Around 43% of cats live in multi-cat houses, and according to International Cat Care, this is a rising trend, with many more cat owners taking on more than one cat. Perhaps this is also why an increasing number of responsible cat owners are starting to ask the question, how do you stop cats from fighting?
While occasional growling and tussling among cats are normal in a multi-cat environment, frequent and aggressive fighting can indicate a more serious issue that requires attention. Many cat owners seek ways to help their cats get along peacefully, but without proper information, they may tolerate the situation, hoping it will resolve itself over time. However, ignoring harmful fighting between your cats may impact their physical and mental well-being and sense of safety and lead to even more serious problems.
If you’re a cat owner dealing with a cat-fighting problem, don’t worry. In this article, I’m going to provide valuable insight into why cats fight and how to stop house cars from fighting, creating a peaceful and harmonious home for all your furry friends.
Why Do Cats Fight?
Our fluffy friends fight for a mix of instinctive and environmental reasons. It’s not exactly surprising that they are fighters because, as we know, cats are born to be fearless hunters. Also, whilst not completely solitary, predators tend to hunt alone and like to have their own source of water, and they may see other cats as competition for food and resources. This makes cats quite aggressive towards other cats in their space. If you want to know how to stop house cats from fighting and how to help cats get along, it’s important to understand the different types of aggression in cats and what causes it.
Play Aggression: Kittens love to play, but their claws can turn playful interactions into accidental fights. My cats, Lucy and Bean, may be brothers, but they have their fair share of conflict. I’ve often seen playful chasing turn into swiping and hissing. Keeping play sessions shorter and calmer can sometimes prevent these moments from escalating.
Food Aggression: Competition for resources is a basic drive in many animal species. Some cats, especially those that have been “rescued” from living on the streets or perhaps were mistreated as kittens, may develop cat food aggression if they feel food is something they need to fight for. Usually, as a cat gets comfortable and more trusting, this food aggression can decrease. However, if the issue persists, providing cats with secure and uninterrupted access to their food can help prevent fighting due to food aggression.
Fear Aggression: When startled or uneasy, cats may react as a defence mechanism. One afternoon, Lucy and Bean were playing on the couch when a loud bang from the building site next door startled Bean. Being startled himself, Bean then startled Lucy—and then it was on! Situations like this remind us how quickly external factors can trigger fights.
Maternal Aggression: Nursing mothers can become extremely protective if they sense their kittens are threatened. There are few mothers of any species who would be okay with people threatening their young. If you’re going to introduce anyone to the kittens, make sure the mother cat already knows them, and watch her carefully for signs of aggression.
Territorial Aggression: Cats are instinctively driven to defend their territory. In the wild, they protect their hunting grounds from competitors. Stray neighbourhood cats can put our house cats on edge and make them more prone to aggression as a defensive response. Even in the cushy palace of modern cat ownership, cats can revert to their natural instincts when something unexpected happens.
Redirected Aggression: Cats frustrated by something outside their control, like another cat teasing them from outside a window, can redirect their aggression toward other cats in the household. We can help by managing these triggers. For example, turning on sprinklers to scare off a loitering outdoor cat or closing curtains to block their view can help reduce frustration.
Pain-Induced Aggression: Just as we can get irritable when unwell, a cat in pain may lash out if touched in sensitive areas. Regular vet checkups can help spot these issues early and prevent conflicts from arising.
Hormonal Aggression: Unneutered males, driven by testosterone, are prone to aggressive behaviours, especially when competing for dominance. Neutering might seem cruel, but it can prevent frustrating mating behaviours and territorial marking, improving your cat’s overall happiness.
By identifying the cause of a fight, you can better manage and reduce the chances of future aggression.
How to Stop Cats from Fighting
You’re not going to check aggression completely, but there’s a lot you can do to stop house cats from fighting. Firstly, it’s important to learn why cats fight, what is triggering the aggression, and put things in place to manage these triggers. Then, when you become aware of cats growling or that your house cat fighting is about to begin, it’s crucial to act swiftly and calmly to break up the fight. Knowing the signs of escalating aggression and how to reintroduce cats afterwards can make a significant difference.
Stay Calm and Avoid Physical Intervention
Cats pick up on your emotions, so it’s essential to model calm behaviour. Use a steady tone of voice and avoid sudden movements. Never attempt to physically separate fighting cats, as you risk injury.
When my cats, Lucy and Bean, start fighting, rather than getting in between them myself, I grab a pillow from the bedroom and gently place it between them. They often scratch and bite the pillow as much as they like, and I usually use it to gently separate them until one of them runs away. Usually, one or both cats are just looking for an opportunity to get safely away from the fight, so this technique of using a barrier can help them feel safe enough to turn their back on the situation and run.
Distract Them
Another way of breaking your cat’s attention away from each other and the escalating fight is to distract both of them with something external to their interaction. Clap your hands, shake a jar of coins, or toss a soft object near the cats to break their focus and de-escalate the fight. We don’t want to scare them, but we do want to startle them and redirect their energy. Some cats also respond well to attention-grabbing toys that quickly shift their focus.
Separate the Cats
If it’s possible, guide the cats to separate rooms to cool off individually. Just like people who’ve had a fight, they need to cool off, and a space of their own might be just the thing to reset their mood. This is also a great strategy for a post-fight management routine, where you allow the cats to calm down and shake the fight response by allowing them each to feel safe.
Assess for Injuries
After the cats have calmed, check each one for visible wounds. Contact a vet if there are any injuries to prevent infections or complications. Even minor scratches can lead to abscesses, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re unsure.
Steps to Prevent Future Cat Fights
Being proactive is the best way to maintain peace in your multi-cat household. Setting up a sensory-rich environment where cats can interact and play in healthy ways is a great way to help cats get along. Here’s how to create an environment that reduces the likelihood of fights:
Create a Resource-Rich Environment
That feline brain craves stimulation. Provide multiple feeding stations, litter boxes, and sleeping areas to reduce competition and cat food aggression. Cat netting can help by creating a safe, enclosed outdoor space where your cats can explore without feeling crowded indoors. It also offers mental enrichment and provides a secure retreat for cats needing alone time.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward calm, friendly behaviour with affection or treats. For example, if you see mutual grooming or relaxed sharing of space, reinforce this with scratches, pats, or treats. Just ensure that the rewards themselves don’t become a source of competition (especially if one or more cats have food aggression tendencies).
Try Pheromone Products
Cats respond very well to scent. Diffusers and sprays, such as Feliway, mimic natural calming pheromones that help reduce tension. These products are easy to use and can create a more peaceful atmosphere in your home.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Interactive toys, scratching posts, climbing structures, and enriching activities can keep your cats engaged and minimize boredom-induced aggression. Puzzle feeders and laser toys are also excellent options for reducing frustration and boosting physical activity.
Gradual Reintroduction
After a fight, reintroduce cats slowly. Use barriers like baby gates and watch their body language closely to ensure they are ready to interact peacefully. Start with short, supervised sessions and gradually increase their time together as long as no signs of aggression appear.
Desex to Reduce Aggression in Cats
Sex hormones often contribute to territorial and sexual aggression in cats. Female cats may show aggression when in heat, seeking a mate, while male cats tend to be territorial. Desexing, which involves removing the reproductive organs that produce testosterone, eliminates the source of these hormones. As a result, neutered or spayed cats are less likely to fight for territory or mates, significantly reducing aggressive behaviours.
How to Introduce a New Cat Without Fights
Introducing a new cat into the household can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can minimize stress for both cats. Remember that, in the wild, cats have their ways of dealing with each other, even if they’re solitary hunters. We need to encourage them to use those instincts and behaviours positively.
Keep Cats Separated Initially
Start by keeping the new cat in a safe room for 1–2 weeks. A safe room should include all essential resources: food, water, a litter box, and comfortable resting spots. This separation helps the new cat feel secure while letting the resident cat adjust to the idea of a new presence.
Scent Familiarization
Swap blankets or toys between the cats during the separation period. Doing this daily helps them associate the new scent with positive experiences.
Gradual Face-to-Face Introductions
Begin with supervised meetings using a barrier like a baby gate. Reward calm, non-aggressive interactions with treats or praise to reinforce positive behaviour. Pay close attention to body language, like relaxed tails and soft ears, which signal that they’re feeling comfortable.
What Not to Do When Cats Are Fighting
Avoid these common mistakes, as they can escalate aggression:
- Don’t Let Them Fight It Out: This can lead to injuries and lingering hostility.
- Don’t Use Hands to Separate Them: Always intervene using noise or objects to avoid being scratched or bitten.
- Don’t Punish Your Cats: Aggressive behaviour in response to punishment only worsens the situation.
- Don’t Leave Cats Alone Together After a Fight: Allow time for each cat to cool off in private spaces before reintroducing them.
Conclusion
Cats fight because they are naturally territorial and competitive. However, understanding their triggers and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce conflict. A resource-rich environment, positive reinforcement, and careful observation of body language are key to maintaining peace in your multi-cat household.
For ultimate safety and enrichment, consider a Kittysafe cat netting system. This secure setup allows your cats to enjoy outdoor time without stress, promoting harmony and happiness in your home.
FAQs
Should I separate my cats if they keep fighting?
There is no reason to separate them as long as they’re fighting for fun. If suddenly they become too aggressive and seem to harm each other, you can attempt to distract them with something else, like shaking a jar of coins, clapping hands, etc. This way, you are distracting them from each other. Don’t try to physically separate fighting cats, as this could lead to injury.
How do you break up two cats fighting?
You can try to place a soft barrier, like a pillow, between them to break their focus or use loud sounds to distract them from the fight.
How long does it take for cats to get used to each other?
It can take 8-12 months for new cats to become friends, although some cats may only ever get to the stage of just tolerating each other in the space rather than becoming friends.
How do I stop other cats from attacking my cat?
Keep your cat indoors, or provide them with a secure outdoor cat enclosure where they can spend time outdoors without the risk of getting into fights with other cats.
Is it normal for indoor cats to fight?
Yes. Even cats that are best of friends may have occasional fights with each other. Indoor cats that have been newly introduced to each other need time and space to adjust to decrease the severity and frequency of fighting.
Are hissing and growling normal when cats are introduced?
Yes, hissing and growling are normal behaviours that cats use with each other to set their boundaries and establish dominance. Given time, most cats will adapt to each other’s presence.
