Managing and Mitigating Aggression: Protocol for Dealing with Conflict Between Cohabiting Cats
- When aggressive outbursts occur between familiar cats, distract them as soon as possible.
- Never lift them up when they are behaviourally aroused as this might lead to redirected aggression, causing serious injuries.
- Avoid using anything with a shrill noise as this can frighten and startle them which may compound the problem. Toys with bells rolled across the floor are ideal.
- For mild altercations (hissing, spitting), it’s usual for cats to disperse to different locations. With a little time, most usually simmer without any real issues.
- For a moderate altercation (hissing, spitting and swiping) separate the cats immediately, placing them in familiar locations with their own set of key resources.
- Allow the cats to recover and calm down.
- Synthetic pheromones containing the Cat Appeasing Pheromone have been shown to reduce cohabitation problems so using this in the environment may be helpful.
- During this time caregivers should operate a time-sharing policy in the hub of the home as confinement for lengthy periods might trigger stress.
- Before reintroductions, the cats must be showing signs of relaxation and freedom from stress.
- Reintroduce the cats, following the steps in Introducing New Cats to a Home with a Resident Cat (https://www.petcourses.co.uk/free-resources/introducing-new-cats-to-a-home-with-a-resident-cats).
- The aim is to proceed with gradual, positive introductions.
- For repeated problems or more serious conflict (fighting) keep them separated and seek professional advice from a suitably qualified feline behaviourist.
