If you have a household with multiple cats, you know that
cat fights do happen. Even if you 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 are. 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.
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.