When you have two cats in your home, there’s bound to be a tussle from time to time, especially if your cats are young. However, if these playful fights start to turn violent, it could be a sign that your cats are stressed. That being said, it can be difficult to distinguish between cats who are fighting and cats who are playing, as they often look similar. In today’s post, we will discuss some of the signs you should look for to help you determine if your cats are fighting for real or play fighting.

At 911 VETS PriVET®, we know that your pets are precious to you, and the last thing you want is for them to be sick or hurting and have no way to get the care they need. That’s why we offer our unique mobile vet, providing you with the care your pets need in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re in need of a routine checkup or emergency services, our mobile vet offers a variety of services to residents throughout Los Angeles. If you would like to learn more about our services, explore our website, and give us a call to request an appointment! In the meantime, continue reading below to learn some of the signs that will help you determine if your cats are playing or fighting.

EXAMINE BODY LANGUAGE

One of the biggest things that can help you determine if your cats are playing or fighting is their body language, particularly their stance and their ears. When cats are playing, they will often let their bellies show. This is because the belly is the most vulnerable part of the cat, so if it’s showing, it means they don’t feel threatened by their “opponent.” Additionally, their ears will usually be up and facing forward to signal they are happy and enjoying themselves. When cats are fighting, on the other hand, their ears may be turned away or flat against their heads, showing they’re angry. Another sign that your cats are fighting instead of playing is that their body language might be standoffish. Instead of rolling around and showing their bellies, your cats may lean slightly away from each other or even puff up their fur in an effort to look bigger.

LISTEN FOR LOUD KITTIES

Cats typically communicate with each other nonverbally unless they want to desperately communicate something specific with the other cat. With that in mind, if your cats are fighting, there’s a good chance they won’t be making very much sound. It’s normal to hear a small sound every once in a while, but for the most part, your cats should be pretty quiet. However, if your cats are fighting for real, there may be much more noise. Your cats may growl, hiss, or even “scream” at each other to signal that they are not having a good time.

LOOK FOR BITING

When your kitties are playing, a small nibble here and there is normal, especially if one feline is trying to get the other riled up. However, if your cats are fighting instead of playing, you may see more biting or even one cat harming the other. This biting can also be accompanied by the hisses and growls that we mentioned above.

SEE IF THEY ARE TAKING TURNS

Every once in awhile, you may notice your cats zoom out of the room with one cat in the lead and another chasing behind. Running back and forth in your home can be an entertaining sign of playing, especially if they start running circles around the room. That being said, your two felines should take turns with who is chasing and who is being chased. If your cats are fighting instead of playing, you may notice that it seems like one cat is always the chaser and that kitty may even seem a little more aggressive. While this doesn’t always mean your cats are fighting — one cat may just be faster than the other — if you notice this along with some of the other signs we’ve mentioned, it could be an indicator of a problem.

REACH OUT TO 911 VETS PRIVET!

Your feline friends are an important part of the family, and you want to ensure that they are healthy and safe at all times. At 911 VETS PriVET, our expert team of vets cares for your pets as if they are our own, and we strive to provide them with the highest quality of care. Learn more about the services our mobile vet has to offer, and if you live in the Los Angeles area, contact us to schedule an appointment with our mobile vet today!

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