As some will know, we have been having a little visitor lately, Oscar, our neighbour's 12-month old black kitten. Blip doesn't normally tolerate other cats, but she has yet to attack Oscar. Something happened this morning on which I'd like experienced advice.
We have a table in the living room which is covered by a large throw. This hangs down the sides. This morning I discovered Blip sitting on top of the table with Oscar underneath, mostly hidden by the overhanging throw. Every minute or so he would make a mewling noise, then sit up on his haunches and paddle at the throw from underneath it. Blip immediately leant over the edge and paddled back from the upper side. Then Oscar would move to another spot and the same routine was repeated.
This went on for five or ten minutes, then Blip just rolled over onto her side and ignored Oscar. At this point he jumpd up onto one of the chairs, mewled again and then climbed onto the table. He gave Blip the widest possible berth as he walked round the table and off the other side. She studiously ignored him.
Two questions:
1) Were they playing? It looked like it to me.
2) Why did Blip roll onto her side? It can't have been a submissive gesture as Oscar was so cautious around her - can it?
I'm not experienced with two cats and would appreciate advice!
