Helping cat parents with fighting cats was the most common concern at Purrsuasion in 2024. But why is coexistence seemingly so tough for them? Here’s some reasons why:
- Living in close quarters: We often put cats in situations where they have to live in spaces they wouldn't pick for themselves.
- Not enough resources: When there aren't enough things like food bowls, litter boxes, or comfy spots, cats fight to get what they need.
- Lack of fun activities: Cats need fun and stimulation, but many homes don't offer enough entertainment for them.
- Not thinking about personalities: It’s easy to fall in love with a new kitten or cat, but we might not think enough about whether the cat's personality will fit with others in the house.
- Missed signs of stress: We often miss the early signs that cats are stressed or unhappy, which can make the situation worse.
- Unrealistic expectations: We sometimes expect more from our cats than we are willing to give back.
- Not fully understanding cats: There’s still a lot we don’t know about how cats socialize. What we do know is based on what we believe to be true, but we'll never know exactly how a cat thinks.
So, how can we help our cats live together more peacefully? Here are a few things we can do:
- Give cats enough space: Make sure your cats have their own areas to rest and feel safe.
- Provide plenty of resources: Have enough food, water, litter boxes, and hiding spots to reduce competition.
- Add enrichment: Offer toys, climbing structures, interactive play, and training to keep cats mentally and physically active.
- Consider personalities: When adopting a new cat, take time to learn about their personality and how they might get along with your other cats.
- Watch for early signs of stress: Pay attention to your cats’ behaviour and body language to catch stress before it gets worse.
- Set realistic expectations: Understand that cats can’t thrive if you don’t provide them with tools to do so.
- Keep learning: Stay curious about cat behaviour and always be open to new ideas on how to support your cats better.
- Reach out for help: If things aren’t going smoothly, don’t wait for things to worsen before talking to a professional. Our cat behavior expert can help you create a plan that works for you and your cats.
By being more thoughtful about these things, we can help our cats live happier, calmer lives together.