Are my kittens playing too aggressively?

Question

I have two kittens, they are both about 2 months old. One of them bites very hard, and when it bites the other kitten it will meow and sort of growl. This kitten seems like it wants to play with the other cat, but it also seems like it's complaining when it gets attacked so aggressively.

The kitten that bites hard will also play with my hand, which I read somewhere that that is a sign of aggression. My other kitten will not play with my hand, it'll pull out it's claws a little bit but it won't be like what the other kitten does. 

Also, they will wag their tails when playing, ears pulled back, etc.

So what are signs of play and signs of them being too aggressive? Also, any way to get the kittens to play nicer? I realize kittens do play aggressively, but it looks like the one kitten does not like it.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Generally kittens are good about letting each other know when enough is enough - that's why your kitten meows when the other cat is biting too hard. So long as they are not actually hurting each other and the calmer kitten can escape when it needs to, I wouldn't worry. This "playing" is actually an excellent way for them to learn social etiquette and boundaries.

shaycos · Answer

If theres clumps of fur everywhere and  spots of blood it is too aggressive.  When the kitten doing the hurting  gets whacked on the nose back it will realize it hurts and this is it's first lesson in fighting fair.   Luckily you have two so they will  teach each other to play gentle.   Mum kittys tend to teach their kittens this if you keep them  with their mother a llittle longer too.  Don't worry too much  just give them a little time.  They will sort themselves out.

Anonymous · Answer

That is normal. If a cat thinks that the other one is playing too hard, he/she will most likely run away. Don't worry too much about it.

Good luck!

Are my kittens playing too aggressively?

3 Answers