Tension and Conflict in the home

Tension and conflict in the home with cats

If your home has frequent tension and clnflict between your cats, it’s important to do your best to stop it, for your cat’s health as well as you, this is a process that may require patience.

Why do cats sometimes struggle to get along?

Cats are naturally solitary animals and can be territorial. The fighting may occur due to territory.  Observe your cats carefully to see if you can pinpoint when and where the unwanted behaviour happens. For example, does it happen around mealtimes or when you are giving attention to one of the cats?

How to help?

 You never want to force them into spending time together or leave them in a situation. If they are fighting a lot, separate them and follow the below steps to work towards re-introducing them.

  • Give each cat one-on-one attention. If necessary, put one cat in another room whilst with the other cat. During one-on-one time, hand-feed treats or initiate playtime.
  • Use FELIWAY Optimum to restore harmony and serenity between your cats and reduce fighting and signs of tension such as chasing. Plug FELIWAY Optimum Diffuser in the room your cats spend the most time for them to perceive the brand new pheromone discovery and create an environment for your cats to live in harmony again and calm them better than ever. To help reduce conflict between cats living together, and prevent more signs than ever, including fighting, chasing, blocking, staring. Helps your cats get along better at home.  When used continuously it helps to maintain constant harmony and serenity.
  • If your cats are fighting, break up the fight by making a loud noise or by placing a barrier between the cats. Redirect their behaviour with an interactive toy/string and lure it into play.
  • You can reward this good non-violent calm behaviour with fuss, food or a fun toy.
  • Treat the cats as though introducing them for the first time. Give them their own areas and then make slow and short introductions. Use controlled situations to expose the cats to each other.
  • Make sure the cats always have an exit to make them feel comfortable and allow them to leave if things get too much.
  • Help by adding more territorial spaces for your cats to go and rest in throughout their day, pass one another peacefully or even avoid or escape one another. This can prevent the cats from having to share climbing, hiding, and perching areas where fights can break out.
  • You should increase resources, each of your cats should have a minimum of a food and water bowl, at least one litter box each if not more, a scratching post each and toys or cat trees/perching areas. The more the better and in different locations.

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