Many of us will be familiar with the spine-tingling yowl of fighting cats, but what causes these feline fallings-out? Cats Protection behaviourist Nicky Trevorrow explains.
Why do cats fight?
Cats are by nature territorial animals – that means they will stake their claim on an area they know is a good source of food, shelter and warmth. This will most likely be their home and extend to the surrounding outdoor area. And just as we’d feel threatened if another person wandered into our home, so do cats.
In their evolutionary past, another cat in the territory could cause conflict, especially if there’s a limited food source, so it’s only natural that this could lead to friction.
Read more
- Do cats have nine lives? Can cats see ghosts? Six cat myths debunked
- Do cats dream? And other cat nap facts
What happens when cats fight?
Despite their territorial nature, cats do generally prefer to avoid conflict as much as possible, which is why you’ll normally see a long display of posturing before things get physical.
Generally speaking, cats will try to give each other space. If another cat enters their territory, many cats will tolerate the intrusion but keep a close eye on the imposter from a distance until they leave. However, some cats will be determined to stand their ground, especially if they feel threatened, and that’s when things can escalate.
Even so, cats will first use body language to deter other cats where possible. “This is where the growling, hissing or screeching comes in – cats will get very vocal when they’re trying to scare another cat away. They’ll also puff up their fur, tense their body and swish their tail – anything that helps them look fiercer and ultimately protect themselves.” If this fails to settle things, a physical fight can break out – and these are fast and furious, with cats swiping rapidly with their paws and even biting each other until one retreats.
Why is cat fighting a problem?
Fighting can cause a whole host of problems for cats and their owners, so it’s really importantto try to get to the bottom of what’s causing the friction. “The obvious risk is injury, and cats can sustain some nasty wounds through fighting.
Bites or scratches can become quickly infected (eg cat bite abscesses), leading to bigger problems and some fights can even result in more serious life-changing injuries like losing an eye. Diseases are also more easily spread through fighting, so it’s important your cat is fully up to date with their vaccinations.”
Fighting also causes all sorts of behavioural issues related to stress, like toileting inside the house, becoming withdrawn or refusing to go outside.” This can be even worse for cats that are regularly in conflict with other pets in the home. “There’s a difference between fighting with neighbourhood cats and fighting with other cats in the home,” says Nicky. “It’s much more difficult for cats to avoid conflict with cats they live with, so if they’re not getting on, it’s very important to get to the root of the problem.”
Read more
- Why do cats play with their prey? Although it may look like it, it's not for entertainment, says PDSA vet nurse Gemma Renwick
- How wild is your cat? The common behaviours that reveal your cat's secret wild side
How can I tell if my cats are fighting or playing?
Just because you don’t see evidence of fighting, it doesn’t necessarily mean cats that live in the household are firm friends. Bonded cats – those which enjoy each other’s company – will show signs like mutual grooming, rubbing up against each other and sharing sleeping spaces, cuddled up touching (rather than separate ‘cat islands’).
“If you don’t see any of these signs, but they otherwise seem calm and content, it’s likely your cats are tolerating – rather than actively enjoying – sharing their home,” says Nicky, “But it’s really important to keep an eye on cats to make sure they’re not showing signs of distress, which could indicate there is some friction that may be displayed in other ways, rather than physical fighting. If a cat starts toileting inappropriately, avoiding certain parts of the home, or if they’re off their food, this could indicate they are becoming stressed by another cat in the household.”
How can I stop my cat from fighting?
If your cat is getting involved in fights, the first step if to make sure they’re neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and a health check to rule out medical conditions which could cause the behaviour.
Neutering is really important. Neutered cats are much less likely to fight, so that’s definitely the first step. That’s the case for both male and female cats, and neighbourhoods with more neutered cats are likely to experience less cat fights.
Another tip is to make a note of what time fights often break out, and consider keeping your cat in during those hours. “Cats are creatures of habit, so they may be patrolling the same area at the same time each day. Keeping your cat in during those times will reduce the chance of them coming face to face with a cat that they’re not getting on with. If you know the owner of the cat your cat is fighting with, you can even come up with a time-share rota for outdoor time.”
Of course, all that may not be possible if it’s your own cats that are fighting inside the home. It’s important to get to the bottom of friction in the home to prevent bigger problems developing. Cats aren’t pack animals like dogs, so they need their own territory.
This isn’t just about space, it’s everything that goes with it - like food, water, safe sleeping places and areas for toileting. If cats in the home are fighting, it may be that they are finding it stressful sharing these things. This is why we recommend each cat has their own litter tray and other resources per cat plus one extra to avoid competition, as well as safe areas where they can get time and space on their own.”
What if my cat is being bullied by other cats?
This is one we hear a lot at Cats Protection. People are often worried that their cats are being bullied by neighbourhood cats. But it’s not as simple as that, and it’s important to remember that cat fights are not fuelled by human emotions.
Cats do not experience emotions like jealousy, spite or seeking revenge. The reason for fighting is always rooted in some kind of perceived threat, like losing their territory, and everything it gives them, like a regular food supply, shelter and warmth.
If your cat regularly seems threatened by other cats, it may be worth looking at how you can secure your garden to give them an area where they are not likely to come into contact with other animals. Microchipping is also so important - a threatened cat could find themself too afraid to use a certain route back home and can get disorientated. Microchipping will be their best chance of being returned home if they do get lost or injured while outdoors.”
How do I break up a cat fight?
Cat fights can be very aggressive so if the cats are actively fighting, ensure your safety as both cats will be on high alert. Don’t touch either cat, as doing so could result in you receiving a nasty scratch or bite yourself, which may need medical attention.
Often your presence nearby will interrupt the fight, otherwise you could try using a towel to place between the cats – normally breaking eye contact between the cats is enough for them both to flee the scene.”
For more cat care advice and tips, visit cats.org.uk.
Learn more about your feline friends
- Hypoallergenic cats: These are the cat breeds that don't shed, best for those with allergies
- Why do cats purr?
- Cats can recognise their owner’s BO – and use different nostrils to sniff strangers, new research reveals
- How smart are cats? Why they not only understand what you say but can outsmart you too
Main image: Getty
