Cat Growls at Me When Playing With Toys

Imagine this: you’re playing with your cat using a feather toy. Your cat pounces on the toy and catches it. Suddenly, you hear a low growl. You might be worried, but you don’t need to be! It’s actually pretty normal for cats to growl when they play. Let’s talk about why.

Why does my cat growl at me when playing with toys?

Cats are natural hunters. Even though your house cat may never have to hunt for their food, they still have those instincts. When your cat plays with a toy, especially a feathery one, they see it as prey. They’re practicing their hunting skills!

Why Do Cats Growl When They Play?

Growling, hissing, and even spitting are normal cat behaviors. They are ways cats communicate. It might seem scary when your cat growls at you, but they probably aren’t being aggressive. They’re just really into the game!

When a cat catches their “prey,” they may growl to:

• Show excitement: They’re happy they caught the toy!
• Show dominance: They’re saying, “This is mine!”
• Warn others: They’re telling you (and other pets) to stay away from their catch.

Many people who own cats have said that their cats growl when they play.

Is My Cat Really Playing, Or Are They Mad?

It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s body language. This will help you understand if they’re playing or if they’re actually getting aggressive.

Here are some signs that your cat is just playing:

• Their body is relaxed.
• Their tail is up in the air.
• They’re batting at the toy, tossing it, or kicking it with their back legs.
• Their ears are forward, not flattened.
• They aren’t showing their teeth.

If your cat shows these signs, they’re probably just having fun!

However, if your cat shows these signs, they may be feeling aggressive:

• Their body is stiff.
• Their pupils are big.
• Their ears are flattened against their head.
• They’re hissing or spitting.
• They’re swatting at you or biting.

If your cat is acting aggressively, stop playing with them and give them space. You might even want to leave the room for a bit. If your cat continues to be aggressive, talk to your vet or a cat behavior expert. They can help you figure out why your cat is acting this way.

How to Have Safe and Fun Playtime with Your Cat

Here are some tips to make sure playtime is fun for both you and your cat:

• Use good toys: Toys like feather wands or toys that look like fishing rods are great because they let your cat use their hunting instincts.
• Make the toy move like real prey: Don’t just wave the toy around! Move it like a bird or mouse would move, with quick movements and pauses. This lets your cat stalk the toy and pounce on it.
• Let your cat win: Let your cat catch the toy sometimes. This makes them feel good, like they had a successful hunt.
• Don’t use your hands as toys: If you use your hands to play with your cat, they might start biting and scratching you because they won’t know the difference between your hand and a toy.
• Give your cat space if they need it: If your cat starts acting overstimulated or aggressive, stop playing and give them some space.
• Use lots of different toys: Change up your cat’s toys often so they don’t get bored.

Remember, Every Cat Is Different

Each cat has their own personality. Some cats are naturally more playful and might growl more during playtime. It’s important to learn what’s normal for your cat. Pay attention to how they act and what they’re trying to tell you.

By understanding your cat, you can make playtime fun and safe for both of you!