new kitten wont eat..

Question
   Hey I adopted a persian kitten in July and he is wonderful!  He has adapted
really well and hasn't had any problems.  Because we had so much success
with Ignatius (the kittens name, who is now 8 months old) we decided to
adopt another kitten from the same breeder, so he could have a friend.  I
found out that his brother from the same litter had not been adopted because
he tended to be so nervous and would hide everytime the lady would try to
show him.  So we decided to give Dopey (Ignatius' brother) a try.
   He was really nervous when we picked him up, breathing heavy and
panting with his tounge hanging outside of his mouth, but didn't meow.  He
looks almost identical to Ignatius.  When I introduced him to Ignatius,
Ignatius hissed (totally out of character - he is usually a sweet laid back
kitten) making Dopey even more nervous.  Dopey hides and hyperventalates -
esp. when picked up.  I got him last night at 6:30 and it is now 2:20 and he
wont eat, drink, or use the litterbox.  I feel so bad for the poor little guy.  Do I
need to return him to the breeder or take him to the vet (i honestly think it's
just nerves.. i just don't want to make him sick).  He is so sweet too, he is just
a scardey cat.  Thanks so much for your time, sorry this is so long.
Sincerely,
Molly

Answer
Molly,

You might try the following protocol on the introduction of a kitten to a household with an already established pet.  Forget that Dopey and Ignatius are brothers as it is clear they do not remember each other.

We have used this protocol with good results and it would be OK to try it now:

Start out Dopey in one room with a litter pan and water dish. Ideally, the one room should be a bedroom with yourself or another human resident. This accomplishes a couple of things. Dopey will not be overwhelmed by its new surroundings and get "lost", and thusly will have no problem finding the litter pan (often kittens or rescue cats have been confined and are somewhat daunted by wide open spaces!). You will feed Dopey in this room and keep Ignatius out. It will allow Dopey to bond with you or another human being and also build up some self assurance in his new surroundings since he will not have to compete for food or attention right away. Finally, it will allow Dopey and Ignatius to sniff each other under the door and get familiar with each others' scents.

After 5-7 days of being in its one room, it is time to let them meet each other. Be prepared for some posturing, some spitting and hissing, and the like. IGNORE IT! After a while, they should begin chasing each other about and still have the occasional hiss or spit as they get accustomed to each other. Cats tend to make a whole lot of noise and even loosen up some fur. Rarely will two cats hurt each other.

Once they are introduced, there are a couple of things you must remember. Do not separate them again, they will get along! Do not interfere in their "discussions" as they need to sort it out amongst themselves!

It does not hurt to give Ignatius treats and extra attention after Dopey is introduced (yes, cats do get jealous!).

A couple of things you may have to do are to feed them on separate dishes. Provide more than one litter pan in different areas of the household (as cats can be very territorial about litter pans).

All, in all, this method seems to have had great success in the past and makes for a fairly smooth introduction. Please remember that they may make up immediately, or it may take a few weeks.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards... Norm.