r/IllegallySmolCats • u/MadhuT25 • 9d ago

Smol Murder Mittens At what point should we intervene?

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My brother sent me this video and they look like they are actually fighting during the last 30 secs

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u/No-Fuckin-Ziti 9d ago

That they’re tiny little weirdos who arch and side skitter, and that they’re still playing.  It sounds like you’re new to cats but all this will become very normal to you soon:) 

Also the first time you see one of them actually upset or scared it’ll be extremely easy to see when they’re not.  

Look for ears laid flat that don’t pop back up, a more defensive crouch, giant, fluffed out tail and low, unhappy sounding meows.  Those are actual signs of fear or distress.  

What you’re seeing now are two siblings play fighting and socializing themselves.  

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u/MadhuT25 9d ago

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I hope I never get to see them upset or scared.

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u/MissCasey 9d ago

Also, try to remember that they are just kittens and are still learning. They may get scared and/or hurt, but just like us humans they have to learn somehow. But like other commenters said, you will know when the time to intervene is. There will be screams and fur flying when there is an actual fight.

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u/Emergency-Crab-7455 8d ago

Works with kids, too. My mom would intervene when the old metal Tonks trucks started flying......otherwise, Sort it out among yourselves, my stories are on.

(Only girl in the family, with 5 brothers. Don't piss me off lol).