cat fights: playful wrestling or cause for concern?

by Brent
(Ankeny, Iowa)

My wife and I recently added a second cat to our household. Sylvie, our 8-year-old short hair, has been with my wife since before we were dating. We recently moved into a townhome and decided with the extra space, compared to our old apartment, we would bring home a second rescue cat as a playmate. After interacting with several cats from our local shelter, we agreed on Ella, a 3-year-old medium hair.
We followed the shelter recommendations for new cat introduction: confine the new cat to a single room for a day, then switch places with the old cat for another day before introducing them at meal time. Sylvie hissed and growled at Ella the first couple days together, but a week later would actually let Ella lick her head when they were sitting together or drinking from the same water bowl.
Overall, having a cat companion has had a positive effect on Sylvie's behavior compared to pre-Ella's arrival. She used to nip my wife almost daily, poop on the floor if her box was "too full" for her liking, and only be affectionate when it was mealtime.
In the three weeks since Ella's arrival, Sylvie has become more affectionate, had no "accidents" outside the box and nipped once. Everything seemed to be turning out well, until the last couple days, when the cats began to stalk each other until they wrestle. Neither is really bullying, because the aggressor varies from bout to bout. I have seen Ella pounce on Sylvie and Sylvie pounce on Ella. Once, they were laying quietly in the living room and decided to sit up, size each other up like boxers in the first round, and then wrestle. Ella will lick Sylvie if she gets in the top position, while Sylvie will nip Ella's shoulders if she gains dominance. The problem comes when Ella wants to keep wrestling and Sylvie, being older, wants to walk away. Sylvie will try to walk away when she tires, but Ella will follow her and drop her head and shoulders to begin a defensive position. Sylvie will hiss and growl when she's had enough play time.

I am wondering if this wrestling is something we need to put a stop to or just chalk it up to cat instincts and separate them only when it gets too heated?

RESPONSE:

Congratulations on rescuing another cat in need! It sounds like you chose wisely! Ella and Sylvie are behaving like normal cats. I do not believe there is any cause for concern. As long as there are plenty of places where the cats can get away from each other if they want (Cubbies, High up spots, etc.) I suggest you just let them work out their own pace of play. It is not uncommon that one cat will want to play more than another. Since Ella is younger, she likely needs more play time. Involve her in more interactive play with you and your wife. String toys, fishing pole toys, balls, etc are good choices. If you feel she is bugging Silvie too much, just pull out a toy and play with her. She will love you for it!
Enjoy them!

Donna, House Full Cats Mom