Before the new cat or kitten arrives
Allocate an area, preferably a quiet room, to the new cat or kitten and place food and water bowls, beds, cushions, toys, etc. in this room. Place the new arrival in this room with the door closed, and allow him or her sufficient time to settle into the new environment and to adjust to the new status of his life, including being separated from his mother and siblings. This could take anything from a couple of hours to a few days, or even a week, depending on the personality of the new arrival. Remember that everything is new and scary for him or her and s/he will need lots of care and understanding.

Your existing pets will already know that there is a new arrival and it is important to let the new kitten develop sufficient confidence to deal with the existing hierarchy before they meet. Don't make too much fuss of the new arrival in front of the existing animals, or this can create jealousy. It is helpful to have someone with you when the animals meet so that you can make a fuss of them both. Always stay with your pets for the first few meetings.

If your existing pet is a dog, keep it on a leash for the first few meetings, and keep the meetings short. It is important not to make too much of an issue of these 'meetings' or your existing pets will wonder what you are up to!

It is best to allow the cats to meet before mealtime. Mealtime can be a real bone of contention, especially if the existing cat feels that the new arrival has designs on his supper! Initially, the new arrival should eat in his or her own room and should only progress to eating with the other pets when they are all comfortable with each other. It is essential that everyone has individual bowls.

How do cats greet each other?
When the cats meet, they will put their tails straight up as a sign of greeting. Let them sniff each other. If you are overly nervous, this nervousness could rub off on the cats, making them tense and suspicious.

"Although we at Kitten Action focus on saving kittens and getting them happy and healthy, our work is most rewarding when we are able to place an adult cat in a loving home. With so many people emigrating or downsizing, there are so many adult cats looking for homes. I know, I know. But kittens are so cute! They're just babies! Believe me, just like human babies, they're not all bundles of joy.

Many teenage (6 months to a year) and adult cats have been abandoned, abused, neglected or dumped at our shelter to find themselves in a terrifying, lonely new world. They have often withstood hunger, pain, illness and fear to overcome the odds and survive. They are supremely deserving - and appreciative - of a second chance at life. Remember that cats can live up to 20 years or more - and very actively at that - so even a cat older than 5 years still has most of her lifetime ahead of her.

If you have been planning to adopt a kitten, ask yourself what's important to you and your family in a new pet. Our adult cats would like you to keep the following things in mind:

If you want a cat with a certain kind of personality, you're better off adopting one of us adults. We have all grown into our personalities, which we will keep forever, but a kitten who may be cute now, may mature into a totally different kind of cat. Many people feel that by adopting a kitten, they will be able to "mould" it into certain behavior. Lots of people come to us for a kitten because they have a dog, and want to "raise" the kitten to be best friends with the dog. The truth is that some kittens are destined to grow into cats who don't like dogs - or other cats for that matter. Just like people, we cats are born with certain personality traits that are unavoidable, regardless of the kitten's upbringing. However, many of our adult cats have lived successfully with dogs in their previous or foster homes. The dog-buddy scenario is just an example ... but you get the point!

Now DON'T FORGET: all those kittens will, in less than a year, be just as big as us. In the meantime, they'll go through destructive, awkward teenage months. Be careful of your nice furniture, carpets and curtains. Most adult cats no longer have any major behavioural problems, and are much quicker learners (unlike those bratty rebels) when it comes to the house rules. Also, kittens get very bored and lonely when you go off to work during the day. We adult cats are used to amusing ourselves whilst you're out earning the catnip, and are better suited to working households.

If you have children under the age of 6, it is far safer for them to adopt an adult cat. Kittens are easily frightened and do not always know what's appropriate, and can easily bite or scratch or bite on instinct without meaning to hurt a child. Also, kittens raised by children who are loud or rough, often become skittish and less affectionate. Again, to be sure that you're bringing home a good-natured, outgoing, friendly cat to be your child's companion for the next 15 to 20 years, your better bet is an adult.

If you already have an adult cat and are looking for a companion for it, keep in mind that many older cats get annoyed and overwhelmed by a kitten's high energy level. A cat that is around the same age usually makes for a better match.

So, that's my pitch for adopting an adult cat - it worked for me. I fitted in very well with my new family and soon ruled over the other 4 felines (with a velvet paw of course!). A final word: adopting a rescued cat gives you awesome karma. Adopting a rescued ADULT cat gives you awesome karma for life ?we can make sure of that. Trust me. I'm a feline, and we've got pull!"