How to Know if Cats Are Playing or Fighting
Listen for growling or hissing., Examine their ears., Look for claws., Watch for biting., Observe their body position., Examine their hair.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: 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. -
Step 2: 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., 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.For example, if one of the cats yelps out in pain and hisses or growls, then your cats may be engaged in a fight. , 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., 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. -
Step 3: Look for claws.
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Step 4: Watch for biting.
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Step 5: Observe their body position.
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Step 6: Examine their hair.
Detailed Guide
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.For example, if one of the cats yelps out in pain and hisses or growls, then your cats may be engaged in a fight. , 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., 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.
About the Author
Amber West
A passionate writer with expertise in crafts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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