adopting a new cat

Question
I am planning on adopting a 5 year old female cat, which has been fixed, and has been an "only" cat where she grew up, and moving her in my home. She is a well behaved cat and has been a pet of myself and co-workers in a retail music instrument store where she's lived for the past 5 years. I have been her initial care-giver and love her a great deal. I don't want to leave her behind when i leave this job because i feel she won't recieve proper care. I already have two cats living in my home, one 14 year old male, who's been fixed, and a one year old female who hasn't been fixed. What advice would you have for me so i can make sure the transition for her and my two cats at home will be safe for all concerned..?

Answer
Danny,

Anytime you disrupt a cat from it's normal routine you are going some separation anxiety, stress, and uphappiness, and if there are other cats involved, major adjustment.

There will be hissing, spats, slaps, and growls. That is normal. That is kitty language. Don't worry unless ears are back flat, there is blood being shed, or major fur flying.

Try feeding them together, that helps. Also make them play interactively. Get a pet laser light or draw a shoestring around for them to chase together.
It usually takes 2 weeks or more for things to smooth out.

I am including some links to articles for you to read. Cut and paste or type the whole link into your address bar:

http://www.anticruelty.org/site/epage/37097_576.htm

http://www.sfspca.org/behavior/cat_library/cat2cat-intro.pdf

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

These articles should help give you more information. I have more links available if you would like more articles.
And good luck. That's a nice thing you are doing.

Tabbi