Understanding Cat Bites.

I just posted yesterday about my new rescue cat being introduced to my resident cat. The rescue cat LOVES my resident cat George lol and usually George loves other cats but he's a bit weird about Oscar (our rescue). We had a real good play session yesterday and this morning I let George come visit Oscar who immediately started to chirp at him and flopped down to say hello. And George latched on to him with his teeth, definitely not hard because Oscar didn't seem to care or react. Does anybody have any clues what that could mean? A warning? Affection? I'm just so at a loss with George's body language with this cat, not at all like he normally is. Thank you!

Cats play bite. As long as the bitten cat isn't squealing and as long as hair clumps aren't being pulled out, no cause for concern.

As for why he only play bites *this* cat? Assuming all are spayed/neutered have no idea, but wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks for the reassurance, I just feel like I'm overthinking every little thing they do lol I did the same thing with my rats, every scrap I was pulling them apart but learned that there's a no blood no foul rule.

It sound's like playtime. As ArtNJ said if there's no screaming or any real distress then it's typical playing. You will know when it's not. Sometimes one cat will be done playing and the other is slower to pick up on it but they do get it. It's just like having two little kids.

He may be showing the new cat who is boss. Biting and holding is a sign of dominance. I wouldn't worry about it unless Oscar starts avoiding/hiding from him. Then it means he is hurting. George my be trying to play. As long as there is no blood, it is normal.

di and bob said:

He may be showing the new cat who is boss. Biting and holding is a sign of dominance. I wouldn't worry about it unless Oscar starts avoiding/hiding from him. Then it means he is hurting. George my be trying to play. As long as there is no blood, it is normal.

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Thanks! It happened again today, they were having a good time, feeling each other out. Oscar went to munch on some cat grass and George bit his neck. This time a bit harder and with an angry sounding meow but Oscar just seemed to ignore him. I did intervene at this point, because I didn't want it to escalate.