How to Stop Cats From Fighting Each Other

Aggression in cats is not uncommon. This problematic behaviour can come on suddenly or gradually. In most cases, it can occur when your first cat has to share space with a new cat. You may have adopted a new pet, and the introduction isn't going as well as you had hoped. Now you’re left with a stressful situation of cat-on-cat aggression. 

You’re not alone in searching for advice on ‘how to stop cats from fighting’. Many pet owners face this challenge, especially those in multi-cat households. Although fighting in cats can be overwhelming, there are ways to prevent and manage feline disputes.

Here’s a simple plan to help you keep the peace.

Recognising Aggressive Cat Behaviour

The first step to preventing a fight between your cats is to recognise aggression. Some cats start with the ‘staredown’,  the intense stare that signals a prelude to a clash. When you notice this between your cats, stop it from escalating into a brawl. Break it up as soon as you recognise that intense moment.

Other than the ‘staredown’, here are other physical cues that indicate aggression, anxiety, annoyance or anger in your feline pets.

• An arched back and fur puffed up mean your cat is angry or scared, and they're trying to make themselves appear big as a defense mechanism.

• Ears backward, sideways or flat may mean your cat is angry, scared, or annoyed.

• A tail tucked between their legs indicates they’re afraid.

• Tail thrashing back and forth may mean they’re agitated. 

• Growling or hissing may indicate that they’re agitated, angry, or scared.

Cats clash for the following reasons:

• Territorial aggression: Cats fight over territory when they sense another pet is encroaching on their space or consuming their leftover cat food.

• Play aggression: Rough housing between cats of significant age difference (i.e., a mild-mannered adult cat and an aggressive kitten). Rough play can lead to overstimulation, which can also trigger aggression.

• Fear aggression: When a cat encounters new people, pets, and environments, the unfamiliar can produce a fearful response, causing them to fight with another cat. 

• Maternal aggression: Feline mums fiercely protect their kittens when a person or another pet approaches them. Maternal aggression typically subsides once the kittens have been weaned from nursing.

A cat that’s suddenly aggressive might indicate an underlying medical condition. If your usually calm pet changes their behaviour, schedule a vet visit to rule out medical problems. Some medical conditions that could make a cat aggressive include dental disease, osteoarthritis and hyperthyroidism.

Now that you recognise the warning signs of aggression, the next step is to learn how to stop your feline pets from getting into a scuffle.

How to Stop Cats From Fighting

The right strategies can reduce tension, prevent future conflicts and help your pets build a more peaceful relationship.

Here’s how to stop house cats from fighting​.

Intervene immediately.

If you notice one of your cats or both cats rapt in a staredown, intervene immediately. When both cats freeze, with their ears flat or backward, this crucial moment is a good time to get in between and not let them fight it out. De-escalate the situation and get them in their own corners.

You can intervene safely by clapping your hands or redirecting their attention away from each other. If the fight has already started, do not get in the middle. Instead, use a toy or make a loud noise to distract them.

Let the aggressive cat calm down.

Much as you want to, avoid soothing the aggressive cat. You need to give them their space. Let them go to their spot and leave them alone. If you try to touch or pet them in their agitated state, they may redirect their aggression towards you.

Giving your pet space and time is the best way to learn how to calm an aggressive cat​.

Reward positive behaviour.

Use positive enforcers, such as treats, to reward non-aggressive behaviour. When both cats heed your command to stop the staredown, be ready to give them cat treats once they’ve trotted off to their favourite spots.

If no treats are available, reward positive behaviour with praise. As most fur parents do, talk to your cat in a friendly, soothing voice, and they will listen.

Separate their resources.

Cats are territorial, so they may become aggressive or feel threatened when another cat encroaches on their territory. These spaces could include their hiding spots, perches, bed and feeding area. Eliminate the need for another cat to use your other cat’s things and territory by separating their resources.

You’ll find everything your pet needs from our cat supplies collection, from food bowls and cat trees to grooming supplies and litter boxes. Leave enough space between these resources to prevent future cat clashes. 

Separate base camps are especially crucial during the introduction phase between your resident cat and adoptive cat.

Spay or neuter your cats.

Do male cats get aggressive if not neutered​? Yes, some un-neutered male cats can be aggressive towards other tomcats. They’ll have a strong instinct to wander outside and get into scuffles with other cats. 

Although neutered male cats are less aggressive, feline rivalry can still happen in your home. This is especially true for male cats that were neutered as adults. But they can still get along better with other cats if neutered. 

Female cats that have been spayed can also be less aggressive since their hormones don’t lead to maternal aggression.

Another way to stop cats from clashing is to use pheromones that create a calming, natural cat odour. A diffuser can help create a serene environment for your cats, allowing you to use it continuously until peace prevails in your home. 

Bringing Harmony Between Cats

Cats are territorial, and they’re not always going to get along. But you don’t have to live in constant conflict when your feline pets don’t want to be in the same room. You can take steps to prevent aggression from escalating and learn how to stop cats from fighting each other.

With your patience and consistent efforts, your cats can learn to coexist and eventually come to adore one another as they grow older. Progress may be slow at first, and setbacks are likely to occur. But keep encouraging positive interactions. Create a calming, safe space for both cats. And turn moments of companionship into opportunities for long-term harmony.

Keep your cats comfortable and stress-free in the right environment with the right essentials. Get the best cat supplies in Dubai from Pet’s Delight today.