You may see your cats interacting and thinking they are playing rough, but it’s important to be able to tell the difference between playing and fighting. Cats are predators, and when they play, they’re using their hunting skills (which can look intense). On the flip side, cats are also prey and often have to defend themselves in the wild. Those defensive skills come out when they’re playing as well. The result is a confusing ball of fur, claws, and teeth rolling around in ways we don’t always understand. Use these tips and tricks to figure out if your cats are fighting or playing (and what to do about it).
Signs Your Cats Are Fighting or Playing
It’s important to know when cats are having a truly negative interaction so you can determine a plan to help with the situation. While every cat is unique, here are some simple guidelines to try and figure out if they’re fighting or playing.
Body Language Before and After
- Playful: After the confrontation, both cats seem relaxed and either rest or bounce off in a carefree way.
- Aggressive: One or both cats seem unsettled, fearful, or uncomfortable. Body language may include cowering, low-level growling or hissing, swatting, hiding, or generally looking anxious.
Taking Turns
- Playful: They take turns being the “attacker.” One cat is doing more of the pouncing and biting, and then they switch.
- Aggressive: One cat is always the “attacker” in a single session, and the other cat is always trying to defend themselves. In this case, the aggressive cat may look for the other cat when the other cat is eating, sleeping, etc. and start an interaction.
Stay or Retreat
- Playful: Both cats are willing participants. If one decides to leave, the other lets them.
- Aggressive: One cat consistently tries to leave, and the other continues their “attack,” not letting them end the interaction.
Easy Distractions
- Playful: Even in the most intense moments, one or both cats may be easily distracted. Fight! Fight! “Oh, a butterfly.” Fight! 10-second break to lick a paw. Fight! “What was that sound?” Fight!
- Aggressive: Both cats are intensely focused on each other and can’t be easily distracted. There will not be many breaks.
Vocalizing
- Playful: There are exceptions, but in most cases, play fights don’t involve much vocalizing.
- Aggressive: It’s common for one or both cats to hiss, growl, and/or yowl.
Playing vs. Fighting
| Behavior/Sign | Play | Fight |
|---|---|---|
| Vocalization | Vocalization Quiet, occasional squeal | Loud hissing, growling, screaming |
| Body posture | Relaxed, loose | Stiff, arched, sideways |
| Ears | Forward, alert | Pinned back |
| Fur | Flat | Piloerection (fur standing up) |
| Claws | Retracted | Out and used for swatting |
| Breaks/Pauses | Frequent, both cats disengage | No breaks, escalation |
| Mutual grooming | May occur before/after play | Absent |
Why You Should Interrupt Cat Fights
Cat fights are upsetting (not just for, you but for your cats). Even a few swats, intense staring, or a quick pounce can damage your cats’ relationship with each other and their overall stress levels. This can lead to many unwanted outcomes, including:
- Increased aggression between the cats
- Decreased confidence in one or both cats
- Fearful behavior toward other pets and people
- Changes in their relationship with you
- Stress behaviors such as house soiling, scratching furniture, spraying, overgrooming, or hiding.
If your cats aren’t getting along, it’s vital that you try and identify any triggers and improve the relationship for their mental and emotional well-being and the harmony of your home. Your veterinarian can be helpful in determining the best ways to address the fighting.
How To Stop A Cat Fight Or Negative Interaction
When cats are upset, it’s best not to pick them up or try to separate them with your hands. Instead, try these steps:
- Distract. Toss a toy or object (not at the cats, just nearby) to grab their attention. You can also use a pillow or cardboard as a barrier to break their stare.
- Redirect. After they’re distracted, guide their attention to a toy, treat, or puzzle for a few minutes. This helps them calm down and forget the negative interaction.
- Separate. If things are too intense, gently move one cat to another room for a short break. This isn’t punishment—it’s just a way to reset.
If your cats are rolling and you can’t distract them, dropping a towel or blanket over them can help them stop. As a last resort, a loud sound might work, but use this carefully as it can make some cats more anxious.
Sudden Aggression Between Cats
If one of your cats suddenly starts showing aggressive behavior, a visit to your veterinarian is vital. We all know cats are great at hiding things like pain. But it does show itself when you see sudden changes to your cat's "norm". If they aren't feeling well, they'll be less tolerant of things that don't usually bother them. If they're feeling pain or discomfort, they may react aggressively either because there's actual pain or they're afraid there will be pain. See your vet right away to rule out medical causes. If they're given a clean bill of health, consider working with a veterinary behaviorist to help you find the cause of the aggression and work on improving the relationship.
Understanding the difference between cats fighting or playing will help your cats stay happy and healthy together. Watch for the signs, step in when needed, and don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice. With patience and the right approach, you can help your cats build a better relationship and enjoy a peaceful home.
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