Play fighting or aggression

Question
Dear Tabby--A month ago I adopted an approximately one-year-old male cat
Tommy, who was neutered about 2 weeks prior to my adopting him. I got him
to keep my 9 year-old cat, Catlin, company. (Her 16 year old companion died
this January) Catlin is a low key cat, and doesn't seem to mind having Tommy
around. However, Tommy is constantly jumping on her and aggressively
licking or biting her. He jumps on her back and bites her around the neck and
face. Sometimes they just bop each other on the head with their paws.  She
has never seemed to be injured. She spends a lot of time running away from
him, but at times they eat right next to each other or hang out in the same
room. Sometimes when I give him a time out in his room, she goes to the
door looking for him. I've even seen them eat out of the same dish, so I don't
think it's a territorial issue. I have had two Feliway comfort zone diffusers in
place for a couple of weeks, but they have not seemed to make a difference in
his aggressive play. I have to keep them separate whenever I'm not home and
when I'm asleep because I'm afraid he may injure her with his rough play. Do
you think he may grow out of this phase? It's really hard to keep separate
accommodations for them. I would really appreciate your comments. Thanks.

Answer
Ingrid,

Cat DO play rough, but it's only to us, not to them. As long as there are not major screams, blood being shed, or major fur flying then they are doing fine.  If you keep your cats claws trimmed there shouldn't be any problems. Here is a website that shows by pictures how to trim the claws:
http://www.cat-world.com.au/catclaws.htm

He also will test his limits with the older cat. If and when your older cat has had enough she will turn on him and he will back off. A lot of what cats do is for show. When no one is around they get along fine and even snuggle together. I would not keep them separated. At least try it and just listen for any issues.

The younger cat may be setting the pecking order and claiming the dominant cat role. If the older cat doesn't mind, she will let him. He will will settle down as he gets older.

A good thing to help introductions is to have the cats play interactively. A pet laser light is great for that. They both chase the 'little red bug' and forget that they are together. That helps build their acceptance of one another. Or pull a rope or twine for them to chase.

It takes a while for things to settle down when there is a new cat but with time, patience, and lots of love, it will all work out.

Tabbi