Playing cats take turns chasing and hitting each other. They wrestle and nip each other, but they are having fun doing what is instinctual to them. Cats showing true aggression have their claws out when they hit each other. But if your cats are growling and hissing, they are probably fighting and should be stopped.
Why do my cats chase each other around?
Just as with human children, cats play as rehearsal for life. So they chase each other to hone their hunting skills, but even a cat who never hunted will certainly love to chase!
How can you tell if cats are playing or fighting?
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.
How do you stop cats from chasing each other?
- Never let the cats “fight it out.” Cats don't resolve their issues through fighting, and the fighting usually just gets worse.
- Neuter the cats.
- Separate their resources.
- Provide additional perches.
Is it normal for cats to chase each other?
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.
How can you tell if a cat is jealous of another cat?
- Physically coming between you and the object they are jealous of.
- Hissing and growling.
- Swatting at an object.
- Scratching.
- Biting.
- Urinating/marking territory.
How do cats show dominance to other cats?
Dominant cats may attempt to establish their dominance in a multiple cat household by hissing, hitting, and growling. They may also urinate in areas that the other cats frequent, push other cats out of the food bowl until they are done eating, and make the other cats feel threatened.