Whether you are getting a new kitten, or an adult cat, the procedures of introduction are pretty much the same. The only difference is that with older cats, it may take a little longer to establish a trust with the new cat, who after all, has established behaviour and patterns that will require time to adjust. Adult cats within a household, are also less receptive to other adult cats, because they represent a territorial challenger, where kittens will pretty much roll over and let them still be King of the Hill.
If you are getting a new kitten/cat that you will be waiting for, perhaps a purebred from a breeder, you might ask if you can give them an item such as a towel that has been well handled or slept on by the family, so that the smells of your household will not be totally new to them. This is especially handy for animals being shipped. I use it myself, and often put the towel in the carrier prior to shipping, and allow the other cats to inspect it. That way it carries the secure smells of "home", and the new smells of the home they are going to.
Once you have picked up your new pet, bring them home and place them in a room with food and litter and leave them to their own devices for a while, with the door closed. If it has been a long trip, or they were shipped, or perhaps are a bit shy, the kitty will need a bit of time to unstress themselves. If they run and hide under the bed, don't force them to come out. Go in occasionally and talk to them, or dangle a toy by the bed, and see if you get any interest. If not, that's fine too. It will come in time.
Segregating them like this serves two purposes. First, it gives them limited new territory to become familiar with. For kittens, this can be especially daunting. On the other hand, some kittens will have their paws in everything right off the bat. But you can't count on it. Nor can you count on the reaction of the resident cat(s).
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