Introducing a new kitten to an older cat

Hi everyone, I am so stressed out right now. I just brought home Pippin, a sweet 8-week-old gray tabby, and I am terrified I am doing everything wrong. I have Loki, my 1-year-old Bengal, and Freya, my 1-year-old Ragdoll. They are both very different personalities, which makes me think I need a different approach for each?

I read the vet tech advice from Donna earlier and set Pippin up in the spare bedroom with his own litter, food, and toys. I did a scent swap yesterday, but when I finally let them see each other through the door, Loki hissed and puffed up. I pulled them apart immediately. Now I don't know if I should keep the door closed or try again. I am overthinking this to death. Does anyone have a specific step-by-step process that worked for you, especially with a Bengal involved?

Hey Melissa. First off, breathe. Hissing is normal. It is just a boundary marker. Since you have a Bengal, check out introducing a kitten to a Bengal for some specific energy management tips.

In my experience, if there is hissing, you go back a step. Keep the door closed for another 24-48 hours. Do not force visual contact if it causes stress. The scent swap is good, but make sure they are eating near the door so they associate the smell with positive things. If Loki is hissing, he is telling you he needs more time. Don't rush it.

You are worrying too much. Listen to the vet techs. They know what they are doing.

I had issues with my old cat Milo when we got a new one, but he has thyroid issues so he is sensitive to stress. If you push it and he gets stressed, he will get sick. Keep them separated. Let them smell each other. When they stop hissing, then open the door. Simple. Don't let the internet scare you into overcomplicating it.

@dan_ward I know, but Pippin is so young and I worry he will learn bad habits if he is isolated too long. Also, I am not sure if Freya is just being shy or if she is actually aggressive. She just watches Loki and doesn't interact.

@TinaInBoise I read that thread, but it was mostly about playtime. I need to know how to handle the actual first face-to-face meeting. I saw Gail's thread senior cat hissing where her older cat wouldn't let the kitten sleep near him. My cats are younger, but Loki is acting similar. Should I be worried that this is going to be a long process?

Melissa, patience is the most important tool here. I have introduced many cats over the years, including my diabetic Ollie and my kidney-affected Mabel.

The fact that Loki hissed means the introduction was too fast, not that it failed. Go back to scent swapping. Use a soft cloth to rub on their cheeks (where the scent glands are) and swap the cloths. Let them sniff each other's toys.

For Freya, if she is just watching, she might be assessing the situation. Ragdolls can be very passive. Keep her in the mix but don't force her to engage.

Check managing stress during cat introductions for some calming pheromone tips that worked for me. The goal is for them to associate each other with safety, not fear. It might take a few weeks, but it is worth it.

I am with Joan on this. My shy DSH Bean took months to accept my tabby Noah.

One thing I would add: make sure Pippin has a safe space where the other cats cannot reach him, even when they are in the same room later. High perches or a baby gate can help.

Melissa, you are doing the right thing by separating them initially. The hissing is just communication. Keep the door closed until the hissing stops. Then try a visual barrier like a screen door if you have one. No direct contact until they are calm.