Are Cats Really Fighting or Just Playing Around? Experts Teach "3 Key Indicators" for Pet Owners to Quickly Gather and Watch

Owners of multiple cats often face a challenging question: Are they fighting, or are they just playing? To help owners better understand their cats' behavior, we interviewed cat behavior consultant Chien-Yu, who provided a detailed analysis of this common issue.

Chien-Yu emphasizes that when observing cat behavior, it's crucial not to focus solely on a single action but to observe the overall context and make a comprehensive judgment. She offers three key observation points to help owners more accurately interpret their cats' interactions:

1. Observe Body Language and Sounds

A cat's body posture, facial expressions, and vocalizations can reveal their emotions. If you notice the following negative body language signs, it may indicate they are fighting:

• Ears pressed down or rotated backward against the head
• Dilated pupils
• Tail fur standing on end (piloerection), vigorous tail swishing
• Back hair standing up, aggressive posture
• Hissing, growling, or screaming

2. Observe the Intensity and Atmosphere of the Interaction

Determine whether the atmosphere is tense or relaxed. When cats fight, they may exhibit fierce swiping, pouncing, and biting. When feeling threatened or scared, they may try to run away, retreat, or avoid contact. Normal play usually involves a back-and-forth chase with interspersed breaks.

3. Observe the Context of the Behavior

Apply the 5W1H method to analyze the beginning and end of the behavior. Where did it happen? When did it happen? What happened? Was there a cause? For example, if conflicts frequently occur around meal times, the litter box, or near sleeping areas, it may be related to resource allocation, and the environment may need adjustment.

Chien-Yu specifically reminds owners that relationship issues between cats will not naturally resolve themselves and require proactive intervention and adjustment by the owner. Only by understanding and meeting the needs of your cats can you create a pleasant home environment.