The world of cats is always a mysterious place and there can be times when owners question what their pet is up to. Believe it or not, cats can engage in play fighting, and even to the novice eye, it may be difficult to tell. Play fighting differs from regular aggression by having no claws, biting, or hissing involved. So, how to tell if cats are playing or fighting?
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What is Play Fighting?
Play fighting for a cat is a way to release energy, get exercise, and entertain themselves. It’s great for bonding between two cats, and it also helps to develop muscles.
They’re also using play fighting as their natural hunting skills, which can be useful if they become out in the wild.
Are Cats Play Fighting too Rough
Kittens and young cats may seem to be playing rough, but their behavior is actually a type of play. Kitten play can include mock aggression, chasing one another, or even wrestling. This feline play often looks more intense than the type of play seen in dogs, but it’s still a form of exercise designed to groom and exercise cats.
How to Tell if Cats Are Playing or Fighting
Cats are very territorial animals that are always looking for an opportunity to show their dominance over other animals.
There are many signs that cats are fighting. The following are the signs that cats are fighting.
1. Their body posture
Some cats use signals known as posturing where they will try to make themselves look bigger and scare the other cat.
2. Arched backs and stiffened tails
When two cats are fighting, they will express their dominance by arching their backs and stiffening their tails. This is called the aggressive posture and is typically used as a means of intimidation or to establish dominance over other cats.
3. Staring at each other
Sometimes cats will get into a staring contest with one another, looking at their opponent’s face unblinkingly for 10 to 20 seconds.
3. Cats may hiss, growl, or shriek
The vocalization of cats during fights is often misinterpreted by humans as aggressive or angry behavior. This can be frustrating for cat owners who are trying to figure out how to deal with the situation.
– Hissing: Cat huffs which is a sign of aggression.
– Growling: cat growls when it feels threatened or challenged by another cat.
– Shrieking: Cats may shriek, hiss or growl during a fight with another cat. They may even bite if they are very angry.
4. Not taking turn
Cats that fight will not take turns and try to attack when there is an opening. It is different than play fighting because they will take turns when attacking each other
5. Drawing out their claws and bare their teeth
Cats are the only animals that have retractable claws, which means that they can be used as weapons if they are needed. Actually, cats use these claws to defend themselves from other animals or people who try to hurt them.
Cats are most likely to draw out their claws and bare their teeth when fighting with other cats. They will also sharpen their claws and bare their teeth to show aggression when fighting with other cats.
Bite Aggressively
When cats are fighting they will bite aggressively and look painful
6. Bite Aggressively
Cats have a tendency to bite aggressively when fighting with other cats. If you see your furry friend attacking another cat with its teeth protruding from its mouth, it means that it is in fact attacking and not playing around.
7. Injuries
If your cat is just playing around, there shouldn’t be any injuries between them. But if you see injuries and blood, it’s a sign that they’re fighting.
Why Are Cats So Aggressive With Each Other?
Cats are territorial animals, and they will often fight with other cats who enter their territory. Cats also use aggression to establish dominance or to protect themselves from other cats.
A study by the University of Nebraska Lincoln recently revealed that cats are aggressive with each other because they are trying to show they are in charge. Cats have a natural instinct to be in charge. They do this by establishing territory and choosing places where they can rest without being disturbed, for instance.
What is The Difference Between a Cat Playing and Fighting?
Cats are known for their playful, energetic, and sometimes unpredictable nature. But, what is the difference between a cat playing and fighting? It is often hard to tell cats apart and know if they are playing or fighting. The behavior of these two actions can be very similar or the same. However, there are some key differences that you can keep in mind if you’re trying to discern one from the other.
A cat playing is usually a mixture of playfulness and aggression, sometimes bordering on other behaviors such as stalking or stalking-like behavior. When cats play, they usually want to play with their opponents, usually another cat. Cats play by either chasing, fighting, or playing a game of catch. Cats generally use play to release stress or to socialize. When a cat pounces on an object, it’s often a form of play.
Cats are usually chasing or attacking an opponent. However, cat fighting is something very different. Cats fight each other by attacking and chasing one another, not just playing around. Cat fighting can be a dangerous activity for both the cats and for people nearby.
What To Do If Your Cat is Fighting
Fighting cats can make for a very stressful environment. It is important to know the signs of aggression in order to identify if your cat is fighting.
If you think your cat is fighting, it can be helpful to consult with the veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. They will not only be able to tell you what’s wrong but also offer you guidance on how to stop it.
You should read our guide here on How to make two cats get along and like each other
Conclusion On How to Tell if Cats are Playing or Fighting
Cats are also known for their intelligence. They know how to play-fight which is a type of cat behavior that’s very different from cats who are fighting.
Cats that are playing will use their claws and teeth, but without the intention of causing harm to the other cat. Cats that are fighting will use their claws and teeth with the intention to cause harm or injury to their opponent. Cat owners can tell if cats are playing or fighting by observing the scratches on the cat, seeing if they have any bites on them, and observing if they have any bleeding wounds on them.
You should take care and monitor them always to make sure they are safe and healthy. But if your cat is fighting with another cat, then you should separate them immediately to avoid serious injuries or even death.
