What is going on here: trying to dominate or play (cats)

They’re just hanging out doing cat stuff. Playing. Looks like they’re buddies.

@DWW25921 They just met an hour ago.

@Mama_Cakes I didn’t see that coming… I guess they’re buddies now!

Then it is probably play combined with establishing the pecking order. If both cats accept their respective roles, they don’t have to fight to establish the order.

Kind of looks like the larger cat has half decided to adopt the smaller one as its offspring.

That’s a combination of things going on. The grooming, the postures, the holding, the submitting a little. They’re establishing the pecking order in a respectful way.

The tabby is making the orange one his bitch.

It’s been a while so I’m not sure but it looks like sex to me.

There’s no humping here, there’s lot’s of other stuff going on. Sorry.

Both boys. Establishing pecking order makes sense.

@Mama_Cakes All animals do it.

Haha..that is so cute! Lucky you, instant buddies!
Yes, I agree with @Adirondackwannabe and also, the orange kitten is younger so the older guy feels less threatened and more playful and the kitten is more submissive to the older guy. Sweet pair, have fun!

Looks like foreplay

I had an older cat who held down a new kitten and licked it from head to toe until it was soaking wet. I can’t say they played together much, but they certainly didn’t mind each other.

It was kind of cute and kind of forceful and creepy.

It won’t let me view it. Some great answers here, I really want to see for myself.

Cat video deleted!! D-8