Cat showing belly to new cat

[RightsaidFreud]

So, we've recently added a new cat to the Freud household, a three year old long haired female has joined our 6 year old boy, and there has been some very interesting behaviour to speak of! I have no idea about multi cat households, so maybe someone on here could tell me if this is normal?

Both seem quite happy in each others company, have separate beds/areas they can go to if they want, she's been grooming him a little bit, but not the other way round. But on a few occasions, our boy has been, what I can only describe as flirting with her! Rolling around in front of her, showing his belly, and then he gets very annoyed when she ignores him, he went to bite her neck the other day, but she very promptly batted him away!

They have both been 'done', so it can't be mating behaviour can it? Is it a dominance thing he's doing? Any advice/experiences welcome!

I think it's a submissive thing - the belly is a vulnerable part and exposing it seems like a "I know you're the boss and could kill me if you wanted" gesture. The grooming - it seems like a nice friendly gesture but is often a way for boss cat to make sure junior cat is covered with boss cat's scent.

What are his ears like when he does it? Up or flat back?

Actually, Hassled, belly up can be defensive/aggressive as well as an invitation to play in my my experience. You may be on your back (as a cat) but you're in poll position to bring up those back leg claws and gut your opponent.

Showing his belly is a good thing, means hes not afraid, they are putting themselves in a vunerable position by exposing their bellys, he feels no threat from her!

pole position.

I knew I needed more coffee!

Yes I agree about it being a 'look at me, I don't give a shit' display. My very dominant male neutered cat does this out in the neighbourhood with cats he has beaten the crap out of asserted himself with!

But it sounds pretty hopeful, RightsaidFreud. There's bound to be a little jostling for position but from what you say, they're likely to settle down just fine.

His ears are up, not flat, when he does it. He just seems to get very annoyed with her when she takes no notice of him typicalman--

Mine are brother and sister. Sounds normal.

I find it happens when they are feeling relaxed in each other's presence.

Cats are baffling - I've spent hours trying to work out the weird hierarchies that seem to exist amongst mine. One seems to be Top Cat when it comes to food but then gets chased out of the preferred chair by the one who seems more submissive.

If his ears are up when he does it then it's likely a play invitation I would have thought.

And she's ignoring him - quite right, girl!

They are funny things, very happy that she seems to have settled in so quick, and that he's taken to her so quickly too! :)

I had heard stories of existing cats getting very stressed and weeing everywhere/tearing up their house when a new cat is introduced.

You're not completely out of the woods yet. It might still happen at some time - although the signs are good. Keep a weather eye on them and make sure they're both getting fair shares of affection.

Best of luck.

Absolutly Cozie, couldn't agree more, both are getting a serious amount of cuddles at the moment! Thanks for the advice :)

envy

Our multi cat household never got on. We found tufts of hair all over the carpets every morning.

.

:( what was your mutli cat household a mix of fluffy?

3 chinchilla Persians (all related) and a moggie girl.