If your cats flatten their ears, hold their ears back, or puff up their fur or tails, this is a sign that they're fighting, not playing. Defensive, puffy postures and leaning away from each other while hissing with bared teeth are signs that your cats feel threatened and aren't having fun.
Here's what to look for if you think your cats are fighting:
aggressive body language or sounds – Flattened ears, a tense body posture, swishing tail, and sounds such as growling, hissing or screeching.
Sometimes it can be obvious when you cat has been in a fight if they are visibly hurt or distressed. However, other times the signs are subtle or may be hidden under their coat. While every cat is different, common cat fight injuries include: Bite wounds, scratches or punctures.
Territorial Aggression
Territory fights can happen soon after new cats are introduced to one another, or they may begin over time as antagonistic feelings build between the two cats and a social order is established and challenged.
They will usually try to avoid each other if a friendship doesn't develop, but sometimes fights break out and, unfortunately, persist until one cat has to be re-homed. Two males, two females, or even a male-female pair can get along as long as they are introduced at a young age.
Cats that have set up separate territories in the house and don't really get along will: Chase or run away from one another and avoid contact. You may notice that one cat consistently leaves the room when one enters. Watch each other intently and may hiss or spit when they meet.
How can you tell if two cats are bonded? If you are unsure of whether cats are bonded, there are some things to look for. These include enjoying playtime together, and also sleeping next to each other. Other bonded behaviors include rubbing their bodies and faces against each other, and eating food at the same time.
If your cats' bodies are relaxed or their ears are pointed forward, they're likely just playing. If your cats flatten their ears, hold their ears back, or puff up their fur or tails, this is a sign that they're fighting, not playing.
Turn taking – chasing and pouncing is more equal during play, and more one-sided when fighting. Vocalization – play usually doesn't involve any aggressive vocalizations often seen before or during a fight, such as hissing, growling or yowling.
Often, the signs of a cat fight are subtle and your cat might just seem jumpy and on edge, subdued or lame. They may rush indoors and hide, because cats often feel upset and traumatized after a fight.
While all cats are different, it's likely those suffering from a bite wound will display one or more of the following signs: Lameness. Crying or growling. Reluctance to move.
If your cat has just been in a fight it is best to confine them indoors but not to give them too much immediate hands-on attention – cats can have a lot of excess energy when they have just been fighting, so they are best left alone for a while to calm down.
Simple dominance will be exhibited by a cat by marking or spraying urine on territory, stealing and hoarding toys, rubbing its face on items it wants to claim as its own, claiming specific areas to sleep, pushing other cats away from the food bowl, and/or starting at or physically intimidating other cats.
Most cat fights only last a few seconds, yet can feel like an eternity when you're standing there helpless. Keep these tips in mind and you could help avert disaster the next time your cat comes face-to-face with another.
If your cats have suddenly started fighting, the safest option is to separate them into different rooms for 24-48 hours until they have both calmed down. You should also keep them inside for this time in order to avoid them meeting and fighting outside.
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if your cats are play-fighting or actually fighting. There are some ways to tell if the fight is real: Aggressive sounds – growling, hissing and yowling. Fighting with full-contact – if cats are locked together and fighting, it can cause injury.
The most common cause of conflict between indoor-housed cats is competition for resources. Cats may engage in open or silent conflict over space, food, water, litter boxes, perches, sunny areas, safe places where the cat can watch its environment, or attention from people.
Fighting can lead to some nasty injuries on cats, especially from cat bites. It may also leave your cat feeling very stressed, which can also cause some serious illnesses, so it's best to do what you can to prevent your cat fighting in the first place. Consider time inside.
In general, cats that are play fighting will not make much noise. If they do make any noises, you are more likely to hear a meow than a hiss or growl. If you hear an unending succession of growling or hissing, then your cats may be fighting.
This means she feels comfortable enough to show the other cat the most vulnerable part of her body. If your cat is uncertain or uncomfortable, she may crouch down, tuck her tail in along her body, and take a second to observe the cat. Eye contact is another way cats communicate with each other.
If you have multiple cats, they may be comfortable enough with each other to share the same litter box. However, there are several reasons, including territorial behavior, why some experts would advise at least one extra litter box in your home.
Pairs are Happier
Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.
RE: Feline bonded pairs
Owners are often very sentimental and will anthropomorphize these cats and say they're bonded to make themselves feel better, but then when we see them attacking one another in a foster home or not spending time together at all, we know we can safely unbond them.
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.). Try again when the cats seem to be calm.