How to Know if Cats Are Playing or Fighting

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 up the fight by making a loud noise or by placing a barrier between the cats.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Observing Their Body Language

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    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.[1]
    • If you hear an unending succession of growling or hissing, then your cats may be fighting.
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    Examine their ears. 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.[2]
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    Look for claws. 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.[3]
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    Watch for biting. 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.[4]
    • For example, if one of the cats yelps out in pain and hisses or growls, then your cats may be engaged in a fight.
    • Usually, when cats play, they alternate biting one another. If one cat is frequently biting another cat who is trying to get away, it is unlikely that they are playing.
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    Observe their body position. Cats that are engaged in a mock fight usually have their bodies positioned forward. Alternatively, if you notice the cats leaning back as they swipe at each other, then they may be fighting.[5]
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    Examine their hair. Cats that are engaged in a real fight will have their hair standing on end. They do this to make themselves look bigger. Therefore, if you see puffed up hair on your cats’ tail, body or both, then they are more likely to be fighting than playing with each other.[6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Examining the Nature of the Fight

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    Look for reciprocity. 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.[7]
    • 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.
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    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.[8]
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    Examine their behavior afterwards. 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.[9]
    • 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.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Breaking Up a Fight

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    Make a loud noise. 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.[10]
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    Create a barrier. 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.[11]
    • 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.
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    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.[12]
    • Additionally, one of the cats may see you and re-direct its anger on you. As a result, their behavior toward you may change even after the fight has ended.
    • If your cat bites you, you should go to the hospital or urgent care as soon as possible. Cat bites often get infected with pasteurella strains, and they can also cause cellulitis. Early treatment is the best means or prevention.[13]
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    Prevent future fights. You can do this by making sure your cats do not have to compete for resources. Each cat should have its own litter box, food bowls, bed, perches, and toys in different areas of the house. Additionally, neutering or spaying your cats may help reduce fighting between them.[14]
    • Reward your cats with praise and treats when they interact in a friendly manner.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What does it mean when a cat hisses at you?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Typically cats will hiss when they are either afraid or warning you to back off. To interpret a hiss look towards the other body language signs being presented.
  • Question
    Why do cats bite when you play with them?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    This is a natural communication among cats and it is part of the way they play together.
  • Question
    Do cats play?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, many cats love to play and will play on their own when toys are offered.
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-can-i-tell-if-my-cats-are-just-playing-or-actually-fighting
  2. ↑ http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/are-my-cats-playing-or-fighting/
  3. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household
  4. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household
  5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household
  6. ↑ https://www.petcha.com/are-your-cats-playing-or-fighting/
  7. ↑ https://www.petcha.com/are-your-cats-playing-or-fighting/
  8. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-can-i-tell-if-my-cats-are-just-playing-or-actually-fighting
  9. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household
  1. ↑ http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/are-my-cats-playing-or-fighting/
  2. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household
  3. ↑ http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/are-my-cats-playing-or-fighting/
  4. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/wounds-cat-bite-injuries-to-humans
  5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household

About This Article

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Co-authored by:
Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
This article was co-authored by Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN. Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011. This article has been viewed 436,878 times.
428 votes - 92%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: September 16, 2021
Views: 436,878
Categories: Cat Behavior | Aggression in Cats
Article SummaryX

To tell if cats are playing or fighting, listen for aggressive sounds, like hissing or growling, which cats only make in a fight. Also, look to see if their ears are pointed backward and are flattened down on their head. If they are flat, they could be fighting, but if their ears point up, it's probably just playing. Cats will often use their paws to bat each other when playing, but if their claws are out it’s likely a fight. Furthermore, notice biting habits to see if one is biting the other more often, which can indicate aggression. For more tips from our Veterinary reviewer, like how to break up a fight between 2 cats, read on!

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