Dealing with inter-cat aggression in your home can feel like hosting a family reunion where no one quite gets along! The constant staring matches, the silent stalking, and that sudden explosion of fur—it’s enough to make any cat guardian nervous. But fear not! Here’s a guide on how to handle inter-cat aggression without losing your cool.
What is Inter-Cat Aggression?
First things first: not all cat brawls are a cause for concern. If your tomcat is having a go outside with a roaming tomcat over turf, that’s pretty standard fare. But if the claws come out between housemates, we’re dealing with something more serious. Inter-cat aggression inside your home is often not about territory but social dynamics and resources. In other words, it’s the kitty version of “Who’s the boss?”—and it can get ugly.
When one cat starts acting like the school bully, you’ll see behaviour like:
- Staring contests: One cat is giving the other a stare so intense you’d think it was laser tag.
- Blocking access: Your bully cat may guard the litterbox or the comfy couch, denying the other cat access.
- Pursuing the victim: Like a determined shadow, the aggressor will follow the other cat around, even after they’ve tried to escape.
If this sounds like your household, don’t worry—we can help! Cats are complex creatures, and their aggression can be as subtle as a look or as dramatic as an all-out fight.
Signs You’ve Got a Problem
How do you know it’s time to step in? The victim cat will give you plenty of clues:
- Hiding: The shy cats will do everything in their power to avoid confrontation, even if it means missing meals or avoiding the litterbox.
- Vocalising: Hissing, growling, or yowling may occur when tensions rise. Not all cats will back down though—some will stand their ground and engage in a showdown.
- Marking territory: One or both cats might start spraying urine, even if they’re neutered or spayed.
Busting Myths
Let’s clear up a few common myths and answer some questions about inter-cat aggression:
MYTH 1: “The cats will work it out on their own.”
=FACT: Wrong. If one cat is harassing the other, it’s not just a passing squabble—they’re not about to become mates without your help.
MYTH 2: “Cats are loners and naturally aggressive.”
=FACT: Nope! Cats can be social and develop strong bonds. But just like us, they have social rules—and when those are broken, fights can erupt.
QUESTION: “Do I have to re-home one of my cats?”
=ANSWER: Only in extreme cases. With proper management, you can restore peace. Though, in severe cases, finding a new home for one might be a last-resort option.
What Can You Do?
1. Management is Key:
Separate the cats if they’re actively scrapping. Think of this like giving them time-outs in different rooms. Separate litterboxes, food, and water are a must. If your space is limited, consider rotating the cats between different areas to give them a break from each other. This may need to be for a day, or a week or even longer in some cases. Cats can remain “twitchy” after a fight for up to 3 days, leading to an increased risk of fighting if they are reintroduced too soon.
2. Supervised Visits Only:
If you’re letting them interact, always supervise. Belling the bully cat with a breakaway collar can help the victim know when trouble is approaching. It’s a bit like giving the underdog a heads-up that trouble is on the way. The gradual introduction and use of harnesses and leashes can provide a safe way to keep the feuding felines at a safe distance from each other. Catventure harnesses are our pick of the bunch: https://catharnessaustralia.com.au/products/catventure-cat-harness
3. Interrupt Aggression Safely:
Never stick your hand between fighting cats—unless you fancy a trip to the ER. Instead, use a blanket, cardboard, or even a broom to gently separate them. A loud noise (but not too scary) like clapping can help break up a fight too.
Once the aggressor is distracted, use the above methods to safely move the aggressor into a room with food, water, litter access and bedding to chill out.
4. Behaviour Modification:
This takes patience, but it works! Reward calm behaviour from the bully and help the victim feel safe. If the victim cat is super anxious, medication might be necessary. Just like in human therapy, changing behaviour takes time and positive reinforcement.
5. Medication Might Be Necessary:
For serious cases, chat with your vet about whether medication could help ease tensions. Sometimes a chilled-out cat is a happier, friendlier one. Anti-anxiety meds can work wonders for both the aggressor and the victim.
Final Thoughts
The key takeaway here is that managing inter-cat aggression isn’t about punishing the bully or coddling the victim—it’s about balancing their relationship with the right mix of separation, supervision, and reward-based behaviour changes. If all else fails, a bit of patience and some professional guidance can work wonders to restore harmony in your multi-cat household.
So, don’t give up hope. With a bit of strategy and persistence, your cats can live together peacefully—or at least learn to tolerate each other. Reach out to us for tailor-made strategies in the comfort of your own home.