As for you--relax--there are several steps your family can take to help make things easier for you and your new housemate. Most importantly, they must enter into this with an understanding that several weeks may pass before the two of you become tolerant of each other. They can expect growling, hissing and chasing about while you investigate each other. The chances that serious fighting will occur are minimal. Humans must be patient and not overreact to all this normal feline behavior. You are still a youngster and your family would be wise to choose a cat of the opposite sex fairly close to your age.

A few more hints for them:

Sense of smell plays a big part in the first meeting. Some of the initial aggression towards each other might be toned down a little if the two cats are rubbed down a few times each with the same hand towel, mixing their scents.

Neither cat should be held during introduction. Cats need to feel free to flee a situation that makes them apprehensive.

An extra litter box should be provided for the newcomer and until owners are confident that no threat of true fighting exist, the cats should be separated when left alone.

Either cat should be left alone if she/she chooses to avoid the other and humans for a while. Provide access to food and litter for a hiding cat, but don't force it to rejoin everyone. Too much human interference can be a hinderance rather than a help.