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Play often involves predatory‐like stalking, chasing, pouncing, scratching, and biting. This is considered a normal behavior in kittens and some adults, but aggressive play may be abnormal or warrant intervention if the biting and scratching are intense or the target of play attacks is vulnerable (e.g., child or senior person, geriatric cat). Kittens and cats who were hand raised, separated from littermates at a young age, or singleton kittens are more likely to display more frequent and intense play aggression (Mendl 1988).

Play is a normal aspect of development, and suppression of play may lead to long‐term problems. Aversive punishment is likely to create lasting associations of fear and frustration. The most appropriate methods for reducing play aggression are providing ample opportunities for play with appropriate toys, eliminating use of human hands or feet for play, and managing the environment to reduce exposure to inappropriate targets. For example, a family may keep a basket of toys handy and toss one of the objects in the opposite direction for a cat that tends to stalk and bite the ankles of people walking past a certain doorway.