Cat on cat aggression
Causes of Aggression
There are several reasons why cats might be aggressive towards one another. The most common cause is under socialization, meaning your cat had a lack of positive experiences with other cats early in his life. Cats are territorial animals, so introducing a new cat into your home can be stressful and threatening to your current cat. In particular, two unrelated males or two unrelated females may have an especially difficult time sharing space. Other times, there may be a clash of personalities. In some cases, cats will get along until there is a traumatic event (loud fireworks, the scent of the vet) that becomes associated with the other cat. Relationships between cats also change as they mature.
Maternal Aggression
A mother cat with a litter of kittens may display aggression towards other cats who approach her, even ones that she was formally friendly with. Maternal aggression usually stops once the kittens are weaned, but it’s a good idea to spay your cat so that she doesn’t have any more litters or future aggression issues.
Play Aggression
It is normal for kittens and young cats to partake in rough, lively play. They may stalk, scratch, chase, pounce, swat, bite, and attack each other – but it’s all in good fun. You can differentiate play aggression from real aggression by observing their interactions. If they’re playing, it’s mutual. They will switch roles often. Their ears and bodies are usually facing forward, and their claws may be out but they aren’t causing injury.
Tips for Managing Aggression
References
“Aggression Between Cats in Your Household.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household.
There are several reasons why cats might be aggressive towards one another. The most common cause is under socialization, meaning your cat had a lack of positive experiences with other cats early in his life. Cats are territorial animals, so introducing a new cat into your home can be stressful and threatening to your current cat. In particular, two unrelated males or two unrelated females may have an especially difficult time sharing space. Other times, there may be a clash of personalities. In some cases, cats will get along until there is a traumatic event (loud fireworks, the scent of the vet) that becomes associated with the other cat. Relationships between cats also change as they mature.
Maternal Aggression
A mother cat with a litter of kittens may display aggression towards other cats who approach her, even ones that she was formally friendly with. Maternal aggression usually stops once the kittens are weaned, but it’s a good idea to spay your cat so that she doesn’t have any more litters or future aggression issues.
Play Aggression
It is normal for kittens and young cats to partake in rough, lively play. They may stalk, scratch, chase, pounce, swat, bite, and attack each other – but it’s all in good fun. You can differentiate play aggression from real aggression by observing their interactions. If they’re playing, it’s mutual. They will switch roles often. Their ears and bodies are usually facing forward, and their claws may be out but they aren’t causing injury.
Tips for Managing Aggression
- Don’t let your cats ‘fight it out’. Interrupt their fighting with loud noises or a water gun spray.
- Neuter male cats. Unneutered males are more likely to be aggressive.
- Reduce competition by separating their resources. Provide them with multiple food bowls, beds, and litter boxes in various places in your house.
- Offer additional perches. Providing more hiding spots and perches means your cats will have more space to spread out.
- Reward good behavior. Give praise or treats to your cats when they are acting friendly towards each other.
- Pheromones, which humans can’t smell but mimic natural cat odors, can also help decrease tensions.
References
“Aggression Between Cats in Your Household.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household.