Bringing a new cat into a home already occupied by another feline can be a rewarding experience, adding joy and companionship to your household. However, it’s not always a harmonious transition. Cats are territorial creatures, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, they simply don’t get along. Recognizing the signs of feline animosity is crucial for intervening and preventing escalated conflict. This article will guide you through the subtle and not-so-subtle indicators that your cats might not be the best of friends, and what you can do about it.
Understanding Cat Communication: A Foundation for Interpretation
Before diving into specific behaviors, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of cat communication. Unlike dogs, who are often more overt in their social interactions, cats rely heavily on subtle body language, vocalizations, and scent marking to communicate. Misinterpreting these cues can lead to misunderstandings about the true nature of their relationship. Understanding feline body language is paramount to identifying issues early.
Body Language: The Silent Language of Cats
A cat’s body posture, tail position, ear direction, and even their eyes can reveal a wealth of information about their mood and intentions. Recognizing these visual signals is the first step in assessing the relationship between your cats.
Aggressive Postures
An aggressive cat will often try to make itself appear larger and more imposing. This can manifest as standing tall with stiff legs, an arched back, and piloerection (raised fur) along the back and tail. The tail may be held erect or slightly curved downwards, and the ears will typically be flattened or rotated to the sides. Direct, unwavering eye contact is a common sign of challenge. A hissing or growling sound may accompany this posture, further signaling the cat’s intent.
Defensive Postures
A defensive cat, on the other hand, will try to make itself appear smaller and less threatening. This involves crouching low to the ground, tucking the tail between the legs, and flattening the ears. They may also turn their body sideways to present a smaller target and avoid direct confrontation. Dilated pupils and rapid tail twitching are signs of fear and anxiety. The cat may hiss, spit, or swat if approached.
Neutral or Friendly Postures
Relaxed cats will typically exhibit loose, fluid movements. Their tail will be held loosely upright or gently curved, and their ears will be forward or slightly to the side. Soft blinks, slow tail wags (different from dog wags), and rubbing against objects or people are signs of affection and comfort. If cats are getting along, you might see them grooming each other.
Vocalizations: More Than Just Meows
Cats use a variety of vocalizations to communicate, ranging from gentle purrs to aggressive growls. Understanding the meaning behind these sounds can provide valuable insights into their interactions.
Aggressive Vocalizations
Hissing, growling, and caterwauling are clear indicators of aggression and displeasure. These sounds are often accompanied by aggressive body language and serve as a warning to the other cat to back off. A shriek or yowl can indicate pain or fear during a fight.
Defensive Vocalizations
Spitting and hissing are defensive vocalizations used to ward off perceived threats. A low, guttural growl can also signal defensiveness and a willingness to fight if necessary.
Affectionate Vocalizations
Purring is typically associated with contentment, but it can also be used as a self-soothing mechanism during times of stress or illness. Meowing is primarily used to communicate with humans, but cats may also use soft mews and chirps to greet each other.
Scent Marking: A Subtle but Powerful Signal
Cats have scent glands located all over their bodies, including their cheeks, paws, and tails. They use these glands to deposit pheromones, chemical signals that communicate information to other cats. Scent marking is a natural behavior, but changes in scent marking patterns can indicate stress or territorial disputes.
Spraying
Urine spraying, while sometimes a sign of medical issues, is often a territorial behavior. A cat spraying indoors, especially near windows or doors, or on items belonging to the other cat, is a strong sign of stress and territorial anxiety. This is a clear indication of discord.
Scratching
Scratching is another form of scent marking, as cats deposit pheromones from their paws onto the scratched surface. Increased scratching, especially in prominent locations or near areas frequented by the other cat, can be a sign of competition for resources and territory.
Allorubbing
Allorubbing, or social rubbing, is a behavior in which cats rub their bodies against each other. This is a sign of affection and helps to create a shared scent. However, if allorubbing is forced or one cat avoids it, it’s not a sign of a good relationship.
Specific Behaviors Indicating Conflict
Now that we’ve covered the basics of cat communication, let’s look at specific behaviors that suggest your cats are not getting along. Observing these behaviors in context and considering the overall dynamic between your cats is essential for accurate assessment.
Hissing and Growling
This is probably the most obvious sign. Frequent hissing and growling between cats is a clear indication of animosity. It means one cat is feeling threatened or uncomfortable by the presence of the other.
Chasing
While occasional playful chasing can be normal, persistent chasing, especially if one cat is constantly running away in fear, is a sign of bullying and aggression. If one cat is always the aggressor and the other is always the victim, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
Blocking and Staring
Blocking access to resources, such as food bowls, litter boxes, or favorite resting spots, is a common tactic used by dominant cats to assert their authority. Intense, prolonged staring is another form of intimidation. These behaviors create stress and anxiety for the subordinate cat and can lead to other problems, such as inappropriate elimination.
Swatting and Biting
Swatting with claws extended and biting, even if it doesn’t break the skin, is a sign of aggression. If these behaviors are frequent or escalate, it’s a clear indication that your cats are not getting along.
Avoiding Each Other
If your cats actively avoid each other, spending most of their time in separate rooms or hiding, it’s a sign that they are not comfortable in each other’s presence. This avoidance can be a sign of chronic stress and anxiety for both cats.
Changes in Appetite or Litter Box Habits
Stress from inter-cat conflict can manifest in physical symptoms, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or inappropriate urination or defecation. If you notice any of these changes in your cats’ behavior, it’s important to rule out medical causes first, but also consider the possibility of stress from conflict with the other cat.
Overgrooming or Undergrooming
Stress can also lead to changes in grooming behavior. Some cats may overgroom themselves as a way to cope with anxiety, while others may neglect grooming altogether. These changes can lead to skin problems and other health issues.
Assessing the Severity of the Conflict
It’s important to assess the severity of the conflict between your cats to determine the appropriate course of action. A minor squabble is different from a full-blown war.
Minor Conflict
Minor conflict may involve occasional hissing, swatting, or chasing, but the cats generally coexist peacefully and there are no major changes in their behavior or health. In these cases, providing plenty of resources and ensuring that each cat has its own space may be sufficient to resolve the issue.
Moderate Conflict
Moderate conflict involves more frequent and intense displays of aggression, such as constant hissing, growling, and chasing. The cats may actively avoid each other, and there may be changes in their appetite or litter box habits. In these cases, more intervention is needed, such as reintroducing the cats using a slow and gradual approach.
Severe Conflict
Severe conflict involves frequent fighting, injuries, and significant changes in behavior and health. The cats may be constantly stressed and anxious, and the situation may be dangerous for both cats and humans. In these cases, it may be necessary to separate the cats permanently or consider rehoming one of them.
What To Do If Your Cats Don’t Get Along
If you’ve determined that your cats are not getting along, it’s important to take action to address the problem. Ignoring the situation will only make it worse and can lead to serious health and behavioral problems.
Rule Out Medical Issues
The first step is to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to the problem. Cats in pain or discomfort may be more irritable and aggressive.
Provide Adequate Resources
Ensure that each cat has its own food and water bowls, litter box, scratching post, and resting spots. These resources should be located in separate areas to avoid competition. There should always be one more of each resource than the number of cats.
Create Vertical Space
Cats feel more secure when they have access to vertical space, such as cat trees, shelves, or window perches. This allows them to escape from each other and observe their surroundings from a safe distance.
Reintroduce the Cats Slowly
If the cats have a history of conflict, it may be necessary to reintroduce them using a slow and gradual approach. This involves keeping the cats separated initially and gradually allowing them to interact under supervision.
Use Pheromone Therapy
Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the natural facial pheromones of cats. Diffusers and sprays can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Consider Medication
In some cases, medication may be necessary to help manage anxiety and aggression. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss whether medication is appropriate for your cats.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling to resolve the conflict between your cats on your own, it’s best to seek professional help from a certified cat behaviorist. A behaviorist can assess the situation and develop a customized plan to help your cats get along. Early intervention and professional guidance are crucial in resolving inter-cat aggression.
What are some subtle signs that indicate my cats might not be getting along?
Subtle signs of feline discord often go unnoticed, but are crucial to identify early. Look for increased tension in the household, such as one cat constantly monitoring the other. One cat might block another’s access to resources like food, water, or the litter box. Watch for changes in body language; flattened ears, dilated pupils, twitching tails, or a tense posture are all indicators of unease.
Beyond obvious hissing or swatting, pay attention to avoidance behaviors. One cat might start hiding more, spending less time in communal areas, or altering their routines to avoid encountering the other. Notice if one cat suddenly starts over-grooming or displaying redirected aggression, like attacking furniture or other objects, which could be a sign of frustration from an unresolved conflict.
How can I differentiate between playing and fighting between my cats?
Playful interactions between cats typically involve reciprocal behavior. Cats will take turns chasing, pouncing, and wrestling, with both cats exhibiting relaxed body language. Claws are usually sheathed, and bites are gentle. Vocalizations, if present, are generally quiet chirps or meows, not hisses or growls. There are breaks in the action, allowing each cat to re-engage voluntarily.
Fighting, on the other hand, involves asymmetrical roles and aggressive behaviors. One cat will dominate, pursuing the other relentlessly. Claws are often out, and bites are hard, potentially causing injury. Vocalizations will be loud and aggressive – hisses, growls, or screams. A fighting cat’s body language will show tension, flattened ears, and a puffed-up tail. The interaction will be prolonged and escalate until one cat escapes or is seriously injured.
What are some common reasons why cats might not get along?
Territoriality is a primary driver of feline conflict. Cats are naturally solitary creatures, and the introduction of a new cat, or even changes within their established territory (like rearranging furniture or adding new scents), can trigger territorial aggression. Competition for resources like food, water, litter boxes, scratching posts, and human attention can also contribute to tension between cats.
Differences in personality, age, and energy levels play a significant role. A playful kitten can easily irritate an older, more sedate cat. Cats with vastly different personalities might simply have incompatible social styles. Past experiences, such as a negative encounter with another cat, can also lead to lasting animosity.
How important is it to intervene if my cats are having minor disagreements?
Even minor disagreements should not be ignored. Letting small squabbles persist can allow them to escalate into more serious, entrenched conflicts. Early intervention can prevent the development of negative associations and reinforce a positive or neutral relationship. Ignoring these early warning signs can lead to chronic stress for both cats, resulting in behavioral problems and even health issues.
Intervening doesn’t always mean physically separating the cats. Simply redirecting their attention with a toy or a treat can interrupt the developing conflict. Identify and address the underlying cause of the disagreement, such as resource guarding or territorial concerns. Consult with a veterinarian or certified cat behaviorist for personalized guidance and strategies to improve the cats’ relationship.
What steps can I take to improve the relationship between my cats?
Create a multi-cat-friendly environment that minimizes competition for resources. Provide multiple feeding stations, water bowls, litter boxes (ideally, one more than the number of cats), scratching posts, and resting spots, spread throughout the house. Ensure each cat has easy access to these resources without having to cross paths with the other. Vertical space, like cat trees and shelves, can also help reduce territorial tension.
Introduce or re-introduce cats gradually, using scent swapping and supervised visits. Positive reinforcement, such as rewarding calm behavior in each other’s presence with treats or praise, can help create positive associations. Consider using pheromone diffusers, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Play sessions with each cat individually can also help reduce pent-up energy and aggression.
When should I seek professional help for my cats’ relationship problems?
If the conflict between your cats involves frequent fighting, biting, or signs of injury, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately. Chronic stress and aggression can negatively impact both cats’ physical and mental health. A qualified veterinarian or certified cat behaviorist can assess the situation, identify the underlying causes, and develop a tailored behavior modification plan.
If you’ve tried various strategies to improve your cats’ relationship without success, or if the situation seems to be worsening, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. They can offer personalized guidance and help you implement effective techniques to manage and resolve the conflict. Early intervention from a professional can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome.
Can stress in my home environment affect my cats’ relationship?
Yes, stress in the home environment can significantly impact a cat’s behavior and their relationships with other cats. Cats are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, and any form of stress can trigger anxiety and aggression. This stress could stem from loud noises, new people or pets entering the home, changes in routine, or even tense interactions between family members.
Creating a calm and predictable environment is crucial for maintaining harmony between cats. Minimize loud noises and sudden changes in routine. Ensure that each cat has a safe and secure space where they can retreat to when feeling stressed. Consider using calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers, to help reduce overall stress levels in the home. Addressing the underlying cause of the stress is essential for long-term success in improving your cats’ relationship.