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My cats play rough. How can I tell if it's normal or fighting?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 10 days old | 4 lbs

I know cats often have mock play, and I'm pretty sure thats what my 2 are doing, however, need to be sure. There are times where they play gently with eachother where you can tell it's mock play, and there are times where its pretty rough and I have to wonder what happened. But they both will be leaning back with their ears down, ready to swat each other, then when they go at it they are rough. They will chase each other and repeat that. Some times gently sometimes not

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2019

This sounds like a typical play behavior. In general watch for signs that one cat is trying to avoid the other cat. Watch for the cats hissing at each other. Watch for any signs of intentional bites or scratches that leave marks. If the cats are willingly interacting and you don’t notice any hiding or avoidance behaviors, this is likely consensual play. You may also look into reading a few books about cat behavior as it is not only informative but also fun! I hope this helps.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Sounds like normal cat behavior but yes, sometimes they are getting a bit rough. You should probably try using some Feliway diffusers in your house and do some environmental enrichment for them. Usually these two things help.

( https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-MultiCat-Diffuser )

( thedrakecenter.com/materials/environmental-enrichment-indoor-cats )

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 27th, 2019
Cats do establish a pecking order and this is likely what is happening. Do not allow them to fight as this could result in wounds and infection. Allow them some contact daily but never unsupervised. Try to play with the kittens during the introduction so that they are focusing on play and getting their energy out as well. Until hey get along, keep the feeding and litter box areas separated.
I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on January 6th, 2018
Kittens will play rough with each other and will sometimes scratch one another. Since they are still new to each other and getting to know each other, I would just keep an eye on their play so you can step in if they get too rambunctious. Also, play with them yourself, with a wand toy or offer a stuffed animal for them to use as a kick toy. A stuffed toy about the same size will allow them to kick as hard as they want without hurting anyone or themselves.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on September 13th, 2019
Some kittens do like to play rough. This may be welcomed behavior but watch for signs such as one kitten avoiding or hiding from the other, bullying behavior (ie one kitten consistently trying to get away but can't) or one kitten seeming isolated. If both kittens are interactive with each other and seem to enjoy/seek each other's company, then it's likely all play.
If things do get too rough, put the aggressor in the carriage (which ever one that is). Give i about a 30 minute time out and then release it.
I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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