Why Do Cats Fight So Much?

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.

By being more thoughtful about these things, we can help our cats live happier, calmer lives together.