Integrating cats and dogs starts at the beginning
Certain dog breeds intermingle with cats pretty well. Generally, though, mixing cats and dogs into a peaceful household takes some work. The younger the furry kiddos are to begin with, the higher your chances of success. That means 6 months or younger for cats and 1 year or younger for dogs. Cats and dogs that grow up together learn to play and live beside each other. That means fewer chances for fights and misunderstandings.
However, if you have older animals, all is not lost. Animals in rescues and shelters are often “tested” for compatibility. You can find dogs that are “cat-friendly.” On the flip side, many cats get labeled as “dog-tolerant.” Chatting with the volunteers will provide you with the answers you’ll need.
Some cat and dog fights result from misinterpretation of body language. Surprise! Cats and dogs don’t use the same signals when trying to communicate with each other. So even though your fuzzy companions try to play, a fight breaks out when one of them mistakes a cue.
Why Do Pets Play Fight?
Playing together is an important part of socialization. Most puppies and kittens begin wrestling with their litter mates from a young age—through this play fighting, they learn about communication and self control. This is when fur babies start to figure out that if they bite or scratch their sibling too hard, the game is over.
As puppies and kittens grow up, their playfulness tends to stick around. No matter their age, play fighting is also a good form of exercise, especially since it can help your pet use up some of that excess energy.
Additionally, play fighting can be a healthy outlet for your pet’s prey drive. Chasing, stalking, and pouncing are natural instincts for dogs and cats alike, and chasing a furry companion is a fun way to play pretend predator and prey.
Of course, there’s also the most simple explanation—play fighting is fun! However, sometimes the game can go too far, or one pet may not be as enthusiastic as the other, and that play fighting can turn into real fighting.
Keep Them Away From Each Other
When a cat fight ensues, it’s best to keep them away from each other to avoid injuries. Meanwhile, be mindful of not being too aggressive in trying to break a fight to prevent yourself from getting hurt.
Make loud noise or use toys to distract your cat. Doing so helps redirect their attention and stops their fighting.
Before stroking or carrying your cat, allow them to calm down first to avoid further anxiety and aggression.
Are My Cats Playing or Fighting? | Cat Playing vs Cat Aggression
Distinguishing whether cats are fighting or playing might not be clear at first glance. For example, it’s easy to assume that cats from the same kin are just playing and not fighting since they’ve already formed a bond. However, there’s no guarantee that cats with the same bloodline won’t fight.
On another note, you might’ve become extra worried thinking that your cats were fighting since you caught them biting each other, but it could be that they were just showing playful affection. So how can you tell one from the other?
In times when you witness your cats making a ruckus, you might ask: Are my cats playing or fighting? While it might not be clear at first, below are some tell-tale signs for you to find out.