Unfortunately, it can be very stressful to find your cats fighting against each other in your household. This usually happens when you’ve adopted a new cat and wish that your existing cat would gladly accept this new member of the family. In case the introductions did not go too well, here are some insights on what can trigger aggression between cats and some things you can try to pacify them.
Fear Aggression
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Fear aggression is one of the most common reasons why cats fight. For example, a cat might react aggressively when it encounters an unfamiliar cat in its surroundings without a proper introduction. Fear aggression can also occur when a dominant cat bullies a submissive cat, or when a friendly cat tries to approach a shy cat. In these scenarios, the submissive or shy cat may respond with aggression. Additionally, a scared cat might try to escape or assume a defensive position before launching an offensive response. Once extremely threatened, the scared cat may initiate a fight by lunging at the other cat.
Play Aggression
Play aggression is another reason why cats may fight. A cat might show signs of play aggression when interacting with another cat if it hasn’t had enough exercise or playtime during the day, or if it is not sociable enough as a kitten. Alternatively, the cat may not have been provided with proper alternative outlets during playtime.
This can result in injuries, especially if the aggressive cat bites, pounces, and stalks intensely during play. Although play aggression is more common in kittens, it can also occur in cats under two years old who have not had experience playing with other cats. It is healthy for cats to groom and play with each other; however, it is important to differentiate between proper play behavior and dominance.
Some signs to watch for include taking breaks from grooming or playing, shifting between submissive and dominant postures, gentle mouthing or rubbing, carefree and loose body movements, and ears pointed forward. A cat about to attack might start thrashing its tail side to side, puff up its fur, lay its ears flat, or show dilated pupils.
Territorial Aggression
Territorial aggression is another common cause of cat fights. Territory fights can occur when new cats are introduced or as hostile feelings develop over time and a social hierarchy needs to be established. It’s common for cats to claim territories and secure valuable resources, such as food and water sources, human attention, toys, litter boxes, and high perching spots. For example, if there is only one perfect spot for watching birds and other prey, the cats are likely to fight over this valuable area.
Redirected Aggression
Redirected aggression happens when a cat’s aggression is shifted from the original source, such as a loud noise or the sight of an unfamiliar cat. In these cases, the cat fails to respond immediately to the external stimulus, becomes upset, and then releases its anger on another cat in the household.
How to Stop Cats from Fighting Against Each Other
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The best way to stop cats from fighting is to redirect their attention. This can be done by making a sudden noise (for example, hissing from a can) or directing them toward an appropriate toy when improper play behavior is observed. Avoid yelling, making loud noises, or using physical punishment, as these actions can increase their anxiety, fear, or aggression. Also, do not attempt to pull the cats apart or use your hands to stop them, as you could get injured.
How Can Cats Get Along
The good news is that there are calming products available to help manage fighting cats. You could also consider anti-anxiety medications to calm aggressive cats, especially those that instigate fights. For a long-term solution, it is essential to address the root cause of their aggression.
Fear Aggression and Territorial Aggression
Status-induced, inter-cat, and territorial aggression can be reduced by providing each cat with its own space and abundant resources, such as food and water sources, plenty of attention and toys, several cat trees, and litter boxes placed far enough apart to prevent squabbles. Cats with personality issues or those introduced too quickly can benefit from a reintroduction protocol. Follow these steps:
- Place the cats separately in their own spaces with access to the outdoors, toys, a perch, a litter box, and some food and water.
- Allow the cats to switch spaces so they can spend some time alone in each other’s rooms.
- After several days or weeks, allow the cats to spend more time together, starting in crates so they can see and smell each other without interacting aggressively. Gradually, they can share a room freely if no aggressive behaviors occur. Provide praise and attention only when they are calm.
When handling this situation, it is vital to have realistic goals. For some cats, the goal might not be to become best friends, but simply to coexist peacefully. If you can get the cats to avoid fighting and ignore each other, that is already a success. The goal is to help the fearful cat gain confidence to claim its own territory (with its own cat tree, litter box, and food and water) while ensuring that the dominant cat stops bothering the fearful one.
Redirected Aggression
Managing redirected aggression can be as simple as removing the trigger from the cat’s view. For instance, if your cat becomes aggressive when it notices unfamiliar cats or other animals, simply pull the blinds over the windows.
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