Cats Not Getting On? What can be done…
While many cats will settle for tolerating each other or show genuine affection for each other, the stress of living in a multi-cat household can have a negative impact on the way that cats interact together. Problems can range from ignoring each other to aggressive bullying tactics.
If your cat is not used to being around other cats, he or she may not take too kindly to the presence of another cat in “their” home. This can be due to fear of change, not knowing how to socialise with other cats and general disruption to normal routine. Generally speaking, problems can be more likely with cats of a similar age – especially with tom cats – and it is often the case that an adult cat will feel less threatened by a young kitten.
Cats That Previously Were Friendly
If your cats have been friendly in the past but now appear to have fallen out, there may have been an unpleasant trigger that is now associated with the other cat(s). To encourage them back onto good terms again, you’ll need to break and replace this association.
Separate them for a few days before placing their food bowls on either side of a closed door to encourage close contact while doing something pleasurable. In time, this should establish a more positive association and their interactions should improve as a direct result.
Some cat owners have also had success with rubbing tuna juice on their pets’ heads, which can encourage mutual grooming.
Cats That Have Never Liked Each Other
If your cats have never liked each other, you’ll most likely need to make a stronger stand. Separate them for a while and reintroduce contact on a gradual basis over a period of several weeks. Again, it’s a good move to forge positive associations so that they are more likely to tolerate each other going forwards.
General Tips
Aggressive behaviour that you consider to be out of character could be the result of a medical issue. Check with your vet to rule out the possibility that a dominant cat has begun acting in this manner because of ill health.
Introduce ledges, platforms or cat trees so that each cat has somewhere to escape to. This will be greatly appreciated by timid cats who are being bullied by a more aggressive and dominant housemate. Large cages or pens can also offer refuge for a harassed cat.
Separate resources such as food bowls and litter boxes and move them into different areas to reduce competition and territorial disputes. If one cat is being bullied, he or she may be reluctant to eat, sleep, toilet or access areas in which the perpetrator will also be present.
Make sure that your cats are sufficiently stimulated. If this is not the case, there is a chance that chasing and other aggressive behaviour may occur out of boredom.
Feliway® diffusers can help to reduce stress. This works by mimicking cat pheromones so that cats feel more comfortable and secure in their environmental, and can prove useful for cats who are stressed by other cats in the household.
Have you experienced any problems with your cats falling out or bullying each other? Do you have any other tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below!