Cats Who Play Rough

Play is an important way for cats to develop physical and mental abilities, as well as social skills. When cats play, they pretend to stalk, chase, pounce on, swat and bite prey, and they are especially attracted to moving things! Common targets are people’s legs as they walk by and hands typing or gesturing.

Cats learn when young to inhibit bites and sheathe claws when playing, however how much a cat learns to inhibit their play varies. Other factors that can influence play aggression include long hours spent alone without opportunities to play as well as being encouraged as kittens to chase and attack people’s hands and feet. While this can be cute as a kitten, as the cat gets older and stronger, the bites and scratches really start to hurt. By then this behavior can be difficult to modify.

Play or aggression?

While rough play can lead to aggression, there are some key differences between play and other types of aggression.

Vocalization:
- Play: Usually silent or “chattering”
- Aggression: May hiss, yowl, growl or spit
Tail:
- Play: Mouth may be closed or be held half open
- Aggression: May hiss, growl, and stare intently at you
Movements:
- Play: Hopping and bouncing, often sideways with an arched back
- Aggression: Tense muscles, straight-on approach

My cat plays too rough. What can I do?

If your cat is exhibiting behaviors consistent with the “aggression” category, we recommend contacting a certified professional trainer or working with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
If your cat is exhibiting behaviors that fall in the “play” category, you can modify and manage these behaviors by providing appropriate outlets for play behavior and increasing your cat’s environmental enrichment.