Why Do My Kittens Play Fight So Much? This Is The Reason Why!

Play is extremely important for kittens. It builds coordination, strength and problem-solving skills.

Kittens play fight so much because it’s how they practice hunting skills like stalking, chasing, pouncing and batting. It also teaches them social skills. When a kitten bites or scratches too hard, its playmate stops playing or fights back, and the kitten learns to soften its bite and keep its claws in.

Rough, energetic play is very common in kittens and young cats, and many cats keep playing like kittens into adulthood. Kittens stalk, chase, pounce, swat, kick and bite each other, and most of the time it’s all in good fun.

Kittens play in two ways: alone and with others. Solo play includes batting at toys, paper bags, boxes and balls of paper. Social play is aimed at other cats, people or other pets.

Is It Normal for Kittens to Play Fight So Much?

Yes. Rough play and play fighting are normal for kittens. Still, it can be hard to tell play from a real fight, so watch their body language.

In play, kittens usually take turns being the chaser and the one chased. If the play turns noisy and tense, separate them with a barrier, like a baby gate, and let them calm down.

Should I Stop My Kittens From Play Fighting?

Usually not. Play fighting gives kittens exercise and lets them act like cats.

If a play fight turns into a real fight, don’t reach in with your hands. You could get scratched or bitten, as cats in a fight can redirect their aggression to you.

Instead, interrupt with a sudden noise, like a clap, or slide a pillow or piece of cardboard between them. Then give them time apart to calm down.

At What Age Do Kittens Stop Play Fighting?

It varies from cat to cat. Rough play is most common in cats under about two years old.

Many kittens begin to settle down somewhat by their first birthday, and most are calmer by age two. A cat’s activity level also depends on its personality, surroundings and how much play it gets.

You don’t want your cat to stop playing. Instead, teach it to direct biting and scratching at toys, not hands or feet.

Can Kittens Die When Doing Play Fight?

Normal play fighting very rarely causes serious harm. Kittens chase, roll around and swat at each other, usually with soft bites and claws pulled in.

Play fights have frequent pauses as each kitten repositions. There’s no need to stop a play fight that is going well.

If one kitten hisses, shrieks or tries to get away, the play has become too rough. A real fight can cause injuries, and bite wounds can get infected, so take any wound to your vet.

How Do I Know When My Kittens Play Rough?

Body language tells you a lot. Flattened ears, puffed-up fur or tails, stiff bodies and hissing point to a real fight rather than play.

Growling or hissing of your kittens

Play fighting is usually fairly quiet. Constant growling, hissing or yowling suggests a real fight.

Take a close look at your kittens’ ears

During play, a kitten’s ears are usually forward or only slightly back. Ears pressed flat against the head mean the kitten is scared or angry.

Keep an eye out for biting

In play, bites are gentle. Hard bites that make the other kitten cry out or run away are a sign of a real fight.

Keep an eye on your kitten’s body posture

Playing kittens move freely and take turns. A kitten that crouches, freezes, arches its back with puffed fur or keeps trying to escape is not enjoying it.

A little hissing can happen in play too, so look at the whole picture.

How To Stop My Kitten From Play Fighting?

Play fighting between kittens is normal, so you don’t need to stop it. If it gets too rough, these steps can help.

Spread out resources around your home. Offer extra food and water bowls, litter boxes, scratching posts and resting spots, and buy a range of cat toys.

Schedule daily play sessions with wand toys and other toys kept away from your hands. A tired kitten plays more gently.

Never use your hands or feet as toys. Never hit or yell at your kitten, as this can make it afraid of you. The goal is to redirect, not punish.

Final Words

Play fighting is normal and healthy for kittens. It builds hunting and social skills.

Watch for signs that play has turned into a real fight, and calmly separate them with a noise or barrier if it does, never with your hands. Most kittens grow out of the roughest play as they mature.

Sources

• Aggression in Cats, ASPCA
• Feline Behavior Problems: Aggression, Cornell Feline Health Center