kitten terrorizing disabled cat

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a playful 4 month old male who constantly wants to play with my 4 year old male cat who had knee surgury.  My docile 4 year old does not protect himself but instead cries and whines when pounced on, not really letting the kitten know when he is to rough.  Periods of separation do not seem to deter the kitten.  I have tried consistant NOs , distracting with toys, and locking the kitten in the basement (with food water litter and toys of course) but as soon as he sees my cat he pounces.  Any ideas?
Answer -
Alysson,

The kitten is playing!  It does not understand that the other cat is not feeling well and is recovering from knee surgery.  No amount of "discipline" is going to make any difference to the kitten.  Cat's either do not know the meaning of NO or choose to ignore it.  

Until the 4 year old is recovered from his knee surgery, you need to keep them separated! You might try keeping the 4 year old in a quiet spot like a spare bedroom, where the kitten cannot get to, but you can get to, until the cat is back on his feet.

Once the 4 year old is better, the play of the kitten will be good for the older cat as it will help him exercise the joint much more than he would on his own.

How much longer until the 4 year old will be up and around?

Best regards... Norm.

*********PS   He actually had the surgury over a year ago but is having complications related to his lack of exercise since the knee is still bothering him and his increasing weight (due to lack of exercise).  So you are probably right, it probably is good for him, but I moved his bed into my bedroom so he has a sanctuary and I think I might keep them separated when I'm at work.  He dosent seem to dislike the kitten even though he gets picked on, so hopefully we can keep things civil until the kitten matures a little . Thanks for your imput!  

Answer
Alysson,

On the other hand, some cats like being the "victim"!!!!!  You might just let them go and sort things out and not separate them.  Sometimes separation can make things worse!

As long as the 4 year old does not come up limping and the kitten gets him to run around a bit, things may actually improve more!

My one concern is that the knee may be sore due to lack of exercise which is why the 4 year old is not getting into any chase.  The kitten is trying to get the adult to play and does not want to take no for an answer!?!?!?

Anyway, you need to do what makes you feel comfortable, but I would think that unless the 4 year old is limping, pestering may be just what he needs.

Best regards... Norm.