Thelma, sometimes I wonder if this isn't something that stray/abandoned cats do - maybe because they weren't properly socialized and disciplined, or maybe a defense mechanism learned on the streets/in the shelters. Peaches has always had a swatting problem, but that's also how she plays. I think she was never socialized properly and taught that kitty playing is not the same as people playing. She even attacked her kids, even when they were tiny newborns. She actually hurt Cookie at one point. She still makes a habit of swatting each of them at least once a day, even though they are now all bigger than her. But sometimes it's for real, and sometimes it's for play. I guess this is how she stays Top Dog, and that's probably what Elvis is doing - testing you for dominance. Butter finally settled down, and I'm sure Elvis will once he learns to trust you. Some cats, also, may love lovins but can still only tolerate so much (pleasure overload, my son calls it) so they swat to get you to stop when they've had enough. Elvis may be doing that, too. If so, you'll eventually learn his signals - a slight tail twitch, ears raring back, etc.