Has anyone successfully introduced a kitten to a one year old cat?

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We have a lovely Tabby who's just over one year old - he has a really lovely temperament, leads an active and fun life and we all adore him. In the last month so though he seems to be a little down, and we think that he might just need the company of another cat.

I looked this up online and was pleasantly surprised at all the positive information there was about doing this, and it seems like the ideal companion for him would be a male kitten.

It would be really useful though to hear from people on here who have actually done this. Is it generally a good idea in your opinion? Can it go horribly wrong? What, in your own opinions, are the major dos and don'ts when introducing a kitten etc.

We have introduced a pair of litter mates to our 1 year old cat. I was worried at first as our older cat hid behind the sofa for two days, had a massive wee accident and was generally very unhappy. One week later, however, and it is like they were always here. He plays in a friendly way with them, will put them in their place but also let’s them lick him and will eat alongside them. I wasn’t planning on keeping him in, but having seen his initial reaction I locked the cat flap in case he went out and was too scared to return. We have just started letting him out with the cat flap set to in only and he has been bobbing in and out quite happily.

Yes I did. My older cat was about three though. It took about a week for them to warm up to each other and now they’re inseparable.
When we first brought the kitten into the house, we kept him in his cat carrier for about 30 minutes. We just let the older cat investigate and smell his blanket. She seemed more scared of him then he was of her.
As soon as he got a chance he wanted to play with her.
At first, there will be some hissing. Don’t force anything, let them keep their distance and get to know each other. We did separate food and litter trays.
My older cat did keep her distance from him but as the days went by, she realised he weren’t a threat.
Introduce them slowly, they’ll get there! Don’t force anything.

Yes - several times and have never had an issue ☺️

Yes, I've got nine rescue cats. Always been (relatively) successful xx

Introduced a kitten to a middle aged cat (both male). It was a nightmare. Older cat never truly forgave me!

Years later we introduced a male kitten to a one year old male cat and within a day they were best mates, trying to feed fro the same plate. I think it helped that we swapped their scents first. They’re 7 and 8 now and still get on well (though they do have the occasional spat). They even share their prey!

Yes and 7 years on they still hate each other. Sorry.

It's a big disappointment

Yes, last year. I was beside myself for weeks, thought I'd broken my big one, she was so so unhappy. And terrified for my little one who was desperate to play and was either ignored, hissed at or attacked. Took about 3 months before it improved and now, a year on, they are best buddies (mostly).

Yes. Done this several times. Don’t force them together but set aside a week or so where you can stay at home and supervise. Do lots of playing with the kitten and cat in the same room. Feed them together too. Cats bond if fed together

Thanks for all your really helpful replies - they're very encouraging, and sorry to the people for whom this didn't work out.

I would have replied earlier but I couldn't find this thread on my mobile (I wrote it on a laptop).

We just need to find a lovely ginger kitten now...