It’s been a week since we brought the cat now known as “Kiko” into our feline household.

She has turned out to be very friendly, relatively accustomed to being indoors, and repectful of the big cats.

They, in turn, have not shown any real aggression toward her, although until yesterday their direct contacts were limited and under supervision.

She has had a room of her own, but over the past two days we have opened the door and let her explore the house, and meet the other cats, at her own pace. Thursday morning was the first time Kiko, Kali, and Kinikini were all waiting for breakfast at the same time and in the same general area. And I did manage to feed them in the same general area. Not right next to each other, but within direct sight of each other.

Thursday was also the first time that we went out and left Kiko’s door open. From what I can tell, the cats mostly napped through our absence.

The biggest problem was that the older cats find Kiko’s kitten food irresistible, and they kept sneaking over to snack out of her dish.

So far so good. Kinikini and Kali have each charged in her direction once or twice, not to do damage but apparently to be sure she accepts her position in the pecking order. Luckily she’s young and very resilient, and keeps coming back for more.

One result is that Kinikini and Kali are spending more of their time in our bedroom, leaving Kiko to occupy the small front bedroom, even if the doors are open.

Bessie, who has a favorite perch looking out a window from our pantry/storeroom, mostly watches from a distance, at least so far.

So let’s get to it!