While many cats enjoy having an ordinary feline buddy, most cats don't mind being the only pet in the house. Sadly, when cats fight over resources or territory, the contrary can also be true. If your cats are fighting on a regular basis, you need to know why they are doing it and how to stop them. You should be well on your way to having a more harmonious home if you follow these measures.
What makes cats fight?
1: Territory: Because cats are territorial creatures, they frequently engage in combat to protect their territory. Cat fights that occur outside the home, when your cat feels that another cat has invaded their territory, are the most prevalent cause of this. Alternatively, a feral cat might think it is inappropriate for your cat to be here. However, cats living together also frequently engage in such fighting. Scent is how cats mark their territory, and your house is no different. If you have multiple cats in your home, they will frequently argue over this matter.
2: Aggression: By nature, certain cats may be hostile. Because they are more likely to fight, male cats are particularly aggressive. They occasionally subjugate female cats. It's possible that your cat needs to express their aggression by starting fights with their siblings or by getting into an altercation with an unfamiliar cat.
3: Playing rough: Cats may get rough while they're playing. Playing rough can give the impression of anger and fighting, but this is not the case with cats. However, this kind of play could turn into a brawl or hurt one or both of the cats. If you can safely do so, it is preferable to separate the cats in such situations.
How do you calm down your cats when they fight?
Cats do not live in packs and are generally not fond of living in large or small groupings. Creating lots of peaceful, private hiding places for "me time," as well as different feeding areas for every cat and multiple water stations, are some strategies to reduce the stress associated with space sharing. Using cat-appeasing pheromone items can assist in lowering stress levels and, consequently, decrease aggressive behavior. When a family already has numerous cats, these approaches will aid with the introduction of a new cat or eliminate any indicators of cat aggressiveness. Read This: Why are my cats slap each other?
How do you tell if cats are actually fighting?
It can be difficult to determine whether your cats are fighting or just play-fighting at times. There are a few indicators that the struggle is genuine:
1: Harsh noises, such as yowling, hissing, and growling
2: Fighting in full contact can result in injuries if cats get stuck together during a fight.
3: Aggressive body language includes stiff posture, low body to the ground, ears turned to the rear, fluffed-up tails, and hectoring (arching their backs).
4: Stares with wide, expressionless, and unblinking eyes.
How can cat fights be avoided?
It might be heartbreaking to see your cats fight; here are two creatures you love, and they are injuring each other! Distracting them is a typical remedy, but you can also seek guidance from a veterinarian or a pet behaviorist. Cats that have been socialized can also cease fighting. If your kitties used to get along but have started fighting recently, follow our advice below:
1 - Gently take them apart.
Even though it could be your initial impulse to intervene and break them apart, exercise caution. When they're worked up this way, cats can be aggressive, and you might end up with plenty of scratches as a result. As long as you are certain that you are not in danger, we advise attempting to gently separate them.
2 - Take them away.
Cats can become highly focused on fighting, yet you can try to divert their attention. Make a noise using something you know and love, such as a cat toy. Perhaps they will notice this, and the war will end.
When intervening to break up a fight, the most crucial thing to keep in mind is to avoid getting hurt and to avoid using strategies that would increase your cat's stress or fear. Therefore, avoid using harsh or coercive methods with your feline.
There are further steps you can take after a fight to avoid it happening again.
1 - Reward exemplary conduct.
Rewarding your cats when you observe them conversing amicably and getting along is a fantastic idea. This can apply to dog or cat treats. Read This: Why does my cat show aggression towards my other cats?
2 - Assign them different rooms in the house.
You should consider moving their beds, food and water dishes, and litter boxes to different parts of the house. They won't be interacting, but they will continue to smell each other, which can give us the appropriate space. To help them become accustomed to one another's smell, you might alternate rooms every day.
3 - Allow them to share a meal behind closed doors.
The felines will be apart from each other yet engaged in a positive activity that makes you feel good.
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