kitten jealous of older cat

My 16 year old and 3 month old get along reasonably well in that they ignore each other most of the time. They sleep at opposite ends of the same sofa and eat next to each other. The problems arise when I try to give my older cat any attention. The kitten, Cleo, immediately jumps on Tabs back or chases after her. Tab will swipe back and grumbles a lot but hasn't attacked. I've tried saying No in a loud voice everytime Cleo does it but that just confuses Tab who thinks she's done something wrong too.
So what should I do? Do time outs in another room work for kittens? How about a squirt from the water bottle? Or are those options cruel?

It's natural for two cats to fight from time to time, to establish their pecking order. One of them needs to be in charge, and for them to figure that out, they'll need to argue a little. Since the fight is involving YOU, that makes it harder. Clearly, the kitten thinks she should be in charge, and she doesn't appreciate it when you give attention to her inferior. It might help to keep the peace if you give Tabs attention when Cleo isn't around, but I'm afraid that you probably can't directly affect the outcome of their hierarchy.

All in my experience, anyway. I'm no behaviorist, but I've had three cats for more than a year now, and it's fascinated me.

lol it fascinates me too. thanks for replying. She's the first cat i've had from being a kitten and i'm just amazed at how brave she is. I try to give Tab lots of one on one time too.