Is he being a bully?

crt

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I am having a hard time determining if my male cat Brandon is going too far when playing/wrestling with my female Kabou. They are both around 2 yrs old. I have had Kabou for 2 years and Brandon for 1 year. It seems like this aggression if that's what it is, has escalated. They have always had a good time chasing each other and playing tag, but when they wrestle it looks like it gets a little too rough to me. Brandon is usually the attacker, but not always, and catches Kabou by surprise. She usually rolls onto her back, no claws, but he pins her down with his front leg and foot! She ends up screeching and can't get up without a lot of effort. She does hiss and her ears will go back. But, he won't let her up until I make a loud noise and say "No Brandon." Kabou stalks off giving him a very dirty look. He outweighs her by quite a bit too. Fur does fly, but this is shedding season. He is also very possessive of my bed. He jumps her if he is on it and she tries to jump up. I've started breaking up these wrestling matches because I don't want Kabou to get hurt. Am I doing the right thing by intervening?
 

mia mouse

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Brandon is asserting his dominance and it sounds like Kabou is taking up the submissive posture. As long as he is not hurting Kabou you should let them work it out. By interfering you may be making it worse. He may feel he is unable to be dominate. Rather then saying no and breaking it up try getting out his favorite interactive toy and begin playing with it. Divert his attention with some good feeling positive behavior. Redirect his energy in a positive way.
 
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crt

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Thanks for the response! I'll try distracting him the next time it happens and I appreciate your advice.
 
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