Were you aware that there are 50 million cats living in American households and that the cat has surpassed the dog in popularity? 

Don't get me wrong.  We love dogs at our house and had three Yorkshire Terriers that all eventually left us due to old age.  It's just that we are now in what we refer to at our house as "the cat business."  Let's face it, except for the litter box, cats are easier to take care of than dogs. 

• With the aid of a kitty door to the out of doors, a litter box isn't even necessary. 

• You don't have to bath cats. 

• You can go away overnight and they'll be fine, so long as they have plenty of fresh food and water.

There are far too many cats that need homes.  We all know that.  Often, though, people are worried that introducing a new cat into a family, which already has a kitty, will traumatize the house cat who has established his territory.  The result could be horrendous fights.  However, if the proper care is taken in welcoming the new animal, chances of problems will be greatly diminished and possibly eliminated all together.

Here are some suggestions for introducing a new cat into the family.  Believe me, they work.  I've done this several times over the years.  The key is patience.  

• As soon as the new kitty comes into your home, either inside a carrier or in your arms, close him off in a separate room.  An older cat will feel safer in the confines of a small room such as the bathroom or laundry room.  A newborn won't know the difference between a small space and the vast regions of an entire house, so he'll be happy anywhere.  The family cat, the animal already living in the house, will be able to smell the newbie and begin getting used to its scent and visa versa.  Expect some hissing, but this is normal until the cats get to know one another.  (Make sure there is a fresh litter box available for the newbie's use, and food and water as well.)

• Provide a blanket or pillow for the new cat.  Once he's gotten his scent on it, exchange it for a blanket or pillow belonging to the family cat.  Toys can be passed back and forth, too.  By switching personal items between the two cats, they will become used to each other's scents.

• Put the family cat's food and water near the closed door, but not so close that the smell of the newbie will upset the established kitty.  If the food is too close to the door on either side, the cats may not eat because they are either distracted or distressed by the scent of the other.  Eventually, when you see that both cats are eating, slowly move the food closer to the door so they will realize it is safe to feed and smell the other feline simultaneously. 

• After you're certain both cats are eating and drinking properly, isolate the family cat and let the new kitty wander the house.  Since the new cat will be somewhat familiar with the scent of the family cat, he won't be so afraid to explore. 

When several days have passed, prop open the door separating the two, but only enough that they can see each other.  You don't want one or the other attacking.

At this point, begin bringing out the newbie for a few minutes several times a day, making sure you are there to supervise.  Eventually, any hissing will be replaced by curiosity, but until that happens, be prepared for battle.  Have a spray bottle filled with water at the ready and a couple of heavy towels handy in which to encase the cats to carry them back to their separate quarters.  There is no need for you to get scratched, should they start arguing.  If fighting begins, slowly repeat the introduction.  Eventually, the cats will stop the aggression and, as has always been the case at our house, become fast friends. 

You may find yourself sitting for hours on end in the bathroom playing with the new cat, which is fine.  Just be sure you don't neglect the family cat.  Greet him first each morning and feed him first.  He has feelings, too. 

If you have one kitty, get him a companion.  If you have no kitties, go on the prowl for one. You won't regret it.