Why Do Cats Play Fight?

Not all cat fights are serious signs of aggression. Although they may look harmful or dangerous to the untrained human eye, many cat fights are play fights. Cats play fight for a number of reasons, but all reasons relate to a cat's nature and instincts.

  1. Types

    • Cats play fight to express ownership of territor ---a toy or an area of the home. They also fight to hone their hunting and fighting skills. Cats have a complex social structure and figure out the hierarchy via play fighting. Boredom is another reason cats may play fight.

    Function

    • All play fights have a purpose---to hone and sharpen a cat's instincts or to express a message to other cats. Cats are naturally active creatures who spend their time hunting and finding ways to burn off excess energy.

    Benefits

    • Play fighting keeps cats active, aiding in the prevention of obesity. Play fighting also wears cats out, leading to longer nap times and a decrease in destructive behaviors.

    Considerations

    • Play fighting may progress to real fighting. Real fighting can be tough to distinguish from play fighting. If a cat appears to be hurt, the fighting continues for an extended period of time, sexual aggression is noted or a change in body language or behavior are noted, it may be time to break up the fighting.

    Solution

    • It is usually a good idea not to interfere with cats play fighting unless one of the cats is being harmed. Play fighting serves many beneficial purposes for all cats involved.