Cats are solitary creatures who like to be alone. When you have two or even more kitties in the house, you may notice some unusual behaviors among them, such as slapping or smacking each other. They exhibit similar characteristics for a wide range of reasons. It is normally regarded as a harmless and amusing gesture until they battle without their claws out.
When my cats fight, should I be concerned?
A cat might smack a fellow cat for a variety of reasons. The key to determining whether the cats were hitting one another is to look at their overall body language, and actions. Slapping on one another is a natural behavior for cats, even if the causes aren't always pleasant.
1 - An invitation to participate
While we humans would not slap one of our friends when we're feeling playful, we should realize that cats communicate in quite different ways compared to other species. When cats slap each other, it can signal another cat that they're ready to play. Consider it a play invitation, if you will. If you view films of big cats in the wild, you can see this behavior in lions and tigers as well.
2 - Reinforcing social standing
Many people believe that cats, notably some large cats, are lonely creatures. Cats, on the other hand, are social beings that create ties with their parents, relatives, and even non-relatives if introduced properly. Two cats who have not yet mated will not brush or play with each other. In an ideal world, all of your cats would have equal status within their group. But, comparable to a group of dogs, certain cats emerge as dominant. Slapping another cat can be used to assert dominance. While this isn't anywhere close to a genuine battle, it should give you pause. Tolerating dominance signals can escalate to full-fledged hostility, which can be distressing for both your cats and you.
3 - Sickness and suffering
If a cat is really not feeling well or is in discomfort, they may slap neighboring cats to get them to leave them alone. Cats who have persistent pain or disease are more wary of other animals in the house. They may be afraid of other pets inadvertently hurting them. Cats, unlike dogs, do not always have visible arthritic changes. According to one study, 61% of kittens over the age of six had arthritic abnormalities visible on x-ray in at least one joint, and 48% had alterations in several joints.
It's worth noting that arthritis in such cats was discovered by x-rays rather than changes noticed by the owners. An older cat who appears to be active at home may be suffering from arthritic pain. This could explain why a cat appears to become grumpier as they age; they might be experiencing pain.
4 - Fighting
You observe your cats getting along just fine one moment, and then you hear a ruckus between them, with both cats trying to slap each other. Real combat differs greatly from toy fighting. When two cats are engaged in an actual fight, you will notice that their claws are unsheathed and ready to attack each other. The ears are dragged flat to the back of their heads as the two meow angrily at each other. Cats, in general, strive to avoid battles. When confronted with danger, even the most timid cat will not hesitate to protect itself by engaging in a battle with another feline.
Why does my cat slap me?
Cats may slap humans for a variety of reasons, including gaining your attention or preventing you from performing a task you're currently doing. Some cat owners claim that Kitty slaps people when they are sleeping or attempting to work, which could be an indication that he is bored or hungry. Cats may indeed slap humans to halt a certain activity, such as scratching their bellies. You're so bold! Give him extra attention and playtime all day long. You could notice that the slaps stopped.
Conclusion:
Cats are oblivious to the need to associate with another cat. As a result, you should work as a bridge builder to cement their bond. You should pay great attention to the cats' interactions with one another.
Fighting should be discouraged, and good behavior and contact should be recognised. Although it may take some work, getting two cats along with one another is never impossible.
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