Dealing with aggression between cats can be a stressful experience for both pets and their owners. Whether you have a new feline addition to the family or an existing multi-cat household, understanding the root causes and effective management strategies is crucial for fostering a peaceful environment. This guide explores common reasons for cat aggression and provides practical solutions.
Common Causes of Cat-to-Cat Aggression
Several factors can contribute to cats not getting along. One of the most prevalent is undersocialization, which occurs when a cat lacks positive experiences with other felines during its early developmental stages. Cats that grew up as solitary individuals may exhibit fear and discomfort when introduced to new cats due to unfamiliarity, a deficit in social skills, and a disruption to their established routines and territory. Cats are inherently territorial creatures, and while some may tolerate overlapping spaces, others strongly prefer to maintain distinct boundaries. This territoriality can be particularly pronounced between two unrelated male or female cats.
Another significant cause is a simple personality clash. Just as humans don’t always choose compatible housemates, cat owners may inadvertently select pets whose temperaments don’t align. In some instances, cats that previously coexisted peacefully may develop aggression after a negative or frightening experience becomes associated with the other cat, such as exposure to loud noises like fireworks or the distinct scent of a veterinary clinic. Relationships between cats can also evolve as they mature. If aggression emerges between one and three years of age, social maturation might be a contributing factor.
It’s important to note that any abrupt change in a cat’s behavior could signal an underlying medical condition. If you observe any unusual physical or behavioral symptoms, or if your cat stops eating, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Other Types of Aggression to Consider
Maternal Aggression: A mother cat protecting her litter may display hissing, growling, chasing, swatting, or biting towards other cats, even those she was previously friendly with. This behavior typically subsides once the kittens are weaned. Spaying maternally aggressive cats is recommended to prevent future litters and associated aggression issues.
Play Aggression: Kittens and young cats often engage in boisterous play that mimics aggression. This play involves stalking, chasing, pouncing, swatting, kicking, scratching, ambushing, attacking, and biting, all in a non-harmful context. Play is characterized by reciprocal roles, forward-leaning body language, and ears typically pointed forward. While claws may be extended, they do not cause injury during play.
Strategies for Managing Inter-Cat Aggression
A crucial principle in managing cat aggression is to never allow cats to “fight it out.” Fighting rarely resolves underlying issues and often exacerbates the problem. Instead, interrupt aggressive encounters with a loud noise, such as a clap of your hands, or a deterrent like a water gun.
Neutering is highly recommended, as intact male cats are particularly prone to aggressive behaviors.
To reduce competition and tension, separate their resources. Provide multiple, identical food bowls, beds, and litter boxes in different locations throughout your home. Offering additional perches and hiding spots will allow cats to maintain preferred distances and have safe spaces to retreat to.
If your cat is displaying aggression, do not attempt to comfort or soothe them. Instead, give them space. Approaching an aggressive cat may lead to redirected aggression towards you.
Reward desired behavior. Offer praise or treats when you observe your cats interacting in a friendly manner. Pheromones can also be beneficial. Products that mimic natural feline odors (imperceptible to humans) may help reduce tension. Using a diffuser can be particularly helpful while working through aggression issues.
Gradual Reintroduction Techniques
For Mild Aggression or Cats Who Previously Coexisted:
- Initial Separation: Isolate your cats in separate rooms for several days to weeks, ensuring each has their own bed, food bowls, and litter box. This allows them to hear and smell each other without direct interaction.
- Scent Swapping: Place food bowls on opposite sides of a closed door to encourage positive associations with proximity. Daily, have the cats switch rooms to experience environmental variation and each other’s scents. An assistant may be needed for safety during this process.
- Controlled Door Interaction: After several days, if both cats appear relaxed, slightly crack the door open. Gradually increase the opening if they remain calm. If aggressive behavior (growling, hissing, swatting) occurs, separate them again and restart the gradual reintroduction.
- Scent-Based Grooming: Some owners find success by rubbing a small amount of tuna juice on their cats’ bodies and heads. The cats become engrossed in grooming, a relaxing activity, which can reduce their focus on each other. This may even lead to mutual grooming if they cannot reach certain spots on their own heads.
For Severe Aggression or Cats Who Have Never Gotten Along:
- Extended Separation: Similar to the above, but extend the separation period. Reintroduction should be much slower, potentially spanning several weeks.
- Supervised Reintroduction Sessions: Instead of simply opening doors, conduct daily sessions that gradually bring the cats closer under strict supervision. Using harnesses and leashes or confining cats in crates can aid control.
- Distraction and Gradual Proximity: During sessions, distract cats with food or play. Begin with them at a significant distance and keep sessions short, ensuring their success.
- Prevent Relapse: Separate cats between sessions to avoid setbacks.
- Unsupervised Interaction: Only allow unsupervised interaction when cats can peacefully eat and play within a few feet of each other. Start with short durations and gradually increase the time they spend together.
- Behavioral Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce aggression in dominant cats or fear in timid ones, facilitating a smoother reintroduction process.
Seeking Professional Help
If your cats continue to exhibit aggression 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 qualified professionals can assess the situation and provide tailored guidance for managing or resolving the conflict.
In certain situations, some cats may simply be incompatible. Forcing them to endure chronic stress and tension is detrimental to everyone’s well-being. In such cases, permanent separation within the home or finding a new home for one of the cats may be the most humane solution.
