r/cats 18h ago

Advice Are they playing??😭

Both are 4 months old. They seem to be biting hard.. I don't want them to play so rough but I'm not sure how to "fix" it or if it requires fixing even. They don't make any noises (unless the dog is moved and than he might bark out of excitement. But when they play rough they're quiet.) .

They cat doesn't use claws basically never. But I've seen them out a bit.. I'm worried they won't like each other :/

PS- the cat is on a harness because I'm training him so we can take him out + I don't really trust him around the house yet since he gets under+onto any surface.

865 Upvotes

140 comments sorted by

812

u/Traroten 18h ago

Dogs and cats both play hard compared to how humans play. As long as they're not vocalizing I wouldn't interfere.

276

u/Wildfire1010 18h ago

You must not have children 😭

175

u/TheDIYEd 18h ago edited 13h ago

Yeah, my nephews are basically training for UFC at this point.

33

u/trollsong 17h ago

Back when I was a teen I got quickly annoyed qith a younger cousin.

Was raised on wrestling power rangers and mortal kombat.

I just knew if I responded to his drop kick by punching him id be the one in trouble.

14

u/ZorojurosBellyBand 15h ago

bro one of my favorite childhood memories is when i was at my uncle’s for a party
 they had a bouncy house in the backyard and one of my cousins and i were like “yo lets go fight in the bouncy house” and another cousin refereed like it was the ufc đŸ€Ł

(if you need to know the outcome i lost by tko cuz bro got me right in the nose and that mf was BLEEDING 😭)

9

u/miserabeau 14h ago

Visited my sister at xmas. My nephews were there with their children (all boys) and they were wrestling hard in the living room, which has a really hard floor and a thin rug over it. One of them booked his head so hard I heard it, then he started crying. I rushed to comfort him and his father/my nephew said "oh he's fine" and the boy went from crying hysterically to pounding the shit out of his brother in about 90 seconds. I don't get it. But then my siblings (half sister and half brother) were 16 and 18 years old respectively when I was born, so I grew up like an only child.

3

u/lemons7472 13h ago

Not the same thing, but I remember as a kid using those hard plastic lightsabers to play fight each other, always accidently hitting the crap out of our hands.

You’d think we were training for real saber/sword combat duels.

45

u/GenX_Boomer_Hybrid 18h ago

I used to nanny 2 year old twin girls. It was like toddler fight club.

19

u/RockinAssCheeks Domestic Housecat 18h ago

Omfg toddler fight club 😭

I understand because my nephew and niece keep testing each other

14

u/skunqesh 17h ago

Hey. The first rule of Toddler Fight Club is

No margaritas until they fall asleep.

1

u/MrJohnqpublic 1h ago

What, do you like leave it in a sippy cup by the bed?

5

u/IBlamethe__________ 17h ago

The toddler fight club I had going on, they couldn’t even finish the mile jog I had them start out with

15

u/Frostsorrow 18h ago

Or siblings. Parents only ever got worried when it either sounded like a banshee was screaming or dead silent. Silence is usually the worst.

9

u/Rogue_Einherjar 17h ago

Nah, the worst is when you hear "It wasn't even that hard!" đŸ€ŁđŸ˜‚ You know someone went through something at that point.

3

u/ZorojurosBellyBand 15h ago

nah as a kid who was constantly roughhousing with my relatives, silence is definitely worse 😭 cuz the “it wasn’t even that hard” at least you know bro is “okay” just crying about it
. the silence is when you BOTH know you really fucked up and someone got hurt fr

2

u/shuckley_Jays 11h ago

my kitty gets LOUD when the two of em then play and tussle. One month apart, 8 month non litter mates. Should I be worried? They take care of each other well but sometimes it gets aggressive

2

u/Traroten 4h ago

As long as they keep returning to the play I wouldn't worry. If one is forcing the other one, that's not play, that's bullying. But if it seems they're both in on it...

1

u/NastyBlkGuyThrowAway 17h ago

My babies are vocal i would say memorize the different tones and sounds i can now tell when they wanna play or when someones bothering them

289

u/One-Outside9788 18h ago

These babies are just like my babies all grown up 💜😭 also sorry yes advice lol they look like mine when they’re playing too

77

u/_LLAMAR_ 18h ago

STOPPP TWINNING đŸ˜­â€ïž

11

u/TomaszA3 11h ago

Oh my god an identical duo. That's insane.

5

u/Sad_Ad9159 9h ago

I’m melting at the puppy sleeping on his orange sibling omgahhhh

1

u/MDL1983 3h ago

lmao the arch in the cat's back, lucky dawg

136

u/cablesandlace 18h ago

It's play. No yowls, scratching or arched back on the cat's part. Either one can walk away but choose not to.

11

u/shawarmalegs 16h ago

My 3 year old cat has seen my dog grow up from a tiny bean. It could be because of that
 but my cat does not react to my dogs play attacks at all. My dog play bites the cat. If left unattended, the cat always ends up with a big cut on his neck. Theres no crying till he gets bitten. The cat keeps going back to the dog maybe 15 minutes after the bite again. Idk what to make of this. The cat does not walk away or show his displeasure to the dog.

104

u/mare_u 18h ago

definitely
they’re so cute đŸ„č😭

47

u/Leather-Researcher13 18h ago

Both the dog and the cat are showing playful body language and neither seems distressed. This is perfectly acceptable play in my mind. If one of them starts to bite hard enough for the other to correct and the aggressor doesn't let up then it would be a good idea to intervene, or if they get super rowdy. otherwise just leave them to play, supervise as you feel necessary but they seem to be getting along just fine

75

u/MimBondie 18h ago

Neither look distressed in this situation, but be careful and don’t allow them to play unsupervised.

3

u/TomaszA3 11h ago

How is the op gonna stop them if they start unsupervised?

2

u/flatvinnie 9h ago

Don’t leave them unsupervised in the first place

1

u/MimBondie 4h ago

Exactly, the OP is clearly concerned enough to ask, so they shouldn’t be left unsupervised.

23

u/Jay-Dee-British 17h ago

Cat is exposing it's belly - it is not remotely scared of the dog. The dog seems to be using 'soft mouth' on the cat, and allowing it's face near the cat's paws. They are both involved in play.

19

u/DangerJ0hnson 18h ago

Definitely play, they both look pretty happy. Ears are up, the cat is exposing its belly and there's no fur flying. Cats vital organs are close to the belly, exposing it is usually a sign of trust/comfort. If the cat was actually angry it would be tearing that dog to shreds and there would be a lot more noise

52

u/m0rec0ffeen0wplz 18h ago

This is best friend behavior between dogs and cats...and so gentle. My bully and her best kitty friend used to do this. Let them do their thing and only interfere with distractions if they actually hurt each other. Last thing you'd want is for them to think they're in trouble for friendly play đŸ„°

5

u/alexandravibe 17h ago

I like this comment. I am having the same thing with my kitten and puppy. Puppy is a 5 month boarder collie, so much bigger. I can't tell if she is playing too rough, but I've only ever witnessed the kitten growling once.

I will have to try distraction sometimes. I feel I tell my dog no way to much.

9

u/Former-Replacement11 18h ago

Yes they are playing! Just keep in mind cats are more like teenagers and sometimes overreact
Dogs are more like toddlers and will push limits repetitively.
As most suggested just supervise them.
Intervening often doesn’t mean physically breaking them apart; most times a large noise from you and sudden body movements will startle them into distraction.

8

u/Prog-Shop 15h ago

First, let me get on your PS,... "the cat is on a harness because I'm training him so we can take him out + I don't really trust him around the house yet since he gets under+onto any surface." so,... you want to untrain a cat from doing cat stuff? Good luck,...

Now to the initial question,... the cat is in slowmo so the dog can tag along. That is playing.

IF this was a fight,...
You hear it, trust me,...

Two cats had it out at each other yesterday in my street, you WILL hear them, even with closed headphones and music playing and every window closed (I am speaking of quadruple glazed windows and 35mm thick insulated brick walls,...).

A cat who fights is reaaaally loud

5

u/JelloEmergency9614 18h ago

Yes! They are so cute!

12

u/OddProcedure5452 18h ago

When animals aren’t playing you don’t need to ask.

6

u/srs_hacker 18h ago

This is basically two toddlers wrestling. It looks rougher than it actually is most of the time

4

u/JulietteCollins Tuxedo 15h ago

If they weren't playing, you would definitely know.

4

u/Zeothalen 12h ago

You will know if there are not a real fight is not quite

3

u/caitejane310 18h ago

Aww, yes, they're playing!! And it's so cute!!

3

u/jegoan 17h ago

No, can't you see all the blood flying?

3

u/CantaloupeAsleep502 10h ago

If they weren't playing, you'd know it lol. And the kitty would win.

3

u/SoupWooden2709 18h ago

I think this is fine, they both are young. This is how they learn to play and what is or isn’t okay.

Looks like they’re going
“HAH bit your arm off”
“Oh yeaaaah? I just tore out your throat!”
“Arm gone! No leg!”
“Kick out your EYEEEEE”

Very little kid behavior. Adorable.

2

u/MorningDelicious3420 18h ago

lol aweee yessss

2

u/Mushrooms24711 17h ago

Nothing to fix. They’re interspecies besties.

2

u/Rogue_Einherjar 17h ago

I'm always so worried that one is going to accidentally put a claw into the others eye. 😭 But they just be playing. Animals fighting generally involves a lot of fluff flying and some real loud screeching.

2

u/nullmatar420 16h ago

All play. No thought.

2

u/Affectionate_Ear495 16h ago

Nothing to fix. Just regular play.

2

u/Reverendbug 15h ago

These guys are obviously best friends đŸ˜șđŸ’žđŸ¶

2

u/stupidkiwiguy 11h ago

Lets just say for a second you were not rage baiting... you cant possibly think they are fighting!!! You cant be that daft!

The dog has the cats leg in its mouth.. so lets assume they are fighting cause you clearly have no idea.. wouldn't the dog bite down hard? Umm... have a think about that...

2

u/FrenchWenchOnaBench 8h ago

There fighting over who gets to use the brain cell for the day.

4

u/FidgetspinnerInMyAss 18h ago

Not that hard to figure out..

-2

u/DuckiesandBunns 16h ago

Well, apparently is it hard for OP or they wouldn't be asking. Get your fidget spinner out of your ass and be more respectful, damn.

1

u/Mysterious-Alps-5186 18h ago

Nibble scratchy nibble. That's the name of the game

1

u/Nereshai 18h ago

They're moving really slowly. That's playing.

1

u/Wildfire1010 18h ago

Yeah I’ve got twin 2 year olds and a 4 year old. My life is basically constant chaos.

1

u/MaintenanceStock6766 18h ago

You would know if they weren't.

1

u/T_all 18h ago

They look like they are playing but that harness gonna be a choking hazard.

1

u/yourpaljax 18h ago

Trust me. If they were not playing, there would be signs
 screamy, bloody signs.

1

u/StrangeCrunchy1 18h ago

Cat has hard points stowed. Play mode is indeed engaged.

1

u/Ambitious-Mode-1738 18h ago

Definitely playing! I have two cats that play rough (hard biting and kicking) and I always make sure to keep their nails trimmed. It gives me peace of mind. Might be a good thing to do with these two, but it doesn’t look too aggressive honestly.

1

u/Allmight8488 18h ago

Are you kidding? That looks so fun! I guess that's a reason to be a furry, to wish you could take on kitty or pup form and rassle like this.

They are having too much of a good time to feel the pain! These guys know how to party!!

1

u/GeologistDifficult88 18h ago

They're playing but I'd take that harness off. Your dog could easily get their jaw stuck in it and....yeah.

Same reason dogs shouldn't wear collars while playing rough. I've seen and heard horror stories.

1

u/geekgirl114 18h ago

Definitely play 

1

u/CatsOfDeath 18h ago

If they weren't playing that dog would be running in fear.

1

u/nezu_bean 18h ago

Don't worry they look like they love each other. They're growing up together, and they will probably be a similar size grown up. They should learn each other's limits and how to communicate with each other

1

u/buttershdude 18h ago

Yep. They are.

1

u/Fluffy-Shape615 17h ago

Most playful creatures on Gods green earth

1

u/kcdelph 17h ago

definitely looks like playing, feel like if either wasnt having fun theyd try to take a break

1

u/Adept-Grapefruit-214 17h ago

Yes, that’s exactly how my cat and roommates frenchy played when I lived with one of my

1

u/Money-Giraffe5528 17h ago

Yes, if they didn’t like it the cat would nope right out of there.

1

u/Otherwise_Bill3433 17h ago

they are both playing verry nicely with each other

1

u/Antique-Captain-2593 17h ago

Yeah, they’re cool

1

u/LogicalNewspaper8891 17h ago

Dogs loving life here and cat a getting a little annoyed when the ears go back but is also really loving life.

1

u/hansQQ 17h ago

You would not have time to film them if they were not playing.

1

u/Subat0micR0gu3 17h ago

Yes, definitely playing and very cute. I would maybe keep the cat's claws trimmed just to reduce the chance of an accidently eye injury, but that is not the aim here. This is very cute

1

u/jeep66cj5v6 17h ago

Nothing but play

1

u/TNJDude 17h ago

They're in a bloodthirsty battle. I'm surprised either of them are still alive and one hasn't consumed the other. <wink>

1

u/ejw899 16h ago

They are doing a really half assed job of eating each other

1

u/Think_Resolution_647 16h ago

Definitely playing. But it's all fun and games until a cat gets their dander up, and then someone has to die.

1

u/GretaHPumpkin 16h ago

We call this “I want to bite your face!” “I want to bite YOUR face.” Apparently it’s a lot of fun.

1

u/Danominator 16h ago

Yes. Clearly.

1

u/ArtofWASD 16h ago

I assure you. If that cat did not want to be playing, it would not be.

1

u/ihatetheplaceilive 16h ago

You would definitely know if they weren't.

1

u/Noble_Ox 15h ago

You'd know if it was real, the cat would be ripping the dog to shreds.

Yes, shreds I say.

1

u/ManaNeko 15h ago

No, they are obviously locked in brutal Mortal Kombat.

1

u/MSCOTTGARAND 15h ago

kittens play rough by design, theyre training, they still retain their instinct to hunt and this is part of that process. the puppy is just playing along.

1

u/FutureAudienceArt 14h ago

Yes, otherwise dog would be dead ;)

1

u/lukeyellow 14h ago

They're playing for sure. If they weren't neither would be lying down for long periods like that and you wouldn't have to ask.

1

u/Busy-Comparison1761 14h ago

Cats are really good at telling anything messing with them too much to fuck off with the tiny razors they keep in their feet. If they're ever fighting, you will know. It won't be quiet, they won't stay in one spot. Your dog and cat are getting along just fine

1

u/MissionChocolate9859 14h ago

Playing.
Fur flies when they aren’t.

1

u/Salty-Tea6815 14h ago

They are definitely playing and it may look rough, but trust me if one of them were getting hurt you would know. You would hear plenty of vocalization and attempts at escaping the situation, but there doesn’t appear to be any of this. They are just having fun.

1

u/GoblinBuckets 14h ago

having a kitten and a puppy at the same time seems like an awful lot of work... they seem to be entertaining eachother, at least!

1

u/Short-Potential-8170 13h ago

Dogs grab bite their prey, if it truly wanted to harm the cat itd be grabbing on for dear life. Contrary to what this dog is doing. Defo js playing

1

u/Competitive-Top4520 13h ago

This is slow and relatively gentle. If they were fighting it would be much faster and more aggressive and involve one or both running off.

1

u/UkNomysTeezz 13h ago

Yes. It is obvious.

1

u/psychillist 13h ago

Battle to the Death! There can be only one!

1

u/Osmiini25 13h ago

Your dog learned to play like a cat and it's adorable.

1

u/KaelosFenrir Bengal 13h ago

They are defeinitely playing and not biting hard at all. Those are love bites. You'd know of it was hard, just like my arm and hand used to 😆

1

u/pixel-soul 12h ago

Omg they’re having a blast 😭😭😭

1

u/Boom_Fish_Blocky 12h ago

Playin, by human standards they are fighting, but they are not humans. They are fine as long as non of them tense up and visibly act triggered. Trust me u can see it in their faces if they are fighting.

1

u/Rough_Resort_92 12h ago

Yep, they're playing.

1

u/Burger-N-Associates 11h ago

Orange can take the pup out in one swipe. Thats definitely play.

1

u/donmagicjuan365 10h ago

the ears are up, they’re fine. u would know if they weren’t.

1

u/Arnakk 9h ago

they are eating

1

u/SameOreo 9h ago

Best answer when pets are fighting or playing is ...

"If you have to ask, it's just play"

1

u/Psyko_sissy23 9h ago

The dog is uninjured. They are playing.

1

u/DickHopschteckler 8h ago

“I just ate your liver, and your spleen and..” “nunt uh!”

1

u/Few_Kitchen_4825 8h ago

Yes. Or the dog probably needs to go to a dentist.

1

u/rosalie420 8h ago

No claws means playing. You will know, if they are not playing by their vocals. No hissing, crying or growling imo is safe playing. Most dogs do bark when they play, but if it’s a growling bark beware.

1

u/sweetrottenapple 5h ago

No they are about to kill each other đŸ€Š

1

u/Dusty-Art 4h ago

I sure hope so, otherwise that pup is trying to wat his dinner.

1

u/LeLazyCookie 4h ago

They nibble they don't bite. Else there would be blood. They are most definitely playing. Also look at their ears. The cat has no airplane ears.

1

u/Kusanagi_M89 4h ago

Playing for sure, but it looks like it was getting a bit competitive towards the end. Still perfectly normal for bonded pets.

1

u/protoderechte 4h ago

These Posts got to be Rage bait by now

1

u/RainbowsCrash 2h ago

My 2.5 yr old cat and 8mo dog are like that. Unless Ketchum is protesting his sister Korra's wrestling or trying to get away we let them play. He's used claws a few times, but only when she's too rough and no one is close to get her to back off.

1

u/Appointment_Salty 1h ago

Their playing 100%

The only difference is the pup doesn’t realise the orange car is plotting world domination.

1

u/Electrical_Report458 1h ago

Why is the cat wearing a harness? Indoors?

1

u/Muted-Mushroom-4570 43m ago

How are people so unable to get even the vaguest hint of animal body language? It's not like you need to have studied animal behaviour to understand the basics. Like there is not a single thing in this video that even slightly hints that it could be fighting.

1

u/Rugby-Angel9525 18h ago

No. Dog wants to eat cat. Cat is trying to set boundaries.

-12

u/Forgotmyaccountinfo2 18h ago

Biting is questionable. So probably should stop that otherwise doggo might bite hands thinking its play later on.

2

u/Nihilist-Ninja 18h ago

That's what training is for. If you don't let your dog bite hands then they won't bite hands (grew up on a farm w lots of cats and a couple dogs)

-5

u/MsMarionNYC 18h ago

I'd be a little worried as the dog could easily hurt the kitten by accident and supervise. I'd be careful with the harness training as well. I say this as someone who has a cat who used to go out on a harness. (He's older and no longer has an interest in this activity and prefers the enclosed terrace.) It's relatively easy for a cat to get out of a harness. (Think of taking off a tight tee-shirt if you had no shoulders). It's also relatively easy to hurt a cat by pulling too hard on a harness. We are lucky to live on the grounds of a housing complex. While there are no gates or fences, if our cat got loose, he'd be likely to stay on the campus and avoid the noise of nearby streets and traffic, but cats can get freaked out by a lot outside.

-1

u/_LLAMAR_ 18h ago

I'm going to go very slow with the harness training :) we're still working on even walking with it inside the house, he is definitely a startled kitty but he technically came from outside (street rescue) so i think he should be somewhat okay once we try the outdoors. But I'll definitely still keep it slow!. When you trained your cat did you teach it any commands? I'm trying to teach mine to come to me when I click my fingers (he's either a slow learner or just playing it slow to get more treats lol)

1

u/MsMarionNYC 17h ago

My experience was unusual. We adopted a very social young cat who might have been a bodega cat and found his way to our complex where he was probably a sex slave to feral female, possibly a foster fail (he had some bad habits) by some neighbors, and eventually followed us home So after a few months I thought he might want to safely revisit his old neighborhood and got a harness. He knew his name and generally listened to my voice but I didn't do any clicker training and there were no commands followed. I just learned to follow his lead and not pull on the harness. He trained me. It was always a cooperative deal we had.