If they groom each other, cuddle with each other, or generally live peacefully together, they're likely just playing. However, some cats may feel bullied or tense around each other because they're fighting, not playing. In those situations, they may avoid each other, or even hiss or growl when the other is near.
It's common for kittens and young cats to engage in rough, active play because all feline play consists of mock aggression. Cats stalk, chase, sneak, pounce, swat, kick, scratch, ambush, attack and bite each other—all in good fun. If they're playing, it's reciprocal. They change roles frequently.
Keep in mind that sometimes what appears to be fighting between cats may actually just be normal play. An aggressive display usually involves vocalizations such as growling or hissing and facial expressions will look aggressive with ears flattened back.
If both cats are actively engaged in chasing, wrestling, pouncing, or other interactive behaviors without either one showing signs of being upset or stressed, then let them carry on. Otherwise, separate the cats for the well-being of all.
Signs of conflict between cats can be open or silent. Signs of open conflict are easy to recognize; the cats may stalk each other, hiss, and turn sideways with legs straight and hair standing on end up to make themselves look larger. If neither backs down, the displays may increase to swatting, wrestling, and biting.
When cats are playing or play-fighting with each other, they may chase, bite, and even lick one another alternately. You might ask: Why do cats lick each other and then fight? Cats that are grooming each other exhibit bondedness, so if they seem like they're fighting right after, it's probably just play-fighting.
Play aggression in cats involves biting and clawing as well as stalking and attacking people and generally treating people as a cat would treat prey or another cat. This behavior peaks in most cases in the morning and evenings—just like in the hunting would.
Not only will felines greet each other with a bump of the nose, but sometimes they'll do the same with us humans! They spend time together. If your kitties enjoy spending time together, it's a sure sign they're getting along! Quality time may mean playing with each other or simply relaxing in an outdoor area together.
silent – Play fighting is usually quiet, with lots of little breaks as cats wiggle to reposition or prepare to chase each other. gentle – Biting is normal, but you'll notice that biting is gentle and claws are usually retracted, so they don't injure each other.
Again, some hissing when they see each other is normal so don't be alarmed. Some light swatting is also common. Separate them if the hissing doesn't die down after 1 or 2 minutes or if there is any sign of threat (swatting with force, chasing, screaming, ears flattened, etc.).
The introduction must be gradual. Following the initial introduction, it can take a very long time for a relationship to grow. It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do.
Pinned ears, an erect tail, growling, and showing teeth are all appropriate signs of communication that dogs can use during playtime. This may make it hard to tell the difference between playing and fighting. The key is to make sure both dogs are engaging at similar levels and do not look stressed.
Clap your hands loudly and shout, toss some toys toward the cats, use a spray bottle of water to disrupt them, or shake a can that's half-filled with coins. You can also use a couch cushion to get between the two fighting cats without risking your body parts.
Can Cats Get Jealous of Other Cats? Jealousy over the presence of another cat is very common. All cats have different personalities, and some will be made insecure and display jealousy more easily than others. It is important to watch your cat and observe their cues and triggers.
Wondering if your two or more feline friends can share a litter box? It's a good question to ask but as a general rule, individual litter boxes are most likely the best option especially in a multi cat household.
Cats also groom each other because they are bonded with each other. Littermates and cats who have lived around each other for most of their lives may treat each other with this type of respect and admiration, and they may groom each other to show their bond outwardly.
Overstimulation. When a cat feels it's being pet or groomed for too long, they gradually become overstimulated. All the energy that has been built up needs to go somewhere, so after one cat bites the other, a fight often ensues. Since cats only groom people and fellow cats they like, it will rarely be a real fight.
An angry cat will be rigid, with tail held out stiff and straight or curled around and under their body. They will act very differently from usual – they could be silent, hissing, spitting or growling.
Although cat biting will often just be a warning nip or over-excited play, it can sometimes become an expression of aggression. Biting during play is fairly easy to distinguish from aggressive behaviour: these little nips won't cause much damage, and are over quickly.
If either cat is exhibiting body language associated with fear or aggression—such as an arched back, hissing, raised fur, or lowered ears—it's a good idea to separate the cats until the playful one has a chance to release some of his energy. Try breaking out a wand toy or stuffed kicker toy to distract him.
Cats chasing each other, cats batting at each other, and cats jumping on one another is normal behavior when they're playing—but can also be seen when fighting. Additionally, cats are known to play a bit aggressively, which might make you think they're not having a happy interaction.
Territory: Cats are territorial animals and they will often fight to defend what they believe is their territory. This is most common with cat fights that happen outside the house, where your cat believes another cat has encroached on their land. Alternately, a feral cat could believe your cat should not be here.