Introducing a Stray to the Rest of the Pet Family

Question
I am considering taking in a stray male cat. I currently have 1 female and 1 male cat, along with a dog. I'm wondering how well the two males will get along-- all my pets have been fixed. I am very very worried about spraying. Also, the cat seems to have a bit of a cough. What are some things I need to do if I decide to keep him?

Answer
Take the cat to be neutered immediately, as well as to have a wellness check done by the veterinarian to rule out infectious pneumonia and parasites as the cause of his cough.

Any addition to your pet family can cause problems. Stray cats often do best in a single pet environment. If your two cats get along now, the addition of the third might break up that harmony.

Some male cats never stop spraying. The behavior is learned so far in their lives that even after neutering they do not stop. If spraying is a main concern for you, you may not want to take him in.

If you choose not to take him in, please take him to a shelter so he can eventually find a good, single cat, home.