How to help your cat stop fighting

Cats fighting and playing can sometimes look very similar! When cats are playing they will be silent, with gentle biting, retracted claws, and chasing both ways.

If your cats are biting seriously however, or they have their claws out and you hear screams, they are more likely to be fighting. Other signs of cats fighting can include staring at each other, one cat always chasing the other, blocking each other's pathways and hiding away.

Cats are naturally solitary animals and don't always choose to live in close social groups. They can be friendly to other cats, escoeially if they have grown up together from kittens. At other times cats will just tolerate wach other and signs of conflict can be very subtle. For more help with recognising the difference between cats fighting and playing, read our expert's guide.

The typical cause of conflict and fighting between cats is competition for resources. This can include food bowls, water bowls, litter boxes, resting areas and scratching posts. To make it easier for your cats to live together make sure to give each cat their own set of resources and put them in separate areas to avoid tension caused by competition. For example, you can put their resources on different levels; one on the floor and another higher up, out of sight of the first.

The rapid introduction of a new cat is also likely to cause tension. Cats need time to adjust to one another and so this process shouldn't be rushed.

Where there are signs of conflict or tension between cats, it's important to note that this will not get better with time. Cats do not make up after a fight. On the contrary, the tension is likely to persist, and the signs of conflict can even worse. Cats find it difficult to forgive and forget!

FELIWAY Optimum is an effective solution for reducing conflict between cats. To find out why cats fight, check out our full article.

Next, make sure to reward your cats if you find them being calm and non-aggressive when close together. Daily one-to-one play can be beneficial as it limits competition for your attention. FELIWAY Optimum can also help to restore harmony and create a calming environment.

To stop cats from fighting, first ensure they each have their own resources, such as food bowls, litter bozes and resting areas. The best approach here is 'n+1': have one of each resource for every cat, plus one more. For instance, if you have two cats, you'll need three of each resource; for three cats, you'll have four. These resources should all be easily accessible without your cats having to interact with one another.

You should also check for any other reasons they might be fighting. For example, has there been any changes around the home?

If fights are frequent or severe, separate your cats into different rooms and gradually reintroduce them after a period of time alone has passed. Consulting with a vet or qualified behaviourist is advised for persistent issues. For more information on helping cats get along and reduce fighting, read our full guide.

Yes, female cats can fight with male cats. There are many reasons why aggression can occur between cats, many of which are often related to a cat’s territory. This could be due to a cat defending their space, access to their resources, or friction between cats who live together. Both male and female cats have territorial instincts and females may defend their space just as much as males.

FELIWAY® Optimum can be an effective solution for addressing social issues, releasing “serenity messages” to help cats get along and reduce common signs of tension and conflict between cats, such as chasing, blocking, or more obvious physical fights.

Just like us humans, who may not always get on perfectly with even our best friends, bonded cats can occasionally fight. These flare ups could be due to changes that affect one or both of your cats and put a strain on the relationship. For instance, this could be a change in routine, visitors to the home, or a recent visit to the vet. 

It’s also important to note that bonded cats will often playfight with each other. This is a fun and enjoyable activity for cats that shouldn’t be discouraged, so it helps to be able to recognise the difference between the two.

Ensuring each cat can access resources when they want to can help minimise conflicts. If fights become frequent or intense, consult with a veterinarian or qualified behaviourist to address any underlying issues or provide a plan to address the behaviour. FELIWAY® Optimum also helps to restore harmony in the home, and can reduce the common signs of tension and conflict between cats.

As with humans, even sibling cats can have a fight from time to time. These are often due to environmental changes that are putting strain on one or both cats, and that may make them more likely to become confrontational. If you notice your cats fighting, FELIWAY® Optimum can be an effective solution that releases “serenity messages” to help cats get along.

This being said, sibling cats may also simply grow apart as they get older! As they socially mature, it’s not uncommon for cats to choose to spend their time more independently.

Yes, it’s normal for cats to fight occasionally. Territory is very important for cats and they’ll want to protect their space, as well as access to their resources within it! 

While cats are naturally solitary hunters, they can be helped to share their space with another cat they can tolerate, even if they’re never going to become the best of friends. Providing ample space, resources, and separate areas will help to reduce conflicts. FELIWAY® Optimum can also be an effective solution for creating a comfortable and secure environment.

It’s important to look for both subtle and obvious signs that your cats have been fighting, and if conflict persists, seek advice from a veterinarian or qualified behaviourist.

Yes, FELIWAY® Optimum can help reduce fighting between cats by releasing “serenity messages”. These help a cat to feel reassured and comforted in their home, and can help reduce conflict between cats living together too. FELIWAY® Friends can also help to reduce common signs of conflict between cats, including fighting, chasing, and blocking.

Are you considering getting another cat? If so, it is vital to get their first meeting right as this can set the tone for their future relationship. Learn more from our articlr Introducing cats together.