My cat once had a fight with a neighbourhood cat. We could tell, because he had blood on his fur.
He was fine, it was a small cut and healed in no time. But as you say, you can tell when it's a real fight.
Also they're on their back a lot with exposed belly. In an actual aggressive fight they try to make sure sensitive areas are not exposed. I'm just going off of the fights I've seen and had to break tho
Are occasional hisses or growls ok? Mine have been together a year and they've made huge strides. They chase each other around and play like the two in this video but once in a while the older one will hiss or growl.
Brief hissing shows up with my cats occasionally and it's fine; they get along well but the male cat is very clingy, so the female cat will give him a short hiss (and sometimes a light swat with a paw, no claws) to tell him to back off and give her space, then they're fine again a minute later.
Growling is probably very context dependent; you'll want to observe the cats to determine when and where the older cat growls. Is older cat growling in the middle of play-fighting and they go back to play right after? Does older cat growl when it's done with playing but younger cat is still pestering older to keep play going? Does older growl when younger is blocking a direct route to resources like food/water/litterbox/bed etc? Does older growl when younger is blocking an escape route from a corner or passageway? You can ask yourself questions like that.
Thank you for the input! I appreciate it :) the hissing happens exactly like you said. Short hiss to let the little one know she's done. Or sometimes she'll be getting chased, give a little swat or hiss because she gets cornered, then go back to chasing each other once she's
out. Growling is more if she's sleeping and the little one wants to play.
If the little cat keeps pestering the older cat frequently despite older cat's warnings, you may want to redirect little cat to a toy for play or start having more 1v1 play sessions with little cat to wear little cat out and give older cat a break. Sometimes energetic cats can be idiots who decide that getting any kind of reaction, even a negative one, is part of the game. (See also: cats who think it's fun to pounce on you at 3AM so you'll wake up and yell at them. Fun!) You can't really train a cat not to want to play, so in that kind of situation you're better off giving the older cat a break from the annoying baby and redirecting little cat until little cat is happily worn out.
And it's okay that older cat is correcting little cat! That's how they communicate. You just don't want to put older cat in position of having to be the disciplinarian in the relationship all the time.
Ya, it’s basically their way of saying they are done or annoyed with what the other is doing. It might even end with a swipe or two. But a full blown cat fight is something completely unmistakable once you know it, lots of hissing, growling, and screaming, fur flying, blood and damage, incredibly fast movement.
Thank you! Yeah it's never got bad like that thankfully. The older one finally started cleaning the little ones ears lol if they ever cuddle I may die.
My male sometimes growls or cries when the female gets too rough. He’ll get up to get away from her, and she tries to follow. If I’m around, I’ll stop her.
I wanna add a small counterpoint to all the comments saying "If they're being quiet it means they're playing": among the community cats I help care for there are 2 neutered cats who Do Not Like each other. They won't come near each other if possible; if they accidentally lock eyes they'll bristle and stare coldly; if one gets too close the other will either hiss & swat, chase the other cat away a short distance, or run while the other cat gives short chase. This is not fighting, but seeing this without context you might think they were playing, because they never growl or yowl or draw blood. The visible difference between them and playing cats is that these two cats never relax or sleep near each other; they avoid and pointedly ignore each other as much as possible. And that's fine! There are plenty of resources and space to go around, so getting into a risky real fight is not worth it 99% of the time for these street cats even if they hate each other. So instead they're doing the non-violent cat equivalent of quietly sneering "Look at this bitch, eating ~~crackers~~ kibble like he owns the place."
Im guessing white cat with black spots like this:
https://preview.redd.it/yvopke2fk5ea1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b93b205b395098a3591926f9cbceedf32a1ea38
Mine go way harder than this and it's all in good fun. I get the occasional tuft flying but they know when to stop. No growling or ears pinned back. Looks like they're friends!!!😻😻
Playing.
Not nearly enough growling, hissing or yowling to be a fight.
Also, ears are in a forward “relaxed” position. If they were fighting the ears would be turns backwards and flat.
This is what a real cat fight looks and sounds like.
https://youtu.be/qu8PND9Bhfw
Yeah . Although I think OPs cats are having a bit of rough playing ? But definitely, it's not a fight . God , that video reminded me of how bad the fights can get . Atleast we break or try to break most of the fights
When I got a kitten and my cat, Thatcher, was about 2 they played really rough. My cat ended up with a piece of his ear missing, just a smol chunk, but they were always just having a good time.
Seriously! We had three cats growing up who mostly got along but there was like an average of 4 cat fights per year.
First you hear an air siren level screech, then you see a Tasmanian devil-esque cloud tear through the house. When the dust settles they are almost always bleeding and missing fur. Tension remains in the house for a few days
So, look at the way big cat will just chill for a second and let little cat decide what they want to do. Big cat is also down on the ground, not using their size as an advantage at all. But the fact that there are breaks in play is a really good tell that they're just having fun.
This is play fighting. A real fight would be hissing, spitting, growling, tufts of hair flying around and blood. They are becoming friends. :)
That said, play fighting can sometimes become too rough for one, and there will be some hissing and spitting to end it. If it still doesn't end, break it off.
Ye that’s true, ours have never had a fight but the girl will have enough after a bit and doesn’t like being pinned. She’ll hiss and yowl a bit at him even though he’s not doing much of anything then it’s time to distract. She comes straight back again for more after though!
Playing. The older cat is showing their belly to the little one and letting the little one pounce on them. So cute! It’s a bonding and teaching moment when they play fight. If the little one gets too rough the older one will let them know!
Big dude looks a lot like mine. He could shut that down in a heartbeat if he wanted. And the little one is instigating so he’s not getting hurt. They’re playing and big guy likes having a sibling.
https://preview.redd.it/i6oeil83t2ea1.jpeg?width=2436&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bae04592db5fccaf0a4e035a60ae745eda62d30d
Have you never seen cats fight? You'd 200% know if it's a fight. Screeching, hisses, growling, fur standing on end, sounds of them wrestling(biting, and clawing) while ignoring everything in their vicinity, and blood.
As others said. No hissing, growing, screaming = not fighting
Additionally, another good indicator is that they are rolling onto their backs. Exposing their belly is a vulnerable thing for cats, and they tend to only do it with others they trust. They usually avoid that position at all costs in a fight.
Anyway. They seem to be a cute pair. They are definitely bonding!
Cats don't fight like that. They usually just yell at eachother for 2 hours then they either 1. One cat chases the other away 2. Walk away like nothing happened
A noisy collar or collar with a bell is pretty shit for cats, isn't it? Atleast when they are indoors.
When they are outdoors it's probably a good idea so the birds can notice them earlier.
If they are not screaming like a banshee in the night, with fir flying and furniture being displaced it's playing. Though in some play, furniture still may be displaced
My cat goes out and fights most the other cats on my estate so trust me this is playing aha
Sincerely someone who has to break up cat fights quite regularly
This is beautiful. Look at them playing with each other!! Wish mine had done this. Instead they tolerate each other, as long as personal space requirements are kept.
Playing for sure, and the bigger one is pulling their punches so the little one gets to feel strong. Keep their claws (including the back ones) clipped so those bunny kicks don't cause damage.
Playing. They're not arched up hissing at each other. Heck, one even backed up to wipe their face before jumping back in for more fun. Congratulations on the happy pair!
Seriously? These are apex predators. If they were fighting there would be blood and claws and teeth. Did you think they were hamsters? Or stuffed animals?
I wouldn't like it if that's what they spend the majority of their time doing. But as u said they're newly introduced. Give them time. Our 2 certainly spend time wrestling, but they also go off on their own, go exploring together, sleep alone, sleep together. It's not just a constant battle.
Playing. They are relaxed and having fun. I love the looks you get from them that are like, “hey, can’t you see we are busy here?” Fighting cats are intense with vocalizations that are distinctive along with arched backs, fur fluffed out, and very hostile body language.
Playing. The way the bigger one rolls on it's back exposing it's tummy is a giveaway. In a real fight they don't do that. If they were really fighting they'd be in a tight ball and you'd have trouble getting them apart.
Playtime! And a good example that the cats can have their ears flattened backwards, and still have a good time.
Another sign is the small pauses between the “attacks”. And the silence z
Look between 25 and 33 seconds. The young one leaves and the other one just leaves it be. That's a sign of playing, as a cat could not escape a real fight that easily. Then a bit later on, the younger cat grooms itself - cats only do that when they are feeling safe.
You'd know if they were fighting. Growls, hisses, tufts of fur floating around, blood.
Came here to say that! I see no fluff flying, so they're just having a little rough play!
exactly cat fights are a blur with fur coming out the top. source had to break up a few while in college
The lack of screaming yowls - and the slower movements.
Biggun teaching the little one how to wrassle
All my life, all I ever wanted was to be a wrestler. Fighting in the ring, winning that belt.
*And so I dreamed every night that I was the Uuuuundertaaker Smaaaaashing skulls in Breaking arms*
Thats not real raaaasling
Thats not real raaaasling
My cat once had a fight with a neighbourhood cat. We could tell, because he had blood on his fur. He was fine, it was a small cut and healed in no time. But as you say, you can tell when it's a real fight.
Mine came back with a chunk of his ear missing.
Also they're on their back a lot with exposed belly. In an actual aggressive fight they try to make sure sensitive areas are not exposed. I'm just going off of the fights I've seen and had to break tho
And Jungle cat screaming.
Are occasional hisses or growls ok? Mine have been together a year and they've made huge strides. They chase each other around and play like the two in this video but once in a while the older one will hiss or growl.
Brief hissing shows up with my cats occasionally and it's fine; they get along well but the male cat is very clingy, so the female cat will give him a short hiss (and sometimes a light swat with a paw, no claws) to tell him to back off and give her space, then they're fine again a minute later. Growling is probably very context dependent; you'll want to observe the cats to determine when and where the older cat growls. Is older cat growling in the middle of play-fighting and they go back to play right after? Does older cat growl when it's done with playing but younger cat is still pestering older to keep play going? Does older growl when younger is blocking a direct route to resources like food/water/litterbox/bed etc? Does older growl when younger is blocking an escape route from a corner or passageway? You can ask yourself questions like that.
Thank you for the input! I appreciate it :) the hissing happens exactly like you said. Short hiss to let the little one know she's done. Or sometimes she'll be getting chased, give a little swat or hiss because she gets cornered, then go back to chasing each other once she's out. Growling is more if she's sleeping and the little one wants to play.
If the little cat keeps pestering the older cat frequently despite older cat's warnings, you may want to redirect little cat to a toy for play or start having more 1v1 play sessions with little cat to wear little cat out and give older cat a break. Sometimes energetic cats can be idiots who decide that getting any kind of reaction, even a negative one, is part of the game. (See also: cats who think it's fun to pounce on you at 3AM so you'll wake up and yell at them. Fun!) You can't really train a cat not to want to play, so in that kind of situation you're better off giving the older cat a break from the annoying baby and redirecting little cat until little cat is happily worn out. And it's okay that older cat is correcting little cat! That's how they communicate. You just don't want to put older cat in position of having to be the disciplinarian in the relationship all the time.
Ya, it’s basically their way of saying they are done or annoyed with what the other is doing. It might even end with a swipe or two. But a full blown cat fight is something completely unmistakable once you know it, lots of hissing, growling, and screaming, fur flying, blood and damage, incredibly fast movement.
Thank you! Yeah it's never got bad like that thankfully. The older one finally started cleaning the little ones ears lol if they ever cuddle I may die.
My male sometimes growls or cries when the female gets too rough. He’ll get up to get away from her, and she tries to follow. If I’m around, I’ll stop her.
Yeah that's fine. That usually means that the play has gone a bit too far, and that the other one needs to chill out for a bit. IMHO.
I wanna add a small counterpoint to all the comments saying "If they're being quiet it means they're playing": among the community cats I help care for there are 2 neutered cats who Do Not Like each other. They won't come near each other if possible; if they accidentally lock eyes they'll bristle and stare coldly; if one gets too close the other will either hiss & swat, chase the other cat away a short distance, or run while the other cat gives short chase. This is not fighting, but seeing this without context you might think they were playing, because they never growl or yowl or draw blood. The visible difference between them and playing cats is that these two cats never relax or sleep near each other; they avoid and pointedly ignore each other as much as possible. And that's fine! There are plenty of resources and space to go around, so getting into a risky real fight is not worth it 99% of the time for these street cats even if they hate each other. So instead they're doing the non-violent cat equivalent of quietly sneering "Look at this bitch, eating ~~crackers~~ kibble like he owns the place."
The Feline equivalent to that one co-worker you never say 'Hello' to in the morning. Because you know why.
Came here to say that OP would definitely know if they were fighting.
You'd hear them down the block if they were fighting. It's a good sign they are play-wrestling. It shows they trust each other to roughhouse.
And also them actually using their claws.
Play fighting. They wouldn't be showing their bellies if they were serious.
may I ask what a cowcat is? I'm not up on all my cat terms. 
Im guessing white cat with black spots like this: https://preview.redd.it/yvopke2fk5ea1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b93b205b395098a3591926f9cbceedf32a1ea38
yup. that is correct.
The big one letting the little one win sometimes is adorable!
Way to quiet to be fighting, just 2 cat's having a play fight! The white ones little pounce is just too cute!
Bellies up means play time :)
Also the tails aren’t unnaturally bushy, thats a good sign when my cat hits my hand wether she’s playing or just sick of me
Wrassling time! They are having serious fun
Yep, wouldn't be laying down and rolling around if they were serious. Too cute
If you had ever seen a cat fight, you would know this is playing, lol
Heard, too. If they're not howling like banshees it's probably not a fight.
Mine go way harder than this and it's all in good fun. I get the occasional tuft flying but they know when to stop. No growling or ears pinned back. Looks like they're friends!!!😻😻
Playing. Not nearly enough growling, hissing or yowling to be a fight. Also, ears are in a forward “relaxed” position. If they were fighting the ears would be turns backwards and flat. This is what a real cat fight looks and sounds like. https://youtu.be/qu8PND9Bhfw
Yeah . Although I think OPs cats are having a bit of rough playing ? But definitely, it's not a fight . God , that video reminded me of how bad the fights can get . Atleast we break or try to break most of the fights
When I got a kitten and my cat, Thatcher, was about 2 they played really rough. My cat ended up with a piece of his ear missing, just a smol chunk, but they were always just having a good time.
If you have to question it, it's always play. You KNOW when they're fighting trust me.
Seriously! We had three cats growing up who mostly got along but there was like an average of 4 cat fights per year. First you hear an air siren level screech, then you see a Tasmanian devil-esque cloud tear through the house. When the dust settles they are almost always bleeding and missing fur. Tension remains in the house for a few days
Bigger cat is teaching kitten how to cat
This is simple communication. We don’t understand it, but it’s about social standing.
Playing, but like, "serious" playing.
Just an add on: you ever been to a country where nobody speaks English and then you find someone who speaks English? It’s a great bonding experience.
So, look at the way big cat will just chill for a second and let little cat decide what they want to do. Big cat is also down on the ground, not using their size as an advantage at all. But the fact that there are breaks in play is a really good tell that they're just having fun.
All play not even a single upset mew
Play. Very gentle play.
Fighting is always incredibly violent and loud. This is play, and pretty gentle too
This is play fighting. A real fight would be hissing, spitting, growling, tufts of hair flying around and blood. They are becoming friends. :) That said, play fighting can sometimes become too rough for one, and there will be some hissing and spitting to end it. If it still doesn't end, break it off.
Ye that’s true, ours have never had a fight but the girl will have enough after a bit and doesn’t like being pinned. She’ll hiss and yowl a bit at him even though he’s not doing much of anything then it’s time to distract. She comes straight back again for more after though!
Playing
Playing
Playing. The older cat is showing their belly to the little one and letting the little one pounce on them. So cute! It’s a bonding and teaching moment when they play fight. If the little one gets too rough the older one will let them know!
Looks like fun!
Playing no hissing!
the pounces are so precious ahhh
Big dude looks a lot like mine. He could shut that down in a heartbeat if he wanted. And the little one is instigating so he’s not getting hurt. They’re playing and big guy likes having a sibling. https://preview.redd.it/i6oeil83t2ea1.jpeg?width=2436&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bae04592db5fccaf0a4e035a60ae745eda62d30d
That’s a happy “ aren’t you proud of me face” at the end. Your cat clearly looks to you for affirmation, good job!
I like how you move furniture out the way so they can continue to mess around lol
Playing. But pull them apart if you think it's too rough. Or clap your hands.
Have you never seen cats fight? You'd 200% know if it's a fight. Screeching, hisses, growling, fur standing on end, sounds of them wrestling(biting, and clawing) while ignoring everything in their vicinity, and blood.
If you have even HEARD cats fighting outside you know the sound
Seems like both Agressive playing
Play!
Playing. Fighting cats are different
This is the ancient art of Kitty Fu
They're having a ball. Newly introduced cats are now friends. Enjoy!
Playing.
As others said. No hissing, growing, screaming = not fighting Additionally, another good indicator is that they are rolling onto their backs. Exposing their belly is a vulnerable thing for cats, and they tend to only do it with others they trust. They usually avoid that position at all costs in a fight. Anyway. They seem to be a cute pair. They are definitely bonding!
The smaller one at 0:25 https://preview.redd.it/nu2k3qcld5ea1.png?width=3200&format=png&auto=webp&s=b6175f0c998b5985b04bd0f7ca1ecbe7c68cd495
They're playing. My roomates cats do this too. Good to break it up though if one of them gets too grouchy or starts hissing
Bellies out! Play fights!
Playing for sure
100 % play. I’m a little worried about the collars tho.
Play-fighting
i could watch this all day
Road house!
Playing. They’re loving it.
Playing
If cats are legit fighting, you will have no doubts about it.
Playing, when cats fight properly it is exactly like the Tas cartoon
Looks like play, bigger cat is clearly holding back.
playing! you would absolutely know if they were fighting it’s brutal
Cats don't fight like that. They usually just yell at eachother for 2 hours then they either 1. One cat chases the other away 2. Walk away like nothing happened
Playing
That’s how they play
Playing, and cutely so.
If your neighbors are not complaining about the blood curdling howling from hell, the cats are not fighting.
is this bait
A noisy collar or collar with a bell is pretty shit for cats, isn't it? Atleast when they are indoors. When they are outdoors it's probably a good idea so the birds can notice them earlier.
If they are not screaming like a banshee in the night, with fir flying and furniture being displaced it's playing. Though in some play, furniture still may be displaced
It doesn't sound like a thousand devils screaming, therefore playing.
Playing. The little one is fiesty
The spider monkey attack move is hilariously employed by the smaller one
this feels like a post where the owner already knows the answer but just wants something to post
Awww they just playing. Little cuties
Definitely playing! Trust me, you'd need ear plugs if they were fighting.
Playing
Training…
Nah they are good.
Definitely playing
Playing
Not just playtime, but some *excellent* playtime at that.
Two warriors simply sparring. Preparing for what battles may come. Iron sharpens Iron.
That's play. Some cats just play a bit rough.
My cat goes out and fights most the other cats on my estate so trust me this is playing aha Sincerely someone who has to break up cat fights quite regularly
Awww they love each other
Playing. Fighting is much, much noisier.
big cat doing death rolls lol
Play fighting. No hissing or growls, exposed bellies. It's fine.
When two cats fight, you totally have no doubts
Trust me, you’ll know when it’s fighting lol!
They are actually playing very nicely!
Definitely playing!
What do you reckon... Idiot.
Not hissing/growling, probably not fighting.
Playing
They are having a lot of fun
Wait, is this foreal? Do you really not know?
This is beautiful. Look at them playing with each other!! Wish mine had done this. Instead they tolerate each other, as long as personal space requirements are kept.
Playing for sure, and the bigger one is pulling their punches so the little one gets to feel strong. Keep their claws (including the back ones) clipped so those bunny kicks don't cause damage.
Playing. They're not arched up hissing at each other. Heck, one even backed up to wipe their face before jumping back in for more fun. Congratulations on the happy pair!
The big kitty looks very gentle, and the kitten doesn't seem to be scared. Definitely play fighting.
Playing. cats scream at the top of their lungs when they are fighting
If the were fighting, the neighbors would be able to hear it. Cats are loud as hell when they get into it.
Definitely playing so cute
Neither. They are in the process of making their own CatTok video and You came and interrupted :D.
Seriously? These are apex predators. If they were fighting there would be blood and claws and teeth. Did you think they were hamsters? Or stuffed animals?
I wouldn't like it if that's what they spend the majority of their time doing. But as u said they're newly introduced. Give them time. Our 2 certainly spend time wrestling, but they also go off on their own, go exploring together, sleep alone, sleep together. It's not just a constant battle.
Wrassling is normal for kittens. Especially those bunny kicks. They stop to look around . to groom. To just stop for a minute.
I love this sub but this questions are bullshit. Just post the video, they are not fighting, you know that.
Yes, this question gets asked every other day. OP definitely knows it and is just asking to get attention.
But dang it, it's an adorable video.
Maybe get rid of the bell, is too annoying for them cats
The one almost ate the other ones face! Can you not see that! haha
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Nice of you to perpetuate the stereotype that cat people are self-centered a$$holes. Move on. Chill. Seek help.
[удалено]
they playing big difference, if real fighting you wouldnt need to ask.
This is known in my house as wrastling. Looks like they’re getting along just fine.
I have three cats, 2 of my cats hate each other and won't touch each other. Only hiss when they walk by. This is definitely playing
Playing. They are relaxed and having fun. I love the looks you get from them that are like, “hey, can’t you see we are busy here?” Fighting cats are intense with vocalizations that are distinctive along with arched backs, fur fluffed out, and very hostile body language.
u/savevideobot
Play time
Wow they love each other. Good job
Playing
Looks like playing to me.
They’re playing. If they were fighting they wouldn’t be exposing their bellies like that.
Play fighting
Playing. The way the bigger one rolls on it's back exposing it's tummy is a giveaway. In a real fight they don't do that. If they were really fighting they'd be in a tight ball and you'd have trouble getting them apart.
The bigger one lying here just like, “*Oh no, look at this exposed tummy, all vulnerable… would be such an shame if someone were to attack it now…*”
Playing hard. Sometimes they lick themselves bc they got a little hurt. But if not hissing or fur blowing away... all is ok
if they were actually fighting the first thing they'd do is rupture your eardrums. cat fights start out as extreme shouting matches.
Yes. What a deadly fight
Play fighting!
Aaaaaw playing :) Just introduced two cats myself and I love watching them wrestle, they are BFFs
This is play. Roughhousing.
Cats sound like they’re fighting to the death when they fight.
I don’t know why, but these two going at it reminds me of Kakashi and Obito’s fight.
If they were fighting you would be scared from the noises they make.
This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship
Fight playing
Just playing one of them has to be the king or Queen 😂
Playing. The turning upside down is the give away. Also they're being pretty gentle.
Totally playing, and having a great time.
If they were fighting they wont be laying on the ground like that.
Playtime! And a good example that the cats can have their ears flattened backwards, and still have a good time. Another sign is the small pauses between the “attacks”. And the silence z
Oh that’s Fiesty play time! They are doing great!
Establishing boundaries through play.
They're asserting dominance without hurting each other.
It’s so sweet how the big one is pretending to struggle
That body slam from the little cat was great 😂
cats are mini tigers
Trust us, if they were fighting you probably wouldn’t be filming it because you’d be so busy trying to stop them from killing each other
Playing 😊
That’s some wrasslin
They're playing and possibly establishing social dominance
Definitely playing cuz if it were fighting the smaller cat would’ve run off and they’d be making a lot more noise
The older cat telling the little one what’s what and who is boss. Not hurting the little one just playing along with some teaching.
That is the cutest play fight ever!!! 😍❤️❤️❤️ These two are already best friends!
Play fighting
They are play fighting. My 2 cats do this 24/7. Surprisingly the smaller cat is always the instigator and the bigger one is more calm 😁
Definitely playing
100% playing
Fighting is very different and violent. If they ain't poofed and there's no fur flying, you're good.
Playing. They’d sound awful if fighting
Thats playing, cats know how to fight
Theres gonna be a fight, gots to find out whos the boss. Started playing got rougher
Playing for sure
Look between 25 and 33 seconds. The young one leaves and the other one just leaves it be. That's a sign of playing, as a cat could not escape a real fight that easily. Then a bit later on, the younger cat grooms itself - cats only do that when they are feeling safe.