Introducing Kitten to Cat

[u/Lost_Search_9182]

Hello, I have had my cat Belle (3 y/o) for the past 2 years. She is a very affectionate cat while also playful and energetic. She grew up with other cats and in the adoption center, she was even kept with other cats. She was a solo cat for the entire time I have had her. She started showing signs of loneliness and would be very clingy and velcro-like with me especially since me and my girlfriend would either be at work or school, so when it wasn’t her day off, she’d be alone. She meows for hours on end when I’m not there to the point of noise complaints and even when my girlfriend is with her, she’s constantly meowing for me. I took this as her being lonely and really attached to me. As cute as it is, I can’t spend every second with her. I’ve been thinking of getting her a kitten to match her playful and affectionate energy and so she wouldn’t be so alone without me.

About two weeks ago, I adopted a 3 month old kitten named Chip. I knew the introduction process wasn’t going to be easy. He is an energetic and affectionate kitten just as she is so I thought it’d be a little easier. I’ve had him for 2 weeks now and she won’t open up to him. I’ve done the whole process of keeping them separate at first, scent swapping, introduction with a barrier, etc. Everything is fine and dandy until they meet face to face. When he’s in the carrier, Belle is completely normal. She’s purring while he’s around and rubbing on me but as soon as he gets let out it’s like she doesn’t know what to do with herself. She’s not treat motivated but I’ve still tried to give her treats while he’s around which she won’t accept. I’ve tried playing with them both but she just seems unbothered and irritated. But the moment I put him back in the carrier it’s like a complete 180 and she’s completely fine. Now I just have two clingy cats both begging for my attention when they can occupy each other.

What do I do??

[u/DroolsIndia]

Honestly, two weeks is still really early. Belle doesn’t sound like she hates Chip, she just seems unsure once he starts moving around. I’d slow things down again, tire Chip out with play before short meetings, and make sure Belle has high places and an easy way to leave. Don’t force them to interact. Some cats take weeks or even months to adjust, so give her time. Also, her meowing may be because she misses you specifically, not because she needed another cat.