As you say at the begining Justa, it all depends on the cats. We have three. One a tiny tortoiseshell moggie of the female persuation (Tiger) that we inherited with the house and we were told would never come inside as she was too timid - she now bosses everyone around. Two male tabbies, one black one red, that our vet describes as 'front row forwards' that we got as kittens seven years ago because we thought Tiger was getting beyond keeping the rabbit, rat and mouse population under control. Now she just nicks those brought in by the other two! All cats have to share with the dogs, we got two new puppies two and a half month ago and the cats have finaly realised that if they want their share of the fire, they've got to be prepared to share the rug, and be licked.

All of of which is a way of saying that if you are prepared to put in the effort to reassure existing family members that the new one is NOT replacing them in your affections, there is usually no problems in the long run. Plenty of howls, spitting and rushing outside saying that "I'm not coming back EVER! I'll go into the bush and starve to death and THEN you'll be sorry!" in the short term, but it all sorts itself out.

OH yes, I also agree that you should NEVER de-claw a cat.

Pete M