Catfight: When does cat play become a fight?

Play and fights in the multi-cat household

Cats in multi-cat households often enjoy playing together. Sometimes, however, the play can get a little rough. I am often asked by owners, how they know when a play session has become a fight and what they should do about it?

Well, let’s take my cats as an example. I have four cats:

Earth- 2-yr-old boy
Wind: 2-yr-old boy (sibling of Earth)
Wildfire: 1-yr-old boy
Mew: 18-yr-old girl

Cat likes to be energetic in his play — Wildfire

My cats’ personalities

Nobody plays or fights with 18-yr-old Mew. With one look, she keeps her brothers in order and they show RESPECT for her at all times. For this, I respect them.

Earth and Wind have some gently play together but mostly just enjoy or tolerate one another’s presence. Wind likes to follow his brother Earth around our garden. We call him the stalker!

WIldfire has another personality altogether. He is the Wildcat! Wildfire was a stray until 9 months of age when we adopted him. He can only just handle human touch, although he adores cuddles on his terms. He likes to ambush his brothers Earth and Wind. He pounces on them, wrestles them and generally does not hold back when playing. His play always verges on a catfight!

WIldfire’s Wildcat Wild side

Watch the video, at the start of this page, of Wildfire and his typical approach to Wind!

We can break this play session below, between Wildfire and Earth, into sequences. Here is Wildfire on his approach to Earth. You can see, although startled by the approach of the camera, he is clearly ready to take action…

Then it’s quickly back to play. Look at the ears, both cats have ears back, ready to take action. Wildfire is on the offensive and Earth defensive. Wildfire is leaning forward and Earth backward. (Earth is a lover, not a fighter!).

But when pushed too much (thank you Wildfire!), Earth will retaliate…
(Yes, sorry, the photo is blurred because the action is fast!)

When we should stop cat play/fights

So, the question is when do you step in and stop a cat play session becoming a catfight?
Observe the energy levels. Play requires energy and so adrenalin builds up. This adrenalin prepares the cat for play or for a fight. When energy has built up, it inevitably comes out and if the other cat does not engage or expend similar amounts of energy, the interaction becomes one-sided. This is not usually enjoyed by one of the feline party! Time to step in. Don’t let your cats become aggressive.

How we stop a catfight

Even when you step in and interrupt a cat play session or fight, the energy will still come out. So, beware! You are quite likely to be on the receiving end of an attack! When you interrupt a cat play fight, you should use some toys and redirect the energy on to these.

What if a cat is really aggressive?

Obviously, we would not want to reinforce truly aggressive behaviour, which using a toy may do. If the cat is really worked up, then timeout may be the best solution. Putting the cat in a quiet area until they calm down may help deflect the energy. Your cat will not learn to be calm or anything else in time out, as many owners mistakenly believe, but they will reduce their energy levels.

Wildfire in pod awake — *A little timeout helps Wildfire calm down*

Playful cats

If, however, your cat is just ultra-playful, it is not wrong to be so. In this case, using toys is the answer. Direct all your cat’s energy on to a selection of toys. You may need to experiment to find their favourites or rotate toys around over the days to keep them interested.

It is not wrong for your cat to have the energy to play. It is only wrong when the recipient of their energy does not enjoy it.

Likewise, it is not acceptable for a cat to attack human flesh. This energy must be directed on to more appropriate items, such as toys.

You could also consider teaching your cat some tricks, to occupy their body and mind. Generally cats with lots of energy or those who are ‘bullying’ other cats, are bright, intelligent cats and will welcome some mental stimulation. Here’s a guide on how to teach your cat tricks…

From catfight to cool cat

Enjoy your cat’s energy! They all have such different personalities and we need to learn to love each one as an individual. We can enjoy watching our cats play together and hopefully learn when play becomes a cat fight. But we must also step in at times to ensure that our cats continue to enjoy one another’s company.

More relevant cat info:
Playing with your cat
How to train a cat
Cat aggression problems solved
Scaredy cats

About the author
Dr Jo Righetti is a cat behaviourist (and works with dogs too!), helping people understand their feline friends. More about Dr Jo and Pet Problems Solved.