Tabitha is scared stiff of the new kitten

I've been keeping Clara in the kitchen away from Tab since she arrived yesterday and plan to introduce them gradually. Unfortunately, when i got up this morning she escaped through my legs when i opened the kitchen door. She didn't get far before i managed to grab her and put her back in but it was far enough into the hall for Tab to spot her. Cue some very loud hissing and spitting. Well Clara isn't the least bit fussed. She's been playing happily today and has even used her litter tray without being placed in it (Yay!!) but Tab is another matter. She is hiding behind the sofa in the lounge and refuses point blank to come out and eat. If i try to pick her up she hisses at me. I've tried moving her food bowl into the lounge and have been talking calmly to her but to no avail.
Any suggestions? I can't believe i was so stupid and let Clara get past me.

I have had quite a lot of experiance of introducing cats to kittens and I have found that gradually introducing them is your best bet. Put a bit of bedding that your kitten has slept in the main part of the house and some that your cat has slept in next to the kitten. Maybe try letting them be together during the day when they are supervised to start with. There will be some hissing initially but it should get better over time.

thanks. i'd read the tips on here about introducing cats and was planning to follow them to the letter. I was just worried that I might have stuffed it up so soon. Fortunately Tab has had something to eat now and has let me pet her, although she growls occasionally. She never ever makes a noise so it's really weird to hear her.

Oh, they freak out when they see that new little alien in the house! She will adjust but it takes a while. I have a cat that takes about a month to actually accept a foster kitten. It is weird for her because she is the queen and doesn't know what this THING is doing in her house. Most of my cats take about 4 days to adjust. Sometimes it takes longer. It is a good idea to put something from each cats bedding in the others area. They rely on scent.