and quite a bit of space between us).

They were all really friendly and protective, even Luna who's quite bossy. They clearly approved of the kitten. (They chased off the kittens from across the street, so I know they aren't always so accommodating. The kittens where fed over there, housed, and TNR'd, so they weren't harmed.)

I don't know if the kitten is gonna stick around. I'm going to assume it's a he for now. He was very thin, no clip on the ear. Just old enough to wander from momma cat. He approached closer than I'd expect (maybe 25 feet, give or take), but he clearly saw me petting Kira and none of the kitties were moving away from me. It clearly made an impression.

I haven't heard any fighting in quite some time. Occasionally Luna takes playing too far, but no more than usual. So, I'm planning on calling FOCAS now to get a TNR voucher. Just in case. (It's that time of year, anyway)

But, since money is tight, I just wanna plan for the future. How often are new cats welcomed in small established colonies? Tiger was the only one not related to the others, and he's been around about 2 years now. Still kinda surprised at how much all the others seemed to like this new guy. Lol

Like you said, it depends a lot on the new cat and on the colony members. I've found that younger cats, under one year of age, are accepted quite easily.

There's usually quite a lot of spitting and screaming if an un-fixed adult cat shows up, but if there is enough food to go around after TNR the new-comer is sometimes accepted.

The only time my colony have driven off a cat and the new cat hasn't bothered coming back again is when the new-comer was an older, intact tom that the neutered toms saw as a threat. They've welcomed younger cats into the colony with open paws on a few occasions, it sounds like your colony has already decided this little guy can stay.

I agree with norachan. If the cats are well fed, if there is sufficient food, the established members of the colony are more likely to accept the new cat, especially if she he is submissive.

I agree too, with the replys. My colony will accept non-aggressive cats into the colony.

They always make a decision about who will stay, and who will not.

I usually get one or two newcomers every year or so. I never trap until the newcomer has been around at least six months or so, just to be sure he/she will be accepted (unless, of course, it is a pregnant female!).

I wait because of finances....I would love to trap all, no matter what, but sometimes the colony will not accept a newcomer, and I hate using my time and money on a cat that will not be allowed to stay. If I am trapping anyway, then I will take anyone I can get.

To me, this is all part of the fascination with the whole colony dynamics.

I am sure this is what it would be like to be overseeing a pride of lions in the jungle. No different; just smaller cats.

It might do him good if he sticks around for a few weeks and gets on a regular feeding routine so you can trap him. I'm afraid if he comes of age and starts bossing the others around, they will run him off. It would be in his best interest to have him neutered and vaccinated. Thank you for caring for them.