introducing my new kitten to my home

Question
Hello, thank you for taking the time to read my question!

I live in a one bedroom apartment with my dear 4.5 month old male neutered cat named Christmas. I've spent the past few months bonding with him since I had the summer off. He is very lovey dovey, likes to play, and likes people.

Christmas's mother had another litter, so I am taking one of the kittens- "Jelly". This way Christmas has someone to play with when I go back to work. Plus I have developed a new love of animals and want to give them a good home!

My goals:
1. I want Jelly to feel welcome in our home.
2. I do not want Christmas or Jelly to be afraid of each other- I want them to be best friends!
3. I don't want Christmas to be jealous of Jelly.

How do I accomplish these goals? I will do anything- 2 litter boxes, 2 food dishes, whatever! I want my two cats to love each other and love their home.

THANKS!
Megan

Answer
Adorable names - very sweet. Okay, its very good that you are starting with two young kittens. At 4.5 months old Christmas is still very playful and less territorial than an older cat might be. Being neutered helps too. Now it is possible that it will be love at first sight. I have seen cases like that where the older kitten just loves the little one right off and they are perfect buddies for life after that. But since you never know, I suggest that when you first bring Jelly home, you don't let them interact right away. Since you have the bedroom separate from the rest of the house, if you can place a screen in the doorway so that the two cats can be separated but can still see each other through the screen, I would recommend doing that at first. Let them look and sniff and see how they do. Certainly you should offer two seprate food bowls; also helps so you are sure they are both eating and not one gobbling more than his share. One litter box will be fine if they get along. To start use two only because they meay need to be separated until they adjust and will each need on box on their side of the screen. Certainly keep the screen between them if you are leaving them home alone before really being sure how they are getting along.

After the initial meeting see how they are. If they look fairly peaceful (may be some hisses at first but then calmer) then take away the screen and while supervising, let them interact. See how it goes. If they get into a tussle, gently separate them again with the screen. Continue this process and see how it goes. I think again because of the young ages, you will do well fairly quickly.

As far as jealousy goes, they are like kids so you will need to try and give them equal attention but as they go on and get along, they will be buddies and play time will be all of you together so there shouldn't be any problems.

For now, start with what I have suggested to here and see what happens. Write me again as to the progress or if any problems happen and we'll take it from there.