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==Aggression Between Cats in the Same Household==

==Aggression Between Cats in the Same Household==

Aggression between cats in the household is motivated by the same underlying emotional responses as [[Feline Aggression Towards People|aggression towards people]]. These include [[Feline Fear and Stress|fear]], frustration, [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|predatory behaviour]], or play. Often aggression problems in multi-cat households will relate to a combination of these causes, so that accurate and comprehensive [[Behavioural Consultation and History Taking|history taking]] is an essential part of reaching a diagnosis.

Aggression between cats in the household is motivated by the same underlying emotional responses as [[Feline Aggression Towards People|aggression towards people]]. These include [[Feline Fear and Stress|fear]], frustration, [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|predatory behaviour]], play and resource control. Often aggression problems in multi-cat households will relate to a combination of these causes, so that accurate and comprehensive [[Behavioural Consultation and History Taking|history taking]] is an essential part of reaching a diagnosis.

 

It is now widely accepted that, in situations of aggression between cats in the same household, aggression can be manifested not only in active aggressive behaviour but also in a more passive manner through strategic use of marking behaviours such as [[Indoor Marking - Cat|indoor urine spraying]]. Passive aggression is therefore a differential diagnosis in cases of indoor marking.  

Redirected aggression is also common, especially when aggressive display towards cats outside the house is thwarted, and the cat turns its attention to an easier target within the house, such as another cat.

Redirected aggression is also common, especially when aggressive display towards cats outside the house is thwarted, and the cat turns its attention to an easier target within the house, such as another cat.

Feline play often involves rehearsal of [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|predatory behaviour]], which is fine when it is directed at inanimate objects. However, other cats in the household are just as likely to become [[Misdirected Feline Predatory Behaviour Towards People|mock-predatory targets as their human counterparts]].  

Feline play often involves rehearsal of [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|predatory behaviour]], which is acceptable when directed at inanimate objects. However, other cats in the household can become [[Misdirected Feline Predatory Behaviour Towards People|mock-predatory targets ]] for this type of play in the same ways as people.  

   

   

Inter-cat aggression within the household is most likely to occur at certain key times, such as when a [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Introducing a Cat to a New Home/Environment|new cat is being introduced to the household]]. This may be due to fear of the new cat or due to more general effects on the availability of resources such as resting places, owner attention or food. Another important high-risk event is when a cat that has been temporarily hospitalised or housed in a cattery returns home. Poor [[Feline Socialisation|socialisation]] of one or more of the cats in the home and the presence of social stress within the household are also factors that need to be considered.

Inter-cat aggression within the household is most likely to occur at certain key times, such as when a [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Introducing a Cat to a New Home/Environment|new cat is being introduced to the household]]. This may be due to fear of the new cat or due to more general effects on the availability of resources such as resting places, owner attention or food. Another important high-risk event is when a cat that has been temporarily hospitalised or housed in a cattery returns home. Poor [[Feline Socialisation|socialisation]] of one or more of the cats in the home and the presence of social stress within the household are also factors that need to be considered.