Stray Cat Isolation - how long is enough?

My wife and I took in a stray/outdoor cat a few days ago. We bought a house recently, and discovered the previous owner fed this cat, and took care of her. Also, the previous owner let her in the house from time to time. Long story short, this cat, whom we named Brienne, is so sweet and friendly. Loves to interact with humans, loves to get pet, etc. she even has met our Ragdoll, Brandon, through a screen door, and both show no signs of aggression.

SO, 3 days ago we brought her in, and want to keep her inside permanently. She cannot be an indoor/outdoor, since Brandon is only indoor, and we cannot risk his health if she's indoor outdoor. She came in very calmly, and we took her right to the vet. She's already spayed, and is about 2 years old. Very healthy. Negative for FeL and FIV. Stool sample should be back today regarding worms. Everything looks good!
Here's our point of uncertainty. We have her isolated in a guest bedroom. She has everything she needs. Litter, toys, food, water, hiding spots. At night, she howls all night because I'm sure she wants to go outside as she's used to, and roam.

A friend said she needs to remained isolated for 90 days, and then be re tested for FIV and FeL, since it takes that long to show infection. Even though she's negative now, there's the 90 day tail we need to re test for.

Is it going to traumatize her to be couped up in that room for 3 months?! I feel so bad for her, and the howling at night makes it hard for us to sleep.

Any advice would be great. Thanks everyone!!

Joe

It needn't be three months.  I'd wait to make sure shes clear of parasites.  If she clears her health check at the vet, she can meet Brandon.  Slow introductions are best.  You can use a screen door or stacked baby gates at the door to her room, so Brandon is on one side and she one the other.  Some cats will adjust more quickly than others and the fact that they've met one another already is good.

Talk to your vet about the retesting.   If she's negative now, changes are good she will remain so.

The howling is normal.  She may be lonely.  That will end as soon as she get used to her new digs.

Thank you for helping her!

I would definitely not isolate her for three months, yikes, that's unnecessary. Re-testing for disease is also unnecessary. The only time cats get re-tested for FIV/FeL is if they're kittens and test positive, because kittens can have false positive readings from their mom's antibodies if their mom has the disease.  Your kitty is a friendly stray who has a clean bill of health from the vet. Begin introductions between her and the resident cat, allow them to interact between a baby gate or screen, and when that's going okay, play with them together with a wand toy or laser toy for interactive and supervised play.  I would also allow her some time to have the run of the house each day while the resident cat is in a room by herself so she can become familiarized with her new home. Some cats get along rather quickly--I had a stray I took in several years ago who just walked into my house when I opened the door, and got along with my other three cats right away. He went to the vet the next day and was fine, and I  never had to isolate him.  Feral cats can be much harder to socialize, but a stray can usually adapt quickly. Each cat and situation is different, and you have to use your instincts. I think the reason your new kitty may be crying is not because she wants to go back outdoors, but because she doesn't like being isolated in a room by herself. Are you spending time with her each day, playing with her with a wand toy or laser toy? You could also consider allowing her to sleep with you in your bedroom at night with her food bowl and litter box inside the room so she can bond with you and find some comfort. Good luck and thanks for taking in this stray. She's going to have a wonderful life once she adjusts.   

Scientifically, if initially infected, FeLV can take up to 90 days to become present enough to detect on a test. Hence my concern. I totally would love to bring her out of isloxation ASAP, but worry for our other little guy Brandon. Even if it's 1% chance, is another month or two worth it? Such a tough call.

I have tried sleeping in the bed with him in our guest room, and that worked for an hour or so, but then she awoke and started to howl again. I think it's initial shock about being inside. Hopefully it goes away as she adapts.

Our vet recommended 60 days, so maybe that's a nice middle ground.

We make sure to go in and play with her everyday, multiple times a day as well

Thanks for all the feedback!

Joe