Bringing multiple cats into your home can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not always harmonious. Understanding why cats fight and how to manage their aggression is crucial for a peaceful coexistence. This guide delves into the common causes of feline conflict and provides practical solutions for cat owners.
Common Causes of Feline Aggression
Several factors can contribute to animosity between cats. One of the most frequent reasons is undersocialization. Cats that lacked positive interactions with other felines during their early development may exhibit fear and anxiety when introduced to new cats. This is because they are unfamiliar with feline social cues and may perceive the newcomer as a disruption to their established territory and routine. Cats are inherently territorial, and while some may tolerate overlapping spaces, others fiercely defend their boundaries. Conflicts are particularly common between two unneutered males or two unspayed females.
Beyond territorial disputes, personality clashes can also play a significant role. While we may not always select the ideal companions for our feline friends, sometimes even well-matched cats can develop issues. Unpleasant or frightening experiences, such as fireworks or a visit to the veterinarian, can become associated with another cat, leading to negative reactions. Additionally, as cats mature, their relationships can change. If aggression arises between cats aged one to three years, social maturation might be the underlying cause.
It’s important to note that any sudden behavioral changes in your cat could signal an underlying medical condition. If you observe unusual physical or behavioral symptoms, or if your cat stops eating, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Exploring Specific Types of Aggression
- Maternal Aggression: A mother cat may display hissing, growling, and swatting towards other cats that approach her kittens, even if they were previously friendly. This behavior typically subsides after kittens are weaned. Spaying maternally aggressive cats is recommended to prevent future litters and aggression issues.
- Play Aggression: Kittens and young cats often engage in boisterous play that mimics aggression. This includes stalking, chasing, pouncing, and mock fighting. Unlike true aggression, feline play is reciprocal, with roles frequently switching. During play, a cat’s ears are usually forward, claws might be extended but don’t cause harm, and their body posture is typically leaning forward.
Strategies for Managing Feline Conflict
Never allow your cats to “fight it out.” Fighting rarely resolves issues and often escalates aggression. Instead, interrupt aggressive encounters with a loud clap of your hands or a spray from a water gun.
Neuter your cats. Intact males are especially prone to aggressive behaviors.
Separate their resources. To reduce competition, provide multiple, identical food bowls, beds, and litter boxes in different locations throughout your home.
Offer additional perches and hiding spots. This allows cats to create their own space and distance themselves when they feel the need.
Avoid comforting an aggressive cat. If your cat is aggressive, give her space. Approaching her may lead to redirected aggression towards you.
Reward positive interactions. Offer praise or treats when you observe your cats interacting in a friendly manner.
Consider using pheromones. Diffusers that mimic natural cat facial pheromones (undetectable by humans) can help reduce tension between cats. Use these while addressing the aggression.
Gradual Reintroduction for Mild or Previously Friendly Cats
If the aggression is mild or occurs between cats who previously got along, a structured reintroduction process is recommended:
- Initial Separation: Keep cats in separate rooms for several days to weeks, each with their own food bowls, beds, and litter boxes. They can hear and smell each other but cannot interact.
- Scent Swapping: Place food bowls on opposite sides of a closed door to encourage positive association with proximity. Daily, have the cats switch rooms to experience each other’s scents and variations in their environment.
- Controlled Visual Contact: After several days of calm coexistence, slightly crack the door open. If both cats remain relaxed, gradually increase the opening. If any aggressive signs appear (growling, hissing, swatting), separate them immediately and repeat the process.
- Tuna Juice Method: Some owners have found success by rubbing tuna juice on their cats’ bodies and heads. The cats become preoccupied with grooming, a relaxing behavior, which can reduce their focus on each other. This may even lead to mutual grooming.
Reintroduction for Severe or New Conflicts
For severe aggression or between cats who have never coexisted peacefully, a more extended and gradual approach is necessary:
- Extended Separation: Maintain separation for a longer period, with reintroduction taking place over several weeks.
- Supervised Sessions: Instead of simply opening doors, conduct daily, supervised reintroduction sessions that gradually bring the cats closer together.
- Controlled Environment: Use harnesses and leashes or confine cats in crates during sessions to maintain control.
- Distraction and Positive Reinforcement: Keep both cats distracted with food or play during these sessions, starting from a distance. Keep sessions short and set them up for success.
- Prevent Relapse: Separate cats between sessions to avoid setbacks.
- Gradual Unsupervised Time: Only when cats can peacefully eat and play within a few feet of each other should they be left unsupervised for short periods. Gradually increase their time together.
- Behavioral Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a veterinarian can help reduce aggression in dominant cats and fear in timid cats, facilitating a smoother reintroduction.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your cats continue to struggle to get along despite your best efforts, do not hesitate to contact a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB). These experts can assess the situation and provide tailored guidance to manage or resolve the conflict. You can find resources for locating a behaviorist through organizations like the ASPCA.
In some instances, certain cats may simply not be compatible. Forcing them to live in a state of chronic stress is unhealthy for everyone involved. In such situations, permanent separation within the home or finding a new home for one of the cats might be the most humane solution.
