Introducing kitten into home

[Kettlebellend]

We had a kitten this time last year, first time cat owners and we all fell in love with her, she is happy and settled, neutered, goes out and comes back, loves a cuddle and fuss from us but also fairly independent.

Weve been offered another kitten to home, a boy and just after some advice about how to introduce him into our home and to our existing cat, he won’t be with us for a little while yet as he’s only a few days old.

How is she with other cats? As she's young she may adapt but we tried getting a kitten last year with a much older lady and it was an awful disaster. Even slowly introduced they may fight. Are you ok with that? I found seeing our cat distressed was ghastly and much as loved the kitten we had to return him. Best thing all round. It was hugely distressing however.

She was fine with her brothers and sisters before she left her mum but hasn’t really been around many cats since. She likes to roam our street and I’ve seen her twice walking with another cat so there may be some hope there!

I won’t mind a bit of play fighting but how do I know when it’s verging on something more than that?
was wondering if I should try giving a blanket to the kitten from our home so he can get used to the smell and vice versa

We've introduced several kittens to adult cats over the years and while it's not the recommended method, we've never had a problem doing it.

Kitten comes in their carrier which we put on the floor and let the older cats sniff. There's always some hissing and annoyed looks at this point

Kitten has their own room for the first few weeks while we're not home or asleep, but after 24-48 hours in the carrier we let them have access to the older cats during the day.

Last time, it took less than 48 hours for our resident boys to accept the newbie. We've never had a fight and he's one now. Older ones are 9 and 4.

Thank you, that’s positive, we are going to give it a try anyway and hope for the best!