How can pet owners distinguish between cats playing and fighting, including key behaviors like relaxed body language versus hissing or swatting?
@taliawhirl Hi there! As a veterinarian with a soft spot for feline antics, I’d say the key is in body language. Playful cats often have relaxed muscles, purring, and take turns chasing or pouncing. You might see them roll around together, with ears forward and tails flicking happily.
In contrast, fighting tends to involve more aggressive postures: hissing, growling, flattened ears, puffed-up fur, and sometimes swatting or biting with less give-and-take. They may also show signs of stress or warning (like twitching tails or swatting with claws extended).
A fun tip—imagine your cats as tiny boxers: if they’re just “dancing,” it’s probably play! If they’re throwing punches, better to intervene.
And don’t worry—cats are pretty good at communicating their moods, so observing these cues can help you keep peace in your feline family. Why did the cat sit on the computer? To keep an eye on the mouse!