Are my kittens trying to kill each other???

[seriouslynonames]

We have a brother and sister pair, nearly 9 weeks old, got them last weekend. They play, snuggle, wash each other, but sometimes the playing turns really scrappy and it seems like they are properly going for each other - biting necks, ears, scratching very close to eyes etc.

Is this normal kitten behaviour or is it getting too rough? I have intervened a couple of times when it has got really bitey and rough as she is smaller than him. Although she certainly tries to give as good as she gets!

Grateful for others' experience of kitties this age!
Thanks!

It’s completely normal!!

They do look as if they're trying to kill each other. They learn how to not be too rough with each other and will tell each other when its too much

Totally normal, and can be hysterically funny. Great entertainment.

Yes, it's normal. They're just letting off steam.

Very normal and important for helping them build strength and coordination.

Don't you know the rules?!!! Kitten queries require pictures of said cute, fluffy kittens!!

But yes, totally normal behaviour

It's probably play fighting. If they use claws or hiss or screech and actually hurt each other it's more serious. But play fighting which looks real is normal.

They’re trying, but they probably won't manage.

Normal, rather they go for each other than your furniture.

Itll be play fighting. My pair are brother and sister and he's always beating her up. I do intervene when hes too rough because hes twice her size. He pulled her off the footstool today by her neck. They're just over a year old. I hope he grows out of it!

Normal.

Kittens are tiny little cute psychopaths

Normal. Kittens take their play VERY seriously!

It doesn't stop when they grow either. Mine are boy/girl siblings, are 7 and I frequently have to stop them fighting. Two minutes later they're wrapped round each other either cleaning each other or asleep.

Thanks all, good to know it's normal (but it looks so ouchy!!). Hope they calm down a little bit, it's exhausting just watching!

Typical siblings 😁

I'm not sure we can properly advise without pictures. Need. Kitten. Pictures. Now.

As long as there are no injuries then they are play fighting. Mine are 3 now but will still have fights. They do hissing and yowling at each other before launching into a fist fight

Yes it's normal and why people say to have two kittens.

Otherwise they would be fighting YOU

My 11 year old sister cats still do this, but they are only playing, it never gets really rough :)