Why does she do this?

by sarah
(Milwaukee, wi)

I have two older cats and we introduced a third cat about a year ago. The youngest approaches the middle cat when she is laying down sleeping by trying to back up, her tail straight up, and very slowly. Is she trying to snuggle with her? Or is she being a bully forcing the older cat from her comfy perch?

RESPONSE:

It's hard to say without knowing more but my first thought is that the younger cat may be trying to get the older cat to play.
Our Murry tries to get Little Girl to play by coming up along side her and giving her a sort of "body slam" then he prances around waiting for her reaction. Sometimes she will play with him, other times she ignores him or hisses at him.
Backing up may be how your younger cat lets the other cat know she wants to play. Observe the interaction after this point. If the older cat hisses and runs away, does the other cat appear disappointed or victorious? Do they sometimes start to play together? or sleep together or near each other? Observing the interaction after the backing up behavior will help you to have a better understanding of what the behavior is all about.
Let us know!

Donna,
House Full Cats Mom