Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hi, A question for breeders as they see the mothers interacting with the kittens.

As you may know I brought Lilo 10 weeks home a week ago. She and Hammy have been adjusting more each day. She jumped up next to him on the chair the other day and he started to groom her head and face. What I found weird was that he would chew/bite on her ears no and again. It did not look really nice so I kept watch in case she yelped in pain but she didn't. He then would continue grooming her head. I checked her ear afterwards and there were no marks. I have noticed that when he wants to dominate the play he will grab her ears as well. Is this a domination thing and why do they do it. She never got upset and ran away or anything , just has me wondering if it is a normal thing.

Thanks

Jo-Ann

This is grooming (and why they will lick and bite on you). It is to bite through/comb the fur to reach the skin and clean thoroughly. They do this to themselves when grooming also. Sometimes it will turn into more of a real bite and play.

Thanks Jan,

Never having had more than one cat at a time I was not sure what it meant.

He also seems to bite and hold her ear if she is being too boistorous or doing something he does not want her do. He never leaves a mark so I was assuming it was how he controls her, like holding a childs hand to keep them still.

Cheers

Jo-Ann

Hi Jo-Ann,

This is wonderful Hammy already grooming Lilo,

I think Nikita has wanted to try and groom little Toby a couple of times but he has been too playful when she tries,

I suppose an ear is an attractive control point, but do not think much holding happens there. For that, they tend to go for the area over the shoulders of just ride the other cat to the ground and use legs.

I have noticed the last 2 days that the ear biting has stopped altogether. Maybe it was just a phase while he was getting to know her.

She stays competly still for him now when he grooms her.

Joipathim Wrote:I have noticed the last 2 days that the ear biting has stopped altogether. Maybe it was just a phase while he was getting to know her.

She stays competly still for him now when he grooms her.

Aww, hammy is such a sweety grooming his new little friend,

Nikia has tried a few times to groom little Toby but Tobes just wants to play