How to Tell Cat Play From a Real Fight

Cats avoid real fights—they cost energy and risk injury, and even stray cats pretend not to notice each other. At home, chasing, pouncing, belly-up wrestling, and even squeals are usually play that ends when one walks away. A true fight is preceded by a standoff: locked staring, low growls or hisses, arched back with puffed fur and straight-up tail. If they keep closing in, separate them with a board or blanket to break sightlines, then break it up with a sharp noise, a cover, a squirt of water, or a soft pillow tossed nearby—never your hands.