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Understanding Why Cats Fight
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If you have
a household with multiple cats, you know that cat fights do happen. Even if
your cats generally get along, at times, they can still fight. While humans may
not completely understand why their kitties are fighting, cats have their
reasons for fighting. Some of these reasons are similar to the reasons that
humans have disputes. Cats express their discontent with other cats by picking
fights. The reasons why cats fight can help you determine how to prevent your
cats from fighting in the future.
Fighting for their territory:
Many cats fight because of their territory. One of the reasons that cats fight
is because they feel like an unwanted cat has invaded their territory, even if
it is a cat that has lived with them for a long time. Cats are much more
territorial than dogs and the gender of the cat has very little to do with it.
Contrary to what many people believe, female cats are sometimes just as
territorial as their male counterparts. If you have two cats in your home, you
might notice that one cat hisses and swats at the other whenever he feels his
territory has been invaded. This can also happen if you bring a new cat into
the home. They are simply defending their territory.
Social
ranking: Either male cats frequently threaten and fight with each other for
social ranking or despite what you may think; even neutered males may do this.
If you have multiple cats, especially more than one male cat, one cat is
usually considered the "alpha male" and will be at the top of the cat
hierarchy. Two cats might posture their bodies, then begin howling and
screaming at one another. If one of the cats walks away or backs down, then the
catfight is usually avoided. However, if neither one wants to throw in the
towel and surrender, then one cat will attack the other by jumping forward and
attempting to bite the neck. The other cat will fall on his back and tries to
bite or scratch the attacker with its hind legs. The two cats might go through
this several times before walking away. There are usually no injuries sustained
in these kinds of fights. You may even notice that kittens or young cats play
with one another this way. Most of the time, you will not need to interfere.
Aggression: Cats also fight as a result of some kind of
redirected aggression and this is quite common, especially with indoor cats.
Your cat might be looking outside the window at another cat or dog crossing the
yard. Your cat begins to feel territorial and aggressive at this cat, but since
this other cat cannot be reached, he may instead attack the other family cat.
Another example is if you are giving your cats treats. One cat may reach the
treat first and begin eating. The other one wants a bite, but the cat that is
eating may become aggressive over the treat and begin to swipe or yowl and the
other cat. Usually this is not the case……..because they do sense
their home is only a home if everyone tries their best to get along.
If you find your cats fighting occasionally, you should know that this is
common and quite typical of cats. Most of the time, you will be able to tell
whether or not your cats are fighting for "blood" or just playing around. The
time to stop a fight is when it gets nasty otherwise; allow your cats to work
it out themselves. If you feel the need to stop a catfight, then you should do
it carefully. Even the most loving cat can bite or scratch you in aggressive
passion. To stop a fight, you should make some kind of loud noise, such as a
handclap. Since cats are startled by loud noises, they will both stop to see
what is making the noise. You can also spray water on them to interfere with
the aggressive behavior.
When you find your cats fighting, it is best
not to punish the cats for their fight. Cats do not understand punishment and
fighting is a natural instinct in cats. The best thing to do is only interfere
when necessary. If you find your cats are fighting more than they should, it is
time that you find out why. Do they fight over a litter box, a food bowl or a
prime window location? Make sure each kitty has his or her own "things" and a
place to retreat when they feel overwhelmed by other pets in the house. This
will go a long way in preventing real catfights.
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Sabina@PetsNanny.net
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