Is It Normal for Male Cats to Play Rough?

Playing rough is a normal part of male cat behavior, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Play is a normal part of a kitten growing up, and rough play between animals is also common. Understanding the body language of your cat can help you recognize when rough play is just play, and when it is aggression. Aggressive behavior toward other cats or people should be paid attention, and sudden aggression might require a visit to your veterinarian to rule out illness.

  1. Kittens

    • Instinctively, around 4 months of age, kittens begin wanting to play in an aggressive manner. This is typical and a normal part of growing up for a kitten. Kittens' claws can draw blood when they scratch, so it can appear that the kitten is being aggressive when it is actually just playing and unaware of the damage their its claws can cause. Kittens also have sharp teeth, which can draw blood while playing rough with a human or another kitten.

    Hormones

    • A male cat who has not been neutered will become progressively more aggressive toward other cats, especially if he can't mate with female cats. Territorial aggression is also more common among male cats who are not neutered; they spray the territory around the home or yard with their mark to ward off other male cats from entering the area.

    Other Cats

    • Male cats are similar to females when they play rough with each other. Pouncing from side to side and on top of another cat is a normal part of playing rough. Other normal rough playing between cats can include chasing each other, swatting their paws at each other, and tumbling around or rolling around together. Only when cats become vocal toward each other and start making hissing noises or other loud noises should you worry that the rough play is aggression.

    Humans

    • Male cats who are the only cats in a home might find playing rough with their humans just as rewarding as playing with other cats. A sudden attack as you walk around a corner might feel o you like an attack. Avoid rough play with your male cat while he is young, and that will help teach your cat that you do not like to play in that way. Keeping his nails trim, and having your male cat neutered, will also help lessen the rough play. Diverting attention in a negative way could cause more aggression, so divert your cat's attention away from rough play with a mobile toy or other favorite item to show your cat a new, positive way of playing.