Many of us are not new to seeing our cats play fighting.
I have had many experiences seeing my cats play fight and sometimes even hearing them meow.
To us, it may look like they are actually trying to hurt each other when it’s just a game to them.
These are some of the possible reasons why they vocalize while play fighting.
1. To Express Dominance
Play fighting is a way for cats to determine dominance and hierarchy.
When one cat is winning, they may meow as a way to assert their dominance over the other cat.
2. To Express Pain
Although play fighting is generally harmless, cats can accidentally hurt each other.
If your cat meows during play fighting, it could be a signal that they’re in pain.
It’s important to watch your cats closely and ensure their play remains gentle and safe.
3. To Show Affection
Meowing during play fighting can also be a sign of affection.
Cats may meow to indicate that they’re having fun and appreciate the company of their playmate.
4. To Signal Submission
When one cat is losing the play fight, they may meow as a way to signal submission.
This can prevent the other cat from continuing to play too rough.
5. To Get Attention
Cats love attention, and meowing during play fighting is one way they seek it.
If your cat meows while play fighting, it could be a call for attention from their playmate or from you.
6. To Communicate Fear
Although rare, some cats may meow during play fighting as a sign of fear.
This could be the result of past trauma or anxiety and should be addressed with care and patience.
7. Out of Habit
Sometimes, cats meow during play fighting simply out of habit.
They may have learned that meowing gets a reaction from their playmate or from their owner during playtime.
8. To Show Excitement
When cats are playful, they tend to get excited. Meowing is just one of the ways cats express their excitement.
If your cat meows during play fighting, it’s likely that they’re simply enjoying the experience and having a good time.
9. To Show Frustration
If a play fight is interrupted or if the other cat is not playing the way they want, a cat may meow out of frustration.
Meowing during play fighting can be a way for a cat to express their dissatisfaction, similar to when they’re trying to show dominance or to indicate that they’re in pain.
10. To Release Energy
Meowing during play fighting could simply be a way for a cat to release pent-up energy.
Cats are active and energetic animals, and play fighting is one of the ways they relieve stress and burn off excess energy.
How do you know what meowing while play fighting means?
To figure out why your cat is meowing while play fighting, pay attention to what they are doing and their situation to determine if they are being harmed or simply having fun.
Observing their behaviors and body language during the play fight is important, as cats can use different vocalizations and swatting of their paws to express their emotions.
Do cats make noise when play fighting?
Yes, some cats do make noise when play fighting.
It’s not uncommon to hear growling, hissing, or meowing during a play fight as they mimic real-life hunting scenarios.
I will be honest with you and say that when my cat hisses at me, even if we’re playing, it’s still a scary sight, so I would say be careful with the hissing if you play fighting with your cat.
The noises are part of their communication and signal their intentions during play.
Some cats may even purr or chirp during play to express excitement and happiness.
However, not all cats make noise during play fighting, and it ultimately depends on their personality and breed.
Cat purrs while play fighting
When my cat purrs while play fighting, it is usually a sign that she feels happy and content in our playing.
It’s interesting to note that while cats may purr when they are relaxed and content, they also use their purring as a tool to communicate with humans and other cats.
The purring sound may also serve as a way to ease tensions during a play fight and help prevent the escalation of aggression or make a potential threat back down.
When your cat purrs while play fighting, it’s a good indication that they are having a good time and that the play is helping to build positive relationships and communication between you and them.
A playful cat is typically loose and relaxed, with ears pointing forward and a twitching tail.
What to do when cats meow while play fighting?
When my cat meows while play fighting, it’s usually a good sign that she’s just having fun!
Meowing, growling, and other vocalizations are all natural ways for cats to communicate during playtime.
It’s important to keep in mind that cats are adaptable creatures and can typically regulate their play behavior, so unless the meowing becomes excessive or there are signs of distress (such as flattened ears or a puffed-up tail), there is likely no need to worry.
However, it’s always a good idea to supervise play sessions and be mindful of any changes in your cat’s behavior.
Play fighting can be a normal and healthy behavior for cats and helps them hone their hunting skills.
It’s important to pay attention to the signals cats give off and be aware of their vocalizations.
In my experience, when my cat meows while play fighting, it’s usually behavioral and not because of a health issue.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t speak with your vet if you find yourself becoming concerned about your cat’s meow.
Always go with your gut when it comes to concerns for your cat. If you think something is wrong, reach out to your vet, don’t even try to second guess yourself.