Cat-to-Cat Aggression
Occasionally, conflicts arise among cats in a shared household. This can happen when you introduce a new cat to your home or when existing cats have a disagreement that escalates into fighting. To reintroduce cats who have started to fight, follow the recommendations below.
Separate the cats for a period. Give the cat who has been the victim of aggression the choice location in the home. This will boost their confidence and sense of security. The aggressor should not have free access to the home to prevent them from continuing to claim territory. If the victim cat feels more secure in a smaller space, consider placing each cat in their own room, neither having full access to the entire home.
Ensure that each room contains all the necessities: food, water, litter box, toys, beds, and a Feliway Pheromone Diffuser. Feliway is a synthetic version of feline facial pheromones known to have a calming effect on cats. The diffuser emits these pheromones constantly into the room.
While separated:
Both cats should receive natural calming remedies like Rescue Remedy or Composure to help reduce their anxiety about each other and being separated.
Victim cat: Engage in interactive play to build confidence and help them feel safe enough to engage in natural prey behavior.
Aggressor cat: Play sessions can help them learn acceptable targets for biting (toys) and unacceptable ones (humans). If they ever bite or scratch during play, end the session immediately.
Scent Exchange: Use a sock on your hand to pet each cat daily, exchanging their scents.
Room Exchange: Switch the cats once a day for about 20 minutes so they can investigate and smell each other’s territory.
Counterconditioning at the Doorway: Allow the cats to briefly see each other without direct access. Install baby gates or a screen door between rooms, and offer treats on either side of the door to create a more positive association.
Short Reintroduction Sessions: When both cats seem comfortable at the door, begin controlled introduction sessions. Once or twice a day, bring them into a neutral room and provide something positive, such as a play session or special treats. Start with very short periods and gradually increase the time they spend together.
Before reintroduction:
Ensure an environment with plenty of resources: multiple feeding stations, toilet areas, resting/observational perches, and increased vertical territory.
The aggressor cat should wear a bell on its collar to allow the victim cat to track their location.
If a fight occurs:
Diversion Technique: If you notice the aggressor preparing to attack, divert their attention to an interactive toy like a Cat Dancer, triggering their prey drive and redirecting their focus away from their housemate. Keep such toys in multiple rooms for quick access.
If a fight has already started, make a startling noise to separate them. They will likely move in opposite directions when startled.
In some cases, despite efforts, two cats may be unable to live together peacefully. If this is the situation in your home, consider rehoming one of the cats. Persistent fighting is distressing for everyone involved, and the quality of life for the cats, particularly the victim, is adversely affected. Rehoming may be the most humane solution. If you have tried the above methods and it is not working out, please see our Rehoming Page for more information about rehoming a pet.
