Spotting the Difference: Play vs. Fight in Cats

Cats Are Not Prone to Unnecessary Fighting

Cats, with their adorable nature, could never harbor any malicious intent, could they? They understand that fighting is a physically demanding endeavor with the risk of injury, so they tend to avoid unnecessary disputes among themselves.

In the wild, if a cat encounters a stranger, it will pretend not to see them and simply walk away, never making eye contact.

However, during the mating season, male cats will fight for the chance to mate, but usually, a victory can be determined by their physical stature or demeanor.

If both parties feel evenly matched, they may resort to yowling and fighting, but the battle will cease as soon as one cat acknowledges defeat.

Chasing Each Other Is Just Play

Even in a confined home setting, cats need to burn off energy and practice their hunting skills.

Thus, you might see them chasing each other, playfully pouncing and nipping, using their tails to tease, holding each other in a mock bite, lying on their backs to defend, and even biting each other until they yelp.

But fear not, as these "battles" usually end with one cat retreating. We can just sit back and enjoy the show.

Escalating Disputes

Occasionally, the intensity might rise, with hisses or slaps, indicating a mild squabble.

But at this point, we should not intervene, as it's akin to two children fighting—it's best to let them sort it out themselves.

They are just minor squabbles; they might resolve their differences shortly. We just need to observe and wait.

Real Fights

As mentioned earlier, when cats truly engage in a fight, they will first confront each other to determine the winner before resorting to physical combat.

Behaviors of Confrontation Include:

Their eyes are locked on the other, a clear warning.

They emit low growls or a "Harrumph!" to showcase their strength.

Their fur stands on end, their bodies arch, and their tails are stiff, displaying their imposing size.

This is just to intimidate the other cat.

As the distance between the cats narrows and their voices grow louder, be cautious, as a fullblown battle is about to erupt!

How to Avoid a Fight

But don't rush in or try to intervene directly. In this state, cats can become unpredictable, even turning on their own mothers.

Separate the Cats First

Use a cardboard box, a blanket, or even a cutting board to block their vision (gently, without startling the cats, and ensure your own safety as well), particularly to obstruct the view of the more aggressive cat.

During this tense moment, avoid making loud noises, as it might trigger a fight.

Break Them Up by Sound

Consider using a loud noise to distract them, such as clanging pots and pans or blowing a whistle. The goal is to scare them into stopping.

Break Them Up by Sight

Alternatively, you can cover both cats' heads with a blanket or a sheet, making them unable to see each other and causing them to retreat.

Break Them Up by Sensory Stimulation

Next, consider using physical cooling to wake them up. If you have a spray bottle or a water gun, use it to gently sprinkle water on them. If not, simply turn on the tap and let a few drops fall.

Break Them Up by Physical Intervention

Lastly, you can opt for a more direct approach by throwing a soft pillow or cushion next to them, causing them to flee. Just be careful not to hit them.

Immediate Isolation

Once the fight has paused, it's crucial to separate the cats immediately to prevent a second round of combat.