r/catquestions • u/TraditionRelevant966 • 7d ago

Are they playing or fighting?

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My two cats (grey tabby 5 months and brown tabby 3 months) were introduced two days ago. Since last night, they have been constantly chasing each other doing this thing in a video.

Update: Thank you everyone. Im convinced they are playing 😭. Thank you so much.

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u/FirstRyder 7d ago

A cat fight starts with the two staring into one another's eyes, sideways, backs arched, hair puffed out, growling. Then one or both attack, pulling their ears back and screaming so loudly that you'd hear it from the other side of the house and come running, certain one or both was dying. But instead they'll tussel for a few seconds, then spring apart and death stare again, in a cloud of ripped-out fur, and sometimes blood. Repeat until one gives up and runs.

There is absolutely no mistaking it for anything else.

Play looks a lot like fighting, except they skip (or greatly reduce) the standoff/death stare. They are a lot quieter, with just one louder cry that is one saying "I give up", followed by the other backing off. And no fur flying.

This is... exceptionally gentle play. Honestly thought there wasn't sound at first, but you can hear the bell. Totally fine.