Updated Jan. 28, 2023, 11:56 a.m. ET. Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, and the University of Lincoln in the U.K. have identified key behavioral indicators that may signal a forthcoming cat fight. The study, which analyzed 105 video clips of 210 cats and kittens interacting, was motivated by a lack of research on cat social behavior dynamics.

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Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová, a veterinarian and the lead author of the study, emphasized the common concern among cat owners regarding distinguishing between play and aggression. The researchers categorized the observed behaviors into six distinct categories: vocalization (including meowing and growling), inactive body posture, wrestling, chasing, other interactive activities (such as grooming), and non-interactive activities (such as self-grooming).

From their analysis, the researchers classified the cats into three clusters based on their behavior: playful, intermediate, and aggressive. Aggressive cats predominantly exhibited vocalizations and inactivity, while playful cats engaged in reciprocal wrestling. Intermediate cats showed a mix of wrestling and other actions like pouncing and grooming.

Gajdoš-Kmecová noted that behaviors can often fall into gray areas, with intermediate play resembling aggression. She advised owners to consider the overall relationship between their cats to better understand their behaviors. Signs of contention might include long periods of inactivity followed by hissing or growling, while compatible cats showing minor disagreements may still share resources and interact positively.

For owners witnessing a cat fight, Gajdoš-Kmecová strongly advised against intervening directly. Instead, she suggested calmly entering the room, turning lights on and off, or making noise to redirect attention. Using a pillow or other physical barriers to interrupt a staring match can also be effective. Owners should avoid yelling or punitive actions, as these may increase aggression. Calmly altering the environment often helps to diffuse the situation.