Veterinarian explains! Causes and Solutions for Multi-Cat Households Where Cats Don't Get Along

Among those who keep cats, it is not uncommon for people to have more than one. People often keep multiple cats for various reasons, such as "bringing home sibling cats together" or thinking "it might be lonely for just one." While multi-cat households offer the benefit of the cats playing with each other, they are not guaranteed to get along. In the worst-case scenario, they may become unable to live together.

In this article, we will explain what to do about cats that don't get along.

What are the main causes of cats not getting along?

Territorial instincts and environmental changes

Cats are naturally solitary animals. Male cats have strong territorial instincts for mating purposes and will try to protect their territory. This can be especially prominent in unneutered male cats. The arrival of a new cat may be seen as an enemy invading their territory. For the new cat, being in an unfamiliar environment can cause tension, making them more likely to become aggressive. If the initial meeting goes poorly, it can lead to fighting and a strained relationship.

The number of litter boxes, the location of food bowls, the number of water stations, and a decrease in individual space can also be causes of conflict. Since cats generally dislike fighting, they normally avoid it by keeping their distance from one another. It is necessary to ensure enough space for each cat.

Additionally, even cats that previously got along can have their relationship deteriorate due to a visit to the vet or hospitalization. This is because returning with the smell of the hospital, which they dislike, can be a source of fear for other cats.

Age differences and personality traits

When keeping multiple cats, it is preferable to have them close in age; ideally, adult cats can get along if the age difference is within three years. If there is little age difference, they may be able to play together because their energy levels and interests are similar. If a kitten is introduced to a senior cat, the kitten's energy can overwhelm the senior cat, so measures such as separating them into different rooms are necessary.

Personality is also important. A cat with a timid personality is not suited for a multi-cat household. More curious cats are often more accepting of other cats.

Hormonal effects during heat cycles

During heat, territorial awareness and aggression can increase for reproductive purposes. Not only male cats but also female cats can become bad-tempered. As a result, even cats that usually get along may end up fighting.

Poor health and stress factors

Cats can also become irritable when they are unwell. If there is pain, in particular, they may hiss just by being approached, or lash out with sharp swipes. Also, a highly stressful environment makes them more prone to frustration. This creates a vicious cycle where stress continues to accumulate.

Steps to improve relationships between cats

Appropriate introduction methods for the first meeting

When bringing home a new cat, meeting them suddenly can lead to major fights. Therefore, it is necessary to first isolate them and let them get used to each other gradually. Because the new cat needs to get used to the environment, introducing them to the resident cat suddenly can cause severe stress. Allow them to get used to the new environment in a cage for several days before introducing them to the resident cat. It takes about two weeks to a month for cats to get used to each other.

Do not introduce them as soon as they get used to the house; instead, exchange their scents. This allows them to know of each other's presence. Rub a towel or similar item on each cat to transfer their scent. Exchange scents for about one to two weeks.

Once they are used to the scents, put the new cat in a carrier case and have them meet. Give them a pleasant experience, such as having treats nearby. The first meeting should last about 5 minutes, and you can gradually extend the time.

If there is no strong hissing, let them out of the carrier case to interact while you are present. If either cat acts aggressively or seems severely frightened, separate them immediately. Start with about 5 minutes at first. If there are no particular issues, gradually extend the time and have them spend time in the same room. Please make sure to be present. If they seem to be interacting without any issues, extend the time to, for example, half a day together.

Securing litter boxes and individual spaces

Even cats that get along well can become estranged due to slight environmental changes. If there are not enough litter boxes or if they cannot secure their own space, it can lead to fighting and permanent estrangement. Prepare at least one more litter box than the number of cats, and place them in separate locations. You also need to consider food bowls and water stations. Since distance from other cats can cause fighting, try to separate them or provide them in different places. This also applies to cat beds and similar items.

In a multi-cat household, you will likely notice which cats don't get along. Consider providing places where they can escape or separating them into different rooms.

Alleviating stress with pheromone products

Keeping multiple cats or bringing in a new one can be a major source of stress for them. Use pheromone products or stress-relief supplements to care for their stress. There are products that replicate the pheromones secreted from a cat's face. You can put the cat at ease by filling the space they occupy with these pheromones using sprays or diffusers. These are used when moving or welcoming a new cat. Some supplements are also effective in alleviating stress.

Providing shared play and positive experiences

If they are still young cats, they will likely be happy if you invite them to play. Even if cats don't get along, they may be able to regain their relationship while playing together. It is also a good idea to give treats to each cat to gradually close the distance.

However, if the relationship is already quite bad, it often will not improve.

Actions to avoid and points of caution

Risks of forced contact

It is extremely difficult to make cats that truly dislike each other spend time together. Usually, they keep their distance to avoid contact, but if they get close for some reason, it can lead to a severe fight, and injuries are not uncommon. If the cats are keeping a significant distance or watching each other's movements, or if they start to enter a threatening posture with their ears flattened when they lock eyes, a fight can happen at any moment. For such cats, it is for the benefit of both to keep them from coming into contact, such as by separating them into different rooms. Forcing them into contact not only risks injuries but also accumulates negative experiences for both.

Counterproductive scolding or punishment

Cats do not understand human language. If you force cats that don't get along together out of your own ego, or if you punish them by scolding or hitting them when they act aggressively, they may feel that they had a bad experience "because of the other cat," which may make their relationship even worse. It may also damage your relationship with them. If it seems like a fight is going to break out, you should cover them with a towel to block their view and move them to different rooms in the meantime.

Don't overlook the signs

When a cat dislikes another cat, it will try to keep its distance. They will stay as far away from the cat they dislike as possible, and if they have to pass near them, they will take a path to avoid them. They also often watch the movements of the cat they dislike, and will flee immediately if that cat approaches. Signs also appear in their ears and posture. Be careful if their ears are flattened or if their back is arched. If such a situation occurs, you need to take measures such as isolating the cats. Over-grooming can also occur.

When you need to consult a specialist

When to consult a veterinary behaviorist or veterinarian

While keeping distance is the best approach for cats that don't get along, you need the help of a professional if that is difficult or if severe, injury-causing fights happen repeatedly. Also, consult a veterinarian if they are showing signs of mental or physical distress such as over-grooming, cystitis, or loss of appetite due to excessive stress.

Intervention methods by specialists

A specialist will first check the profiles of the cats. If necessary, they will examine the cats to see if there is any pain. They may also check how the cats are behaving at home via video. They will also look at the housing environment and provide advice on how to deal with the situation. If necessary, they may propose anti-anxiety medications, supplements, or pheromone products.

Summary

It is wonderful if cats get along, but unfortunately, some cats don't. Their relationship may worsen, especially when welcoming a new cat or when the environment changes. Cats that don't get along send signs to each other. Once you notice these signs, try to ensure they can immediately distance themselves. It is important to prevent them from having severe fights.

Do not forget that trying to force cats to get along is often just an expression of the owner's ego.

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