Are my cats playing or fighting

Pretending to be aggressive or simulating a fight is part of normal cat behavior. However, sometimes it’s hard to tell if cats are playing or actually fighting. To determine this, one needs to observe their body language up close. Also, observe how they fight. If it’s playtime, the cat will usually take turns. If there is a fight, you can make a noise or place a barrier between the cats to stop the fight.

Method 1: Observe your cat’s body language

1. Listen for any roaring or hissing sounds. Typically, cats don’t make a lot of noise when playing. Even if it makes a sound, it’s likely to be a meow rather than a hiss or growl.
If you hear continuous growling or hissing, your cat is probably fighting.
2. Check their ears. In a simulated fight, a cat’s ears are usually pointed forward or upright, or slightly back. If you see your cat’s ears back or close to his head, he’s probably fighting.
3. Look at their claws. Most of the time, cats retract their claws when playing. If you see your cat hurting other cats with their claws, they are probably fighting.
4. Check the cat’s bite. When playing, cats will usually bite lightly without causing any harm. However, if you notice a cat biting another cat, they are probably fighting rather than playing. [4]
If a cat yelps, hisses, or growls in pain, it may be fighting.
When cats play, they usually take turns biting each other. If one cat keeps biting another cat and the other cat keeps trying to get away, they are probably playing.
5. Observe their body posture. Cats that simulate a fight will generally face forward. If you notice your cats leaning back while attacking each other, they may be fighting.
6. Observe their hair. Cats often explode when they fight. This makes them look bigger. If you see the hair on your cat’s tail, body, or sides standing up, it’s more likely that they are fighting.

Method 2: Observe the status of the fight

1. Observe their interaction. In a simulated fight, the cats take turns standing high. In other words, both cats should spend the same amount of time down and up.
The same rules apply if cats are chasing each other. They should be chasing each other, not one chasing the other all the time.
2. Observe the rhythm of the fight. If the cat is playing, it will stop many times. This way they can take a break and change positions. If they’re fighting, it’s very fast and doesn’t stop until one of them wins.
3. Observe the rhythm of the fight. If the cat is playing, it will stop many times. This way they can take a break and change positions. If they’re fighting, it’s very fast and doesn’t stop until one of them wins.

How to stop a fight?

1. Make a loud noise. Slam doors, clap, yell, whistle, or bang on things like cans to make loud noises to distract cats and stop them from fighting.
2. Create obstacles. Barriers are useful to block the cats’ view of each other. Place a mat, cardboard, or other object that can serve as a barrier between the cats so they cannot see each other. Once the cats stop fighting, put them in a different room and let them calm down.
You may need to slowly reintroduce the cats to each other to avoid future fights.
It is useful to have an easily accessible baby gate to separate cats. This way you can reintroduce them and let them interact without being able to harm each other.
3. Don’t use your hands to stop a fight. If you put your hand between two fighting cats, you are likely to get scratched or bitten. One or both cats will jump in your face.
Additionally, one of the cats may see you and turn their anger onto you. As a result, their attitude toward you may change even after the fight.
If you are bitten by a cat, you should go to a hospital or emergency center as soon as possible. Cat bites often lead to Pasteurella infection and can cause cellulitis. Early treatment is the best course of action or prevention.
4. Prevent future fights. To do this, make sure cats don’t have to compete for resources. Each cat should have its own litter box, food bowl, bed, habitat, and toys in different areas of the home. Spaying or neutering cats can help reduce fighting between them.
When cats interact friendly with each other, praise and reward them.