Aggressive play or something worse

I was in the shower this morning when I heard a loud meow. By the time I got out everything looked normal - Freckles was on the couch and Bob was at the bathroom door. I sat on the couch, and then Bob jumped up and started smothering Freckles. There was no growling or hissing, and Bob would also start licking Freckles. Yet Freckles seemed really uncomfortable. Bob gets quite hyper in the mornings, but this is the first time anything like this has happened. I separated them for the day (Freckles in the bedroom, where he has a litterbox and food) but I'm quite worried. If Bob truly is aggressive then one of them will have to go. They would both be very hard to place for different reasons - Bob because he was found among ferals and most people won't put up with some of the associated behaviors and Freckles because he's an older cat. I'm now paranoid about going on vacation next week and having someone in my family check on them once a day. I really think I need to board them at the vets office. Anyone have any suggestions?

It sounds like play. By "smothering", do you just mean grabbing and holding?

I was scared the first time I saw mine play rough. It starts with grooming, then one will grab the other around the neck with the front paws, and start rabbit kicking. Eventually, the one being held breaks away. At first, they would stop, and the one being held and kicked would run away, but now they just keep going at it. They also try biting each other's paws.

I'd monitor things for a few days, to make sure that they are playing, and that nobody is getting hurt. Look for fur flying, or one being bullied (crying, not being able to escape when he's had enough).

Yes, it's grabbing and holding. No hissing, no scratching. I think part of the problem is that Bob's former companion was young and still behaved like a kitten. I ordered Da Bird today, hoping that scheduled playtime might help both cats.

It's playing.

Here's the good news. I got home last night and Bob was waiting for me to let Freckles out of the bedroom! They grappled some last night, but Freckles was able to either get away or let Bob know that enough is enough. They were both on my bed when I got up this morning.