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Owning a pet can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with its share of challenges. One of the biggest issues many pet owners face is when their pets don’t get along. If your cats are constantly fighting, here are some tips to help you get them back on good terms.
- All-you-can-eat buffet
- Multiple litter boxes
- Enriching the environment
- Provide places to isolate and retreat
- Do not intervene
- Pheromone therapy
How to deal with cats fighting and prevent it from happening again. You’ll discover possible causes, learn how to handle the situation and find out what can you do to help them resolve their issues.
Why Aren’t My Cats Getting Along
Do you have two cats that just can’t seem to get along? Are you constantly finding them hissing and fighting each other? It’s not uncommon for cats to have disagreements, but if it seems like they can’t stop fighting, there might be a reason why.
- The cat is a territorial animal
- The cat does not like change
- The cat is an anxious animal
- The cat has its own character
The Cat Is A Territorial Animal
If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know that they can be very particular about their territory. They may not seem like it, but cats are actually very social creatures. They form bonds with their fellow felines and often stay close to their furry companions. So when a new cat arrives on the scene, it can be quite disruptive to the established order.
The resident cat may feel threatened and will begin to assert its dominance. This can result in fighting, scratching and other territorial behaviors. In order to avoid this, it’s important to introduce new cats slowly and give them plenty of time to get to know each other before allowing them access to the same space.
The Cat Does Not Like Change
Cats are curious creatures by nature, and they often develop strong habits as a result. For example, many cats will thoroughly inspect any new object that enters their home, whether it’s a piece of furniture or a simple toy. This is because they want to ensure that the new object isn’t a threat to their territory.
Similarly, cats often become attached to specific items in their home, such as a favorite chair or cat tree. If you move these items, your cat may not be pleased because you’re disrupting his usual routine.
Finally, cats generally don’t like it when other animals enter their territory. If you bring a new cat into your home, your resident feline may give him a cold reception at first. However, over time he will likely adjust to the change and learn to coexist with his new furry friend.
The Cat Is An Anxious Animal
Most of us have had the experience of coming home to a stressed-out pet. They pace back and forth, they may be restless or agitated, and they may even lash out. While it’s tempting to chalk this up to “they just missed us,” the reality is that changes in their environment are a major source of stress for pets.
Sharing their space with other animals, or even just having their routine disrupted can be enough to send them into a tailspin. As pet owners, it’s important to be aware of this and take steps to minimize the stressors in our furry friends’ lives.
The Cat Has Its Own Character
While some cats seem to get along with any feline they meet, others can be quite choosy about their companions. In many cases, the differences in personality between two cats will determine whether or not they become friends.
For example, a more laid-back cat may be more likely to get along with a high-energy feline than one of its own kind. Conversely, a very social cat may have a harder time befriending a more independent kitty. Ultimately, each cat is unique, and it is up to them to decide who they want to spend their time with.
Read more about “What You Need To Know Bevor Getting Two Cats“.
When To Intervene And How?
Many people are unaware that cats communicate with each other through a variety of sounds and gestures. On a daily basis, cats may groan, grunt or pat each other. This is perfectly normal! In these cases, you should not intervene. Indeed, this is how our little felines define their territory and their place in the hierarchy.
You should only intervene when you sense a danger to one or the other. Cats should not be allowed to hurt or terrorize each other. The important thing is that your cats tolerate each other, and not hurt each other. They may never like each other, and may growl at each other all their lives, but that’s okay. As long as they are not harming each other, there is no need to worry.
It’s always upsetting to see our beloved cats fighting. We might think that the best way to intervene is to scream and punish them, but this will only make the situation worse. Instead, we should try to stay calm and use an external element to stop the momentum of the two cats, such as a cushion.
By remaining neutral, we can help to diffuse the conflict and prevent it from escalating further. In addition, it’s important to remember that one of our cats may be bullying the other. In this case, we should react in the same way – by remaining calm and using an external object to break up the fight.
By understanding how to properly respond to a cat fight, we can help to reduce the stress for everyone involved and prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
Behavioral Problems: A Consequence Of Misunderstanding Between Cats
Cats are notoriously independent creatures, so it’s not surprising that they sometimes have disagreements. However, these disputes can often have far-reaching consequences. An animal that feels uncomfortable in its environment is more likely to develop behavioral problems, such as aggression or anxiety. In addition, the stress of living in a constantly tense atmosphere can lead to physical health problems, such as a weakened immune system.
Just like humans, animals can experience extreme stress, which can lead to a variety of problems. One of the most common consequences of stress in animals is poor appetite. When an animal is stressed, its digestive system may shut down, making it difficult or even impossible to eat. Stress can also lead to hair loss, as well as behavioral problems such as aggression or withdrawn behavior. In severe cases, animals may even suffer from depression or anxiety.
Cat-aggression is a real problem that affects many felines and their owners. It can be directed towards other cats, animals, or even people. In some cases, aggression is simply a manifestation of fear or anxiety. However, in other cases, it may be the result of poor socialization or a prior traumatic experience. Whatever the cause, aggressiveness can be a serious problem for both cats and their owners.
Uncleanliness and/or destruction can often be a cat’s cry for help. When a cat is feeling psychological pain, they may express their unhappiness by going to the bathroom outside their litter box or by scratching up furniture. While it might be tempting to get mad at your cat for making a mess, it’s important to remember that they’re just trying to tell you that something is wrong.
What To Do?
If you’re living with multiple cats, you may have noticed some tension between them. Whether it’s increased scratching, urine marking, or simply a general sense of annoyance, it’s clear that they are having some problems getting along.
There are a few things you can do to help ease the tension and improve their relationship.
1. All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Cats are finicky eaters, and they can be very particular about their food. In the wild, cats typically eat small meals throughout the day, and they may have to compete with other animals for food. As a result, cats can become stressed when they don’t have access to food or when they have to share resources with other cats.
To ease the tension, it is essential to offer food at will (full bowls all day) and in at least two bowls placed in different rooms. This will give your cat a sense of security and help to prevent arguments over food. In addition, it is important to offer a variety of foods so that your cat doesn’t get bored with its meals.
2. Multiple Litter Boxes
Have you ever wondered why your cat has started peeing or pooping outside of their litter box? It may be because they don’t feel like they have enough options. The rule of thumb in multi-cat households is to have as many litter boxes as there are cats, plus one.
That is, for every two cats, you should ideally have three litter boxes, but hardly less than two. If you found urine or feces outside the box, chances are your poor tomcat couldn’t get into the litter box because it wasn’t in his territory. Multiple toilets, in addition to outdoor access (if possible), are essential.
3. Enriching The Environment
If you have two cats, you may have noticed that one is much more social than the other. The social cat may follow the other around, wanting to play or cuddle. This can be overwhelming for the less social cat, who just wants to be left alone. If your stalker cat is driving the other kitty crazy, there are a few things you can do to help. First, provide him with plenty of toys and scratching posts to keep him busy.
Interactive play sessions with you will also help tire him out. Finally, an observation post on the street or an aquarium can capture his attention and help him channel his energy. By keeping your stalker cat occupied, you can help reduce his need for constant attention and give the other cat some peace and quiet.
4. Provide Places To Isolate And Retreat
Cats prefer to do things on their own terms and can often be found hiding away in small spaces. For shy cats, these hiding spots provide a sense of safety and security. By giving your shy cat access to a variety of different hiding places, you can help him feel more comfortable in his environment.
Some good examples of potential hiding spots include under the bed, on top of a wardrobe, on a shelf, in a closet, or on top of the cat tree. If your cat enjoys spending time outdoors, you might also consider creating a safe space for him in a tree or kennel. By providing your shy cat with plenty of options for hiding away, you can help him feel more at ease in his surroundings.
Have you ever noticed that your cats’ territory seems to change throughout the day? It’s amazing, but very real! That’s why we recommend that you install several scratching posts, bowls, litter boxes and hiding places, and that you don’t leave the doors closed: that way, you can be sure that both of your cats have access to them at any time of the day. Cats are curious creatures, and they like to explore their surroundings.
5. Do Not Intervene
When you have multiple cats, it’s important to let them test each other out. Meowing, barking and bristling are all part of their communication and you shouldn’t interfere! Only intervene in the event of a very violent aggression that threatens the health of one of them. By allowing your cats to test each other, you’re helping them to establish a hierarchy and learn how to get along with each other. It may be difficult to watch at times, but it’s the best way to ensure that your cats will be happy and healthy together.
6. Pheromone therapy
If you’ve ever had more than one cat, you know that they can sometimes have issues getting along. One way to help them get along is to use Feliway products. Feliway comes in diffusers or sprays and emits synthetic pheromones that help cats feel at home and mark their territory. This can be a big help in easing tensions between your cats. Plus, it’s completely safe and natural, so you don’t have to worry about any side effects.
Call A Professional
If you think your cats are driving you crazy, you’re not alone. Many cat owners find themselves at wit’s end trying to dealing with their feline friends’ bad behavior. But before you give up hope, consider consulting with an animal behaviorist. These professionals are dedicated to helping owners understand and improve their cats’ behavior.
A behaviorist will come to your home and meet with you and your cats to get a better sense of the situation. He or she will then work with you to develop customized solutions that consider your individual living environment and needs. With the help of a behaviorist, you can learn how to better communicate with your cats and finally enjoy a peaceful household.