Occasional arguments in a multi-cat household are normal. In the case of permanent disputes, the cats should be temporarily separated and the reason for this behavior should be found out. The following causes are possible for the quarrels.
Advantages and disadvantages of a multi-cat household
Cats love the company of a conspecific. Therefore, if possible, keeping two or more cats is preferable to a single cat. This is especially true if they are kept indoors only, which does not allow any contact with other animals. Together they can chase each other, play, cuddle and chat. But as with us, there can sometimes be arguments in a relationship.
Normally, we are aware of what we have in common and try to get back to harmony as quickly as possible. Our advantage is that we can talk to each other. Cats can also communicate with each other in many different ways, but there are limits to this. It is therefore important that the cat owner thinks along with them. Some quarrels can be avoided from the outset, for others you have no choice but to look for reasons and separate the quarrelling cats temporarily.
Redirected aggression
If cats suddenly stop getting along with each other, there must be a reason. Finding this out is sometimes not so easy. One example of this is redirected aggression. This means that aggressive behavior towards the second cat was not the actual cause, but something completely different. For example, one of the two cats may have repeatedly noticed a strange cat in the garden.
She would actually like to chase it away, but as an indoor cat she can't get out. She is inwardly agitated and full of pent-up aggression. Suddenly, when her indoor companion comes around the corner, she gives him a paw swipe without actually meaning to. This action causes the second cat to fight back and the sparks fly. When looking for reasons for aggressive behavior, you should therefore always look for situations that could stress one of the two cats and are not directly related to the other cat.
Cats no longer get along after a visit to the vet
This is a typical case of a quarrel situation that can be avoided in advance. If one of the two cats has to go to the vet, this usually means stress for the animal. It may be neutered, need an operation or be due for vaccinations. As a result, the cat is upset and may have to wear a collar or bandage. This can subsequently lead to communication problems, for example because she can no longer move her ears in the usual way or her ear movements can only be recognized by the other cat to a limited extent.
In addition, it cannot be avoided that the cat treated in the practice has taken on many unfamiliar odors and brings them into the familiar home environment. These could frighten the other cat or, in conjunction with the above-mentioned points and possible changes in behavior, lead to the cat no longer being sure whether this is its mate at all. As a result, she may see her territory in danger and an attack may occur. It therefore makes sense to separate your pet for a few hours or even a day or two after a visit to the vet. In a separate room, the returnee can first recover and get used to the familiar smell again.
Bullying among cats
Bullying doesn't just happen at school or at work - it can also happen in a cat household. However, a distinction must be made between an occasional quarrel and the permanent impairment of a conspecific. There may be regular situations that need to be clarified quickly and clearly. Perhaps one cat has taken the other's bowl, is lying on their favorite spot or is questioning the hierarchy. This can lead to an argument, which is then quickly forgotten.
Bullying is different: arguments occur almost daily. It is possible that one of the animals is prevented from eating, picked on when walking past, not allowed on the scratching post or to go to thelitter tray. In these cases, the cat owner has a role to play: Each animal should have its own bowls and litter tray. A scratching post should also offer a comfortable lying position for each cat. If this is not the case, a second cat tree is recommended.
Moving with cats
Are the cats one heart and one soul? Do they cuddle together and almost always get along? Then moving to a new home will not normally cause any problems. This is not the case if they have tolerated rather than loved each other up to now. In this case, each will first try to stake out the new territory and may have no objection to taking over everything straight away. In this or other cases, it may be necessary to separate the cats temporarily by giving one of them their own room with all their utensils.
Only when the two cats have calmed down and don't start attacking each other as soon as the door opens should they be kept together again. This can take a few days, sometimes even weeks. Patience is the key here. It makes sense to occasionally swap territories so that there is equality.
Should I intervene in an argument?
Hissing, screeching, scratching and biting are all part of cat language. Even if this may look violent to us,there is no need to intervenein a brief argument. However, if a cat is clearly inferior, frightened and has no way to escape, you should intervene! However, it is too dangerous to intervene directly in the fray. Clap your hands, shout, use a cushion or throw a rattling object on the floor near the animals. Sometimes a jet of water from a flower sprayer can also help.
As soon as the two squabblers let go of each other, grab one of them and take him to a separate room. As with reuniting two cats, it may be necessary to slowly accustom them to each other over a longer period of time. Try to find the cause of the disagreement and eliminate it. However, do not reunite the cats too soon. Observe the situation and create positive associations, for example by rewarding both cats with treats when they see the other through the doorway or a gate. With a lot of patience and one or two measures, it is almost always possible to achieve a satisfactory coexistence. However, if a cat suffers for months and there is no improvement in sight, the last option is to consider giving up one of the animals.