What causes fights between resident cats in multi-cat households? How to deal with them.

My resident cat and new cat are fighting...

When you have multiple cats, fighting is a common worry. While you naturally want them to get along, there may be underlying causes for these altercations.

In this article, we will explain in detail the causes of fights between cats and how to deal with them.

Causes of Cat Fights

Cats do not fight for no reason. In fact, they prefer to avoid fights whenever possible, often settling things through staring contests or intimidation.

When cats do engage in physical fights, there is usually a specific reason for it.

1. Territorial Disputes

Cats are creatures with a strong sense of territory. If another cat enters their territory, they will threaten them to try and drive them away.

Even indoor-only cats have a sense of territory. This is why fights can break out between resident cats and new arrivals.

For a resident cat, the entire house or room is their territory. When a new cat invades that space, it triggers an attack.

2. Competition for Female Cats

When in heat, male cats become aggressive. They may engage in fierce fights with other males over a female cat.

3. Poor Compatibility

Cats also have personality clashes. Fights can develop simply because their personalities do not mesh well.

Additionally, territorial male cats are also more prone to fighting with one another.

4. Stress

The addition of a new cat can result in the resident cat losing their personal space.

Furthermore, having food stolen or litter boxes getting dirty quickly... such changes in daily life are major stressors for cats. Accumulated stress can lead to fights.

Should you stop cat fights?

When cats start fighting, your first instinct is to stop them before anyone gets hurt.

While it is natural for owners to be worried, you don't need to worry if they are just playing. Through play, they learn how to control their strength and how to lose a fight.

It is also worth observing them for a while to let them "establish their hierarchy."

In the world of cats, once the winner of a fight has been decided, they generally stop fighting. In other words, once the hierarchy is clear, the fighting should subside.

However, please intervene if a violent attack begins.

Do not put your hands in the middle, as you risk getting injured. Instead, make a loud noise, or block their view with a cushion or tray to help them calm down.

The Difference Between Serious Fighting and Play

Sometimes you might think they are playing, but then you see a serious "cat punch" or a full-blown physical wrestling match... at first glance, it can be difficult to distinguish between play and fighting.

One moment they might be purring and grooming each other, and the next, they are growling. They might be playing with gentle bites, only to start biting in earnest.

In such cases, it is likely that play escalated into an actual fight.

For instance, you can judge it as a serious fight if you see the following signs:

• Intimidating with low growls
• Fur standing on end
• Pupils widely dilated
• Attempting to scratch eyes or nose with claws
• Baring fangs to bite

Since the behavior is completely different from playing, owner intervention is necessary.

How to Prevent Fights in Multi-Cat Households

As mentioned above, keeping multiple cats can lead to fighting. Let's think of ways to prevent this based on the causes.

1. Limit the Number of Cats to Avoid Territorial Disputes

A good guideline for the number of cats to keep is "the number of rooms available for them to move freely between - 1."

Without sufficient space, territorial disputes will occur every time a new cat is introduced. It can also cause the resident cats to start fighting among themselves.

To achieve this, not only horizontal space but vertical space is also important. Use cat towers and other fixtures to ensure each cat has its own personal space.

2. Spay/Neuter to Eliminate Fights Over Females

Fighting during the heat cycle is behavior typically seen in unneutered males. Neutering them stops them from seeking out females, which reduces fighting.

It also has the benefits of calming their personalities and preventing impulsive running away or urine spraying.

3. Consider Compatibility with the Resident Cat Before Adoption

When bringing in a new cat, compatibility with the resident cat is extremely important.

For example, kittens with kittens, siblings, or already spayed/neutered cats seem to have fewer fights and live together more peacefully.

However, for an elderly resident cat, the stress of a new addition can sometimes cause physical health issues. Since the compatibility between an elderly cat and a kitten isn't always good, caution is required.

If you are adopting a rescue cat, many places offer a trial period, which is reassuring. In other cases, be sure to fully consider the personality and age of your current cat.

4. Create an Environment That Reduces Stress in Multi-Cat Households

When welcoming a new cat, you must be considerate of the resident cat.

First, consider the litter box. As the number of cats increases, the litter boxes will get dirty faster. Since some cats dislike boxes that smell like other cats, increase the number of litter boxes.

Also, to prevent food theft, separate the feeding locations and times, and always let the resident cat eat first. Increasing the number of water stations is also a good idea.

Summary

Having multiple cats brings more joy, but it also brings unique challenges.

It is essential to organize your living environment so that both the resident cat and the new cat can live comfortably. Make sure to create personal spaces where they can spend time alone and try to maintain a moderate distance between them.

It is also important not to introduce them suddenly, but to start by exchanging scents, allowing them to get used to each other's presence over time.

Cats have different personalities, so while some may become friends immediately, others may end up in heated fights. There are things you can do to help, so try to be patient and take it slow.

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