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- Signs of cat fighting include tense body language, raised hair, a tail low to the ground, and hissing. Cats that are just play-fighting will keep their bodies relaxed, their claws retracted, and their tails up. They'll also take turns and only vocalize if they want to meow or trill happily.
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Oct 4, 2024 · The 6 Ways to Tell If Cats Are Playing or Fighting. 1. If It’s Quiet, It’s Probably Playing. If your cats are rolling around with little to no noise apart from the occasional meow or...
- Overview
- Observing Their Body Language
- Examining the Nature of the Fight
- Breaking Up a Fight
Play aggression or mock fighting is a normal part of cat behavior. However, it can be hard to tell at times if your cats are playing or fighting. To determine if they are playing or fighting, observe their body language closely. Additionally, observe the nature of the fight. Cats that are playing usually take turns. If your cats are fighting, break...
Listen for growling or hissing.
In general, cats that are play fighting will not make much noise. If they do make any noises, you are more likely to hear a meow than a hiss or growl.
If you hear an unending succession of growling or hissing, then your cats may be fighting.
During a mock fight, cats usually have their ears positioned forward or upright, or only slightly backwards. On the other hand, if you see their ears turned back or positioned back against their head, then it is highly likely that your cats are fighting.
Cats that are playing typically have their claws sheathed or retracted most of the time. If they are unsheathed, they will not use them to intentionally hurt the other cat. On the other hand, if you see the cats using their claws to cause damage or hurt the other cat, then it is highly likely that your cats are fighting.
During a play session, biting is often minimal and does not cause any harm. However, if you notice one cat biting the other in order to cause harm, then your cats are probably fighting instead of playing.
During a mock fight, cats will take turns being on top. In other words, both cats should spend an equal amount of time being on the bottom and top.
If your cats are chasing each other, then the same rule applies. They should both be chasing each other instead of one cat chasing the other the entire time.
Observe the pace of the fight.
Cats that are play fighting will stop and start many times. This enables them to take a break and change positions. On the other hand, cats that are fighting move at a fast pace and do not stop until one of them wins.
If you are still unsure if your cats are playing or fighting, observe their behavior afterwards. Cats that are fighting will avoid each other afterwards, or at least one will avoid the other.
Cats that have been playing will act friendly toward each other and resume their normal behavior afterwards. They may even nap or lay down near one another.
Do this by slamming a door, clapping your hands, yelling, blowing a whistle, or by banging pots or objects together to create a loud noise. Hopefully, the loud noise will distract your cats and break up the fight.
Barriers are helpful because they block the cats’ view of each other. Place a cushion, piece of cardboard, or another barrier-like object in between the cats to obstruct their view of each other. Once the cats have ceased fighting, place them in separate rooms so they can calm down.
You may need to slowly reintroduce the cats to each other to prevent a future fight.
It is always helpful to have a baby gate handy to separate your cats. This allows you to reintroduce them and let them interact in ways where they can't harm each other.
Do not break up the fight with your hands.
If you put your hands in the middle of two fighting cats, you risk getting scratched or bitten. One or both of the cats may lunge toward your face as well.
Sep 27, 2023 · Signs Your Cats Are Playing or Fighting. Playtime is a healthy behavior for kittens and adult cats. However, sometimes play can escalate if one or both cats become overstimulated or startled. Other times, you may see two cats fighting where it's clear they were aggressive with each other from the start.
Feb 3, 2023 · Actual play can be recognised by: 1) A balance and equality in the play (reciprocity), for instance switching positions when wrestling and chasing. 2) An inclination for the cats involved to move...
- Ineke Van Herwijnen
1. Increased aggression in multi- cat households: With more pet owners opting to have multiple cats in their homes, there is a higher likelihood of conflicts arising between feline companions. This can lead to more frequent cat fights as the cats establish their hierarchy within the household. 2. Stress and anxiety: Cats are sensitive animals ...
Jun 23, 2024 · Signs Your Cats Are Fighting. As a resourceful species, cats generally avoid physical disputes. Overt fighting can cause injury, incapacity of hunting, and even death. Active aggression (fighting) will occur if the cat feels threatened, and avoidance prospects or escape are limited or absent.
May 12, 2020 · However, when cats are just being friendly and harassing each other playfully, you would hear an occasional fair meow or chirp from time to time. If your cats are loud and continually screaming, it is most likely a violent encounter, and your cats will probably end up having an aggressive fight.
