06/20/2026
“Are they playing or are they fighting?” is one of the most common questions we get from cat parents!
The truth is that cat play can look pretty dramatic. Chasing, pouncing, wrestling, bunny kicks, and even the occasional sideways “Halloween cat” can all be perfectly normal play behavior.
So how can you tell the difference?
🐾 Play is usually quiet. Cats may chirp or make little noises, but real fights are often LOUD, with growling, yowling, hissing, and screaming.
🐾 Play has give and take. The cats take turns chasing, wrestling, and being “the winner.” In a fight, one cat is often trying to escape while the other won’t let up.
🐾 Look at the whole interaction, not just one body language cue. Pinned ears, puffed-up fur, and sideways postures can happen during play too. What matters is whether both cats seem relaxed and willing to continue engaging.
🐾 Cats who are playing usually choose to come back for more. Cats who are fighting tend to avoid each other afterward.
In this video, Mia is doing her best “BOO! I’m so scary!” impression, complete with her Halloween-cat posture. But Ophelia responds by flopping over, showing her belly, keeping her ears forward, and staying engaged. The interaction is balanced, relaxed, and completely silent, all signs that these girls are just having fun.
When in doubt, ask yourself: are both cats choosing to play the game? If the answer is yes, you’re probably watching roughhousing, not a fight.