Is Your Cat Playing or Fighting
If you have multiple cats in one location, the cats can play roughly. Cats that stay or go outside will also play roughly with other cats. Biting your ankles or arms can be play for your cat. Cats that have extra energy to play and have difficulty finding ways to release their energy can be a very playful cat.
What is the difference in playing and fighting with cats?
Cats that are not familiar with each other can be fighting and not playing. Domination of one cat to another, screaming, hissing continuously during what looks like the playing are signs of fighting. In addition, if a cat gets hurt, this is a sign cats are not playing. It is important to learn and get additional information about, especially if your cat is an outdoors cat and encounters another cat. You will be able to tell if fighting or playing is going on. Leaving your cat outside and not know it is playing or fighting can have effects on your cat’s behaviors and perhaps fear of going outside again.
Distraction is the best way to separate fighting cats. Inappropriate interfering can cause pain to both you and the cats. A good way to stop the fighting is to make a loud noise or use a firm voice as cats do not like loud noises. Have spray bottles handy to use, since cats do not like to be sprayed with water and this will stop them. Once they have stopped, immediately separate the cats with closed doors so they are not able to see each other. This aggression will need to be dealt with carefully. Allowing cats to continue to fight will end up with a cat being hurt; this could cause diseases in the cats and will become expensive with having to take the cat to the veterinarian for medication and some time stays at the vets for care and treatment.
Cat play is natural and you should not interfere with the playing. Exposing other actives to the cats can help with the playing, when the playing seems to get to intense. Have plenty of toys for the cats to play with, their own scratch post, or their own area to play in are all good distractions.
With multiple cats in a home, you will want to create an environment for each cat to have a place to feel comfortable. Some cats are able to adapt to other cats in the home and share, while some breeds and natures of cat will not be able to share one area. There are cat breeds that are just naturally a single pet and will not fit in the home with the presence of other cats or dogs around. These types of cats will have high stress and quick aggression towards other cats. You can get more information on the type of breeds that will live together and those that need their space from books and internet sites.
Hitting your cats will not accomplish anything; this will make your cat fear you, as this will lead to no communication with your cat. Training will be impossible, as communication is the most important thing when training your cat. Physical punishment should be avoided with any animal. Remember your cat is a companion and a friend. We, as humans, would never physical or mentally hurt our love ones or friends.
Remember if the cats are not fighting and are just playing with each other, this is a sign of good communication with each other. Allowing the communication to continue will help the relationship with the cats and with you.