very sad older cat with new kitten

Question
I have a cat that I adopted many years ago, she is around 7 years old.  I have moved many times and she has lived with another cat twice since I have had her and they got a long great.  She has been alone with me and my fiancee for a couple years now. We recently added a new kitten (9 weeks old).  We did keep them separated for many days.  There was initial hissing day one but it stopped after that.  They interact in a tolerable manner now when in the same room.  The kitten is always playful, but the cat once nothing to do with her.  So much so that the cat stays in the basement (the kitten doesnt go down there) and comes up rarely to eat.  I have tried to spend a lot of time downstairs but she will rarely come out.  She used to always want to sit with me down there.  Her soft meow has turned into a more raspy one.  I cant even coax her out with a treat when before she would come running.  I am worried that she is depressed and I am wondering what I should do?  I dont want to get rid of the kitten, but at the expense of my cat I will.  Can you help???  Thanks soooo much!

Answer
Kyle,

How long have they actually been together.  Sometimes, they just need more time. I expect that after years of being the only cat, your older kitty is in a real snit.  When you brought the new kitten home, did you make a big deal over your established cat?  If not, she just may be jealous (kind of like human siblings when a new baby comes home).

You may want to give your older cat special treats and lots of attention, especially when the new kitten is around.

If after a few weeks, things have not improved, they may not, and you may have to make a tough decision.  Although most cats will get along, there are some who just take a major dislike to a particular cat (just like people).

You just cannot force these things.

Please let me know what happens.

Best regards... Norm.