My kittens don't play nice. What can I do?

Question

I have a 12 -14 week old kitten and a rescue who is now about 6 weeks. The older one has been here exactly a week longer. So here's what's going on. Obviously I wouldn't let them anywhere near each other until the vet gave me a green light.
They play for awhile, swiping paws, really cute and harmless then out of nowhere the little one decides she's a tiger and pounces! Ofcourse the other defends herself and I have to break it up. Other times the bigger one stalks, pounces, sctratches bites and GOES FOR THE THROAT.

She's broken skin a few times now. If they were the same size I'd probably let them fight it out (well, not fight fight..)

I'm afraid one of them, especially the younger, is going to get seriously hurt. Suggestions?

The 6 week old kitten is the survivor of an abandoned litter (caged on the side of the road!). There is NO WAY I could/would lock her up in a bathroom. She needs to run and play, she is a very active kitty.
I gave up A LOT of sleep, spent even more money on vet bills, I trim claws - I'm very cautious (the little one is my miracle kitty I'm still amazed she survived and is perfectly healthy).

Thanks for the advice Connie I think I'll give that a try. I'm rediculously worried about the younger one but I know she's tougher than I give her credit for. Its' a bit hard to tell the difference between playing and fighting. I'll have to suck it up so that they do too! :-D

Answer 1

The 6 week old kitten isn't even old enough to be away from her mother yet. I would keep her in a small room such as a bathroom when you can't watch her. She didn't get the change to be properly socialized with her litter, and she doesn't know how to play with the other cats. I would wait until she is at least 12-16 weeks before letting her near the other cats without supervision. The other cats should also be kept in a smaller cat proof room when you are not able to supervise since they are still fairly young and can easily be hurt by their exploring nature.

EDIT: Yes, she has a lot of energy, and that is why she should be kept in a small room such as a bathroom when you can't supervise. There is nothing scarier than watching your kitten make a near impossible jump 6 feet across. Kittens are fragile and can easily break bones. A broken leg is at least $5,000. It is best to keep your kitten safe, but by all means let her out of the bathroom and play with her. Just keep her safe. The other kittens did have the benefit of being socialized with their littermates and mom, and they don't understand your young kitten at the moment. The older cats will teach her the lessons she needs to learn, but it needs to be done under supervision or they could really hurt her.

Answer 2

Nail trims would help a lot. at least with the injuries anyway.

A lot of play fighting looks real. I usually don't interfer unless there is growling and hissing. That means someone is really upset.

I have six cats, two of which are siblings. Brother (thin) and sister (fluffy and bigger) Those two fight all the time. He enjoys pushing her buttons. I usually let them go at it until she starts hissing (and she usually will) and then I just tell them no in a very firm voice and get in between them (usually the NO works)

there is a book that I recommend to help you read the signals between them, it is called cat vs cat LOTS of useful info. I like all of the authors books.

Answer 3

My cats used to fight also...one night (the cats are like yours too) I decided i would watch TV with the younger cat...of course the older cat decides to come up too I pet them both and they enjoyed and they actually stopped fighting...a few days later i saw them laying down together in the sun. Its been the same ever since. Just Try it. Sorry If it doesn't work :(