New Kitten v.s. Resident Kitten

I just adopted a new kitten this weekend. He is a tonkinese male 8 weeks old. I have a resident 5-month old burmese male who up until this weekend was the only feline in the house. I immediately introduced them together because I felt that since they were both kittens, I didn't have to go that slow. By the end of the day (after a few hisses and swatting from the resident burmese), they are now getting along well. The burmese grooms the tonkinese and they sleep together and eat together.
My concern is the tonkinese, being only 8 weeks, is sooo small compared to my burmese boy who is very muscular and strong. When they play, my burmese is literally clobbering him and knocking him over and wrestling with him very roughly! I've never owned two cats before, so I've never seen cats play myself. I never let them play together unattended. And so far, I've only heard twice where my tonkinese will yelp, and I'll break up the play. My tonkinese really doesn't do much but lay there and take the beating. He won't even bite back! But as soon as I separate them, it's the tonkinese who will walk towards my burmese for more action! So I just want to know if it's normal for them to play so roughly. Should I continue to let them play, or hold off on the playing until my tonkinese is older and stronger, and can take the beating better? I'm afraid too because my tonkinese is so affectionate, that I don't want my burmese to teach him aggression towards me. Thanks in advance!

I would definitely continue to monitor their play sessions until tonk is big enough to be able to defend himself. And the longer they are together, the better they will get to know one another and eventually bond. Have no fear! Play is normal; just don't allow it to get too rough and you may want to have a squirtgun or squirt bottle filled with water in case burmie gets too rough with tonk. GOOD LUCK and thank you for becoming a multicat family -- everyone stands to benefit!

I just went through something similar, I brought little orphan Jack home when he was just just around 6 weeks old and Raven was 15 weeks. It is amazing the size difference when there was only a 9 week age difference. I introduced them the same way you did and they took to each other quickly. Raven would play a little too rough with Jack but I think they are both learning where each others limits are and now they are great friends.

Thank you both for your replies. Yes, I am so glad to have two kittens now, which is what I always wanted, actually. I will continue to watch them play toghether. Right now, my tonk is confined to my bedroom with food, water, and litter box as he gets adjusted to the new home. My "burmie" (I like that name!) has full run of the house. I only bring them together into my bedroom when I am at home. It's funny because my burmie now cries all the time just to be with his new friend. I hate to separate them, but I don't want anything to happen to my tonk! All in all, I am very happy! Let's pray that my tonk gets stronger fast so he can return the "favor" to my burmese!