how best to introduce new cat

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Ever since getting our gorgeous boy from a rehoming centre 4 years ago we knew we wanted another cat, but our boy was very anxious around other cats so we felt that it wouldnt be fair on him.

He is a lot more relaxed now, has a pal from across the road, although fights with pal's house mate so it is a bit hit and miss as to who he will get along with. The rehoming centre suggested a younger male cat - 1 year old or so in order to allow our boy to still feel like the boss. Does that sound like a sensible suggestion?

I've done a lot of reading as to how best to introduce new cats to each other, but could anyone offer any personal experience please?

I just plonked Cheddar down in the hall in her carrier. Magic cane for a sniff and that was that! (Disclaimer, she is a very chilled out cat and I knew she'd be fine with another Persian.)
Probably do it more slowly with yours!

We plonked a Persian into the lounge, her mother no less, it did not go well. 2 alpha females do not mix.

So, do the slow introduction and be prepared to go back a step if the process stalls. Smoothie & Milkshakes youtube channel shows their intro.

We had a Bengal and I never even bothered trying, he was obviously an only child. Dh wasn’t entirely welcome.

We got my 12 year old boy a little brother recently as he lost his older brother last year.

New cat was about 7 months when he came home with us and had still been with his litter mates.

That has made a BIG difference.

Old boy wasn't pleased at all at first. Took himself away and they'd howl when they saw each other. We kept them separated for a week or so. And also at night and when we went out for a number of weeks.

The little guy though was always desperate to be friends and persevered as he is a cats cat. (Was a stray in a big family group of cats for the first 6 months of his life)

Most days old boy will accept a wash and let the little one cuddle him and sleep together. Only once has the little one been washed in return. But we wanted our big boy to be the boss.

House is peaceful now. But for the first couple of weeks I had BIG regrets.

Thanks guys. @IMissFrance I think your experience is pretty similar to what I’m expecting here. I’m still quite torn over whether to go ahead, as I’m quite worried over our boy, he took so long to settle after a year in the cattery that I’m reluctant to upset the Apple cart. But then another part of me thinks he may find having a cat mate not so bad at all!