6mth lass into heat?

Question
Hi,

We adopted 2 cats from a rescue centre about 2/5 wks ago.  A 6mth ex-feral lass neutured whilst at centre, and a 2yr tom done prob over 6mths ago - time unknown.

They are getting know each other , and are learning eachothers boundaries eg Tiger is showing his dominance over Lilly, but her laying onto her belly.  However in the last day, its been this and a bit more.  He is now chasing her afterwards.

Lilly is a small enough lass that i can still pick her up in 1 hand, and Tiger i had to check whether i could pick him up - i can but only just.

Is this her going into her first reproductive cycle, as she is quite surprised at his behaviour.  

They are still kept within the house, as they both need their 2nd vacs, so they hv got at least 7-10 days still to be kept inside.  

If this is the case, what can I do to help, recongise this is the situ etc?  Lilly does have places in the house where she can hide from his 'attentions.

Thanks
Marie

Answer
Marie,

If Lilly is spayed, it is very unlikely that she is coming into season.  It sounds to me more like play than mating behavior.  As cats get to know each other better, games of chase are common place and usually are a good sign (even if they end in a "fight").

If she does seem to be coming into seasonm, you can have her hormone levels checked by the vet adn get an idea whether or not she was spayed properly.

Best regards... Norm.