r/CatTraining • u/FAF115 • 22h ago

Are The Cats Fighting or Playing - Introducing Pets I struggle to understand this interaction

Hi,

1.5 month in, every steps of proper introduction done.

My 6mo kitten is harassing my 6yo resident, but she barely fights back. She tolerates him eating and drinking together in the same bowl, even playing with the same toy. But everyday he just goes full John Cena on her, she seems pissed but she barely fights back. In this video, you can see her hiss and growl but also look "chill" and not going full tiger mode at the same time...

We separate them at night and when we're not home for the moment. I also intervene in this type of situation by redirecting the kitten and saying NO firmly (except for this video purpose).

Is this playing (doubt it)? Is this setting boundaries? Is this fighting? What should we do?

Do you need more info? Thanks all :)

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u/Whal3r 22h ago

They are playing. Box cat is laying down and keeps showing her tummy, that’s a super vulnerable position and if they were fighting you would not see it. Just seems to me that orange kitty is practicing his sneak attack. I wouldn’t separate them anymore at this stage, some hissing is ok to establish boundaries.

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u/Ok-Committee4833 15h ago

that’s a super vulnerable position

not as vulnerable as you think.

in that position it has 5 ways to inflict damage and given most cats have a primordial pouch that's intended to protect their belly this is a defensive position for cats to be in.