Cats are very territorial animals and it is not unusual for cats to fight. If you already live with a cat at home and you are thinking of bringing him a companion, you should bear in mind that they will fight at times. They are usually minor disputes but it is important that you know how to react to avoid injuries and problems from escalating.
Cats that freely enter and leave the house are more likely to run into a strange feline and fights can occur. As they occur outside the home, they are more difficult to avoid.
Why do cats fight?
It is impossible to determine exactly why two cats fight. We can only orient ourselves based on the cat character and the situation that occurs, trying to guess it. The main reasons that cause fights between cats are the following:
-
Fight for territory: Especially when a new feline comes home it is possible that cats that already live in the home show a certain rejection. There are snorts, ambushes and your cat may not let the new one access food or water. Depending on the character of the cats, if they are male or if they are not sterilized, injuries can occur if the enmity goes further. This situation can cause stress in the new feline and delay its adaptation to the house. To avoid these initial fights you must separate the feeders, so that the new feline has its own space. This will also prevent the original cat from feeling invaded when another cat uses its feeder.
- Fight for females: When multiple cats live together at home, including unsterilized males and females, many fights can occur. Especially during the mating season, the males will try to monopolize the female. Sterilization avoids these situations, makes coexistence easier and prevents unwanted pregnancies. Keep in mind that it is very difficult to keep an unspayed female away from males if they live in the same house. Informant in our article on the advantages of neutering a cat to learn more about the subject.
- Defense:When a cat feels threatened or cornered he can become very aggressive. May become frightened of a strange person, dog, or other unfamiliar cat. They feel especially scared if they are cornered and cannot escape from that situation.
If your cat bristles its tail, arches its back and begins to emit a hoarse growl, it means that it feels threatened or frightened. You should never try to pick him up or try to caress him. The best thing is to leave him alone, only if possible. Come back when I'm calmer. Keep in mind what has caused this situation since in similar situations he can even attack to defend himself
The arrival of a new cat
The arrival of a new cat at home is a very important event in the lives of our cats. They feel like the owners of your home, so a new feline is an invasion of their territory from the outset. That is why we must prepare the first visit of our new cat:
- Prepare an area for the new cat: he must have his own food and water. If at first contact he tries to eat from your original cat's bowl, your cat may react badly.
- Growls and Snorts: It is normal for the two cats to growl at first contact, stare at each other and be very cautious. You shouldn't worry, it's normal. Do not try to get them to play or get close from the first moment. They must do it on their own as the days go by.
- Gradual introduction: If possible, make the first visit last a few minutes and gradually allow them to share space. Locking the two in the same room without knowing each other will surely lead to a fight.
- Avoid Jealousy: Try to pay equal attention to both cats. Jealousy between cats can cause fighting. Keep this in mind especially the first few days.
- Catwalks: Preparing an environment in which a cat can hide, climb and feel more comfortable can greatly help cats first days are more positive. We encourage you to use walkways, ledges and bridges.
Preparing correctly for the arrival of the new individual can avoid fights and discomfort within the home. A responsible adoption should always consider these little details.
Game or fight?
Although your cats get along great, it is possible that from time to time there will be a fight. They have plenty of food and plenty of room, but they still fight. Don't worry, it's common, cats have a very special character and small disputes occur and are resolved between them.
Even so, fights are not good and we must know how to differentiate when our cats are playing or fighting. Sometimes, especially young cats, play very intensely and may growl or snort when the time comes. They are moments in which the game goes to more. The cats will work it out with each other. It is not advisable to intervene in these cases unless the fight has clearly gone on.
To know if it is a fight or a game between siblings we must observe and pay attention to each cat. If you know his personality you will be able to immediately recognize what situation is taking place.
How to stop a fight
To begin with, it is essential that you differentiate between a fight or the beginning of aggression with a simple alert Cats, like other animals, do not they can express to each other what they feel through words. For this reason, when faced with discomfort or discomfort, they respond by snorting, grunting and showing their teeth.
Repressing this natural behavior of the cat can lead to a surly and aggressive cat since we are teaching him not to growl, and therefore he could attack directlywithout prior notice. When our cat hisses at another cat, he is explaining what his limits are and how far he can go. Do not be alarmed.
It is important if we observe fights between our cats we do not allow them to go further. If we let them fight, they can get hurt in the ears or neck especially. They will get used to that relationship and it will be very difficult to rectify their behavior. When your cats start to peel, follow these tips:
- Don't try to separate them: When two cats are locked in a fight they can scratch or bite you if you try to separate them. Never put your hands between them.
- Get their attention: Say "No!" energetic or another high-pitched word. A whistle or a blow also goes. You must get the attention of the cats so that they stop paying attention to the fight. That will probably make the less dominant individual run away.
- Spray: You can use a water spray to correct them but this action could backfire on you, keep that in mind.
- Never use physical punishment: Assault is never productive. You will only make your relationship with your cat worse. Positive reinforcement should always be used. You can use rewards to reward them when they reconcile.
If your cats have had a fight or have been about to do so, it is best to try to anticipate and prevent it from happening again, keep reading and discover the proposals on our site.
How do I avoid fights?
To avoid fights between the cats in our house we must observe them and learn about their personalities. Each cat reacts differently to certain situations. Some are especially surly at the time of sharing food and others if they are disturbed when they sleep. Follow these tips:
- Anticiparte: When two cats are tense it's obvious. When you notice that they start looking for each other, get their attention and try to nip the discomfort in the bud. A simple word out loud can distract them and stop the discussion.
- Provide a pleasant atmosphere: Walkways, tranquility and relaxing music can help you create an appropriate environment for calm to reign In your home. If, on the other hand, you dedicate yourself to shouting, breaking objects and driving your cats crazy, it is very likely that a problem may arise.
- See what caused the dispute: Although sometimes we won't know the cause, other times we will. If you discover that the problem is that they compete for the same bed or the same toy, fix it. Buy another bed or another toy to avoid those fights. Using the litter box can also cause fights, get two litter boxes!
In a matter of weeks the new cat and the original will share games and probably a bed. Cats are very affectionate with each other, as soon as they get to know each other and have spent some time together without fighting, they will groom each other and their relationship will grow closer. It is very gratifying that our cats get along, since they will spend a lot of time together at home and in many cases without control of their owner.
And when I'm not at home?
Ideally, separate the cats in different areas of the house so they don't get to fight each other. In addition to radically avoiding any type of fight, it will help them relax and feel comfortable.
When separating them, don't forget that everyone should have access to food, fresh water, a litter box and a comfort zone. In addition, intelligence toys such as the kong, can help relieve your stress by promoting relaxation and stimulating your mind.
Also, you may be interested in…
- The skydiving cat syndrome
- Why are cats afraid of cucumbers?
- What to do if a cat scratches you
