Pretending to fight is a normal cat behavior. However, sometimes it can be difficult to tell if a cat is playing or actually fighting. To tell the difference, pay close attention to the cat's body language. Also pay attention to how the cat fights. Cats that are playing will usually attack in turn. If the cat is really fighting, break up with a loud noise or place a barrier between the cats.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Observing Cat Body Language
Step 1. Listen for the cat's growl or hiss
In general, a feline that is feigning a fight is less noisy. When playing, the cat will usually meow and not growl or hiss.
If the cat is constantly growling or hissing, it may be fighting
Step 2. Observe the cat's ears
When feigning a fight, your cat's ears will usually point forward, up, or slightly back. On the other hand, if the cat's ears are facing back all the way, it may be really fighting.
Step 3. Observe the cat's paws
When pretending to fight, a cat's claws usually don't come out. If the claws are removed, the cat will not use them to injure their co-stars. On the other hand, if the cat uses its claws to injure its opponent, the cat is probably really fighting.
Step 4. Watch how the cat bites
When playing, the cat will not bite too often. In addition, cat bites will not cause injury. However, if a cat bites to injure its opponent, the cat may actually be fighting.
- For example, if a cat meows in pain and growls or hisses, it may be fighting.
- Usually, when they are playing, the cats will bite each other in turn. If the cat is constantly biting an opponent who is trying to run away, the cat is probably really fighting.
Step 5. Pay attention to the position of the cat's body
When playing, the cat's body usually faces forward. On the other hand, if the cat is positioning its body backwards while attacking its opponent, the cat may be fighting.
Step 6. Pay attention to the cat's fur
When fighting, the cat's hair will usually lift. Cats do this to make their bodies look bigger. Therefore, if the fur on the cat's tail or body is growing, the cat may be really fighting.
Method 2 of 3: Watching the Cats Fight
Step 1. Observe the cat's reciprocal behavior
When pretending to fight, the cats will take turns on top of each other. In other words, each cat must have an equal amount of time when it is laying on its opponent.
When cats chase each other, the rules of the game are the same. The two cats should take turns chasing each other. On the other hand, cats shouldn't be chasing their opponents all the time
Step 2. Observe the pace of the fight
Cats that are pretending to be fighting will pause more often. This pause is used by cats to rest or find a new position. On the other hand, when they are really fighting, the cat will move quickly and won't stop until someone loses.
Step 3. Observe the cat's behavior after a fight
If you're still not sure, observe the cat's behavior after the fight. Cats that have just had a fight will either move away from each other, or one of them will move away.
A cat that has just played will be friendly to his opponent and behave as usual. The cat may sleep or lie near its co-stars
Method 3 of 3: Dealing with a Fighting Cat
Step 1. Make a noise
Make noise by slamming doors, clapping hands, shouting, blowing whistles, or banging objects. This noise can distract the cat and stop a fight.
Step 2. Create a delimiter
The function of the barrier is to block the cat's view of its opponent. Place a pillow, cardboard, or other object that can serve as a barrier between the fighting cats. After you stop fighting, put the cat in a different room to calm down.
- You may have to reconcile the cat from fighting again.
- Guardrails can also be used to separate fighting cats. This fence can let cats interact without hurting each other.
Step 3. Don't separate the fighting cat with bare hands
If a fighting cat is removed with your bare hands, you may be scratched or bitten. Cats may also attack your face.
- In addition, the cat may turn its anger towards you. Therefore, the cat's behavior towards you may change even when he is no longer fighting.
- If your cat bites you, get it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Cat bites usually contain pasteurella bacteria which can cause cellulite. Prompt treatment is the best form of prevention.
Step 4. Prevent further fights
You can prevent cats from fighting by making sure that they don't have to compete at something. Each cat should have its own litter box, feeding area, bed, perch and toys in different corners of the house. In addition, neutering cats can prevent fights.
