A fight between cats is a natural behavior, and the solution to getting a catfight to end is to understand why the cats are battling at the primary place. You may need to try a few solutions to end their conflict before getting one that runs well.
Why Do Cats Fight?
Have you just brought another new cat? Do you own a young pet who is entering physical maturity? Have you moved, leaving your cats to build new territories? The root cause will outline how you can solve your cats’ fights. The most usual reasons for a catfight are noted below:
1. Cats Fight Because of Hormones
Male cats usually engage in inter-cat fights, which happens when a cat enters physical maturity within 2-4 years of age. Although this kind of conflict is often noticed in males struggling for mates, it can happen between any sex when territorial battles arise.
The primary step for eliminating this kind of aggression is to neuter and spay your pets. If you have previously done so, pheromone products like Feliway can help overcome hostility.
Remember, you require coverage in each room of your home for it to be beneficial. Feliway now produces pheromone neckbands as well.
2. That “New Cat Smell” May Create a Cat Fight
When you introduce a new cat into the house, they will possess a new cat scent that screams “strange invader” to your resident cats. Many cats are more disturbed by this than others. Combining their scents can help the resolution of their fight.
Rub a towel above one, then rub the same cloth above the other cat to blend their smells.
3. Jealousy Causes Cats Fight
A new cat will nearly always receive more consideration from owners than their current brood does. Fixed out more one-on-one time with your other pets to ease their worries that the recent cat is taking all your love — and a typical reason for a catfight.
Jealousy is more probably a problem with the Siamese breed, as they are too friendly among their owners, and they will require loads of reassurance that their position in your heart is strong.
4. A Cat Aggression Might Be Territorial
Cats are territorial by nature if their area reaches no more than the end of your couch. When you bring a new cat, they will need to set territory, and your old breeds will need to protect theirs. It usually results in a conflict.
All of your cats almost have a “place” they call their own. Restrain the new cat from using one of these places by offering them their own unique place. Spray it with catnip and fix a towel with its odor on it.
Consider giving the new cat its own cat tree. So, new cats don’t steal your existing cats’ territory and can consider it as their own with their scent. Or, set new separate “cat spaces” in your house.
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How to Help Cats Get Along?
Solution for aggression or combat within cats differs depending on the kind of offensive behavior but may include desensitization, drug therapy, or counter-conditioning methods.
Control methods for cat hostility include:
- Neuter or spay your cats. Combat is normal between unneutered males, and intact females tend to have litters, leading to a parental fight.
- Offer extra perches and hiding sites, such as cat trees and boxes. It lets your pet(s) escape and disappears when they feel unsafe or terrified.
- Have an abundance of cats’ assets. Multiple water bowls and foods, perches, litter boxes, and games can prevent battling over resources.
- Try practicing pheromones. These are products that mimic an actual cat smell, which may help reduce aggression.
- Keep cats separated, particularly during mealtime. The division may require only some days, but if the aggression is stubborn and rigid, it may need a few weeks before you can slowly reintroduce the cats.
Understanding Feline Body Language
Your cat’s body, eyes, tail, and ears all attempt to express their emotions with you and with other cats and mammals. A few postures and signs to watch for include:
- If your cat’s ears are sideways, backward, or lying flat (“airplane ears”), they’re probably irritated, annoyed, or afraid.
- If their pupils are enlarged, they may be feeling submissive or worried, or defensively hostile.
- If their tail is kept low or tucked within their legs, they may be feeling worried. If it’s swinging forth and back, they’re possibly disturbed.
- If their backs are arched and their fur stands on end, they may be frightened or offended.
Cats’ vocalizations also express their feelings:
- Hissing or growling signifies your cat is annoyed, offended, or scared.
- Howling or yowling indicates your cat is in some trouble. It could be in distress, afraid or trapped.
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What Not to Do When Cats Are Fighting?
When striving to ease your cats to get along, it’s essential to determine whether they’re fighting or actually playing. If the battle is true, you need to close it up and react properly afterward.
- Don’t let them battle it out. If it’s a true fight, never allow your cats to make it out. Cats don’t solve conflicts with aggressiveness. Don’t get in the center of two competing cats. Instead, try to distract them with a sudden movement or loud noise to interrupt their concentration on their aggression.
- Don’t punish your cat. Never punish your pet for offensive behavior toward other cats. Punishment can cause nervous or offensive behaviors more severe.
- Don’t reassure them. In that identical style, don’t try to soothe or ease your offensive pet. Rather, offer them space.
If Your Cats Keep Fighting!
If your pet’s hostility is critical or becomes uncontrollable, reach a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB) or a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) for support. These experts can offer support and deeper insight on behavioral change for your cats.
Sadly, few cats can’t breathe together peacefully. If you’ve depleted your resources, energy, and time in the hopes of solving hostility or fight within your cats, it may be time to think about getting a new home for one of them or making them forever separated.
FAQS
1. Will cats kill each other?
Yes, a cat can kill other cats, but it’s extremely rare.
Cats can kill each other in aggression, but it’s not the usual result of these battles. In maximum situations, the cats will vocally sign and depart before they choose to break out into a full-on catfight.
2. How do you know if cats don’t like each other?
As a cat owner, it’s easier for you to mark the more “obvious” signs of hostility within your cats— hissing, swatting, howling, and sizing each other up. But tune yourself to witness the more complex actions because they are the ones that will report you more.
3. What is the most aggressive cat breed?
Siamese cats are recognized for being among the most offensive and territorial out of them all.
