big mistake with the intro of new kitten

Question
Hi, I've read some of your similar queries but i need to know what you suggest i do now in my specific situation.

I went for lunch on Sunday and the owner of the hotel had rescued an abandoned kitten from a motorway but couldn't keep her. We have a 1.5 yr old Siamese cross, very spoilt, cat called Baggy and we thought it would be good for her to share us with another kitten so we agreed to take her.

As it was spur of the moment we didn't adequately read up on how to introduce. Our mother in law was staying so we assumed it was a good idea for her to carry her in for us (no cat box I'm afraid) so as not to associate the kitten with us but with her instead, however, at first sight of the kitten our poor cat scarpered for our bedroom and has shown very little interest, unless provoked (chased) by the kitten at which time she hisses and growls, since. Our poor cat is very reserved now when once she was very happy and i think she feels completely rejected by us.

From the start however we did make sure that the kitten's litter and food was separate from the cat, we haven't give the kitten affection in front of the cat and every night the kitten sleeps in the guest room with the mother in law and our cat with us so that hasn't changed her normal routine and our resident cat is happy enough at night - she also now has her litter tray and food in with us.

I also make sure that i lock the kitten in her room and let our older cat wander the house sniffing around a number of times a day - although she isn't very interested in doing so.

I really don't want to take the kitten back or give her away but i don't know what to do. She's been here since Sunday and no progress has been made and i don't want to irrecoverably damage the relationship we have with our resident cat.

Any suggestions, as she's only been here two full days are there any techniques that might work to smooth the situation?

Answer
Catherine,

The process takes about 2 weeks or more to even out. You are not going to get a miracle and have the cats get along after 2 days.

You are doing the correct things. Hissing, spats, slaps, and growling are normal. They are kitty communications. The older cat will have her nose out of joint because of the change the new kitten creates and of the new smells the new kitten has.

Maybe get another kitten about the same age as the new kitten so they can play and be cuddle mates and leave the older cat alone. The older cat may never accept the kitten but will tolerate it as long as the kitten learns it's boundries with the older cat. And that is what the cat is teaching the little one now.

You won't damage your relationship with your cat as long as you give her LOTS of attention, affection, and kitty treats.

Carol