New cat biting

Hi,
My new cat, Dallas, is a big 7ish year old neutered declawed tabby. He is huge, almost 20 pounds!
My older girl, Sassy, is a 12 year old tabby also huge. I got Dallas to keep her company when she lost her buddy and her very favorite person within a 2 week period.
We've had Dallas about 3 weeks. At first he was shy, hiding under the bed, and hanging around upstairs, but not now! He jumps on Sassy and BITES her!
Are they just establishing a pecking order? She is submissive, but will slap him and hiss. When she does that he runs off, and then just stares at her. I'm new at this....what is going on???
Thanks,
Sierra

Originally Posted by Sierra_K

Are they just establishing a pecking order?

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That's precisely what they're doing! Big-ups for you for picking up on that! One has to be the alpha and establish dominance; "this is MY territory - leave me alone!"

Oh, biting is okay so long as blood isn't drawn. Once it becomes serious, time to intervene and break out the squirt bottle.

Sounds like my two as well, except Willow (the younger one) was there first. I think she runs knowing full well that Odo will chase her sometimes. Other times, he'll bite the back of her neck, and I know he's just being dominant. Just make sure Dallas isn't preventing Sassy from getting to her necessities (food, drink, and litterbox).

Thank you!
No, he doesn't keep her away from the necessities. Right now I have 2 litter boxes and 2 feeding/drinkings areas set up because I anticipated that such a thing might happen...but oddly enough was concerned that Dallas would be the one not eating!!
I think Dallas just wants to play. I'll watch them. Thanks for your input! I love this site!