Difference between revisions of "Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats in the Same Household"

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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 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 displays 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 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.  
−
 
 
−
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]].  
 
 
   
 
   
−
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 [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|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.
  
 
==Prevalence and risk factors==
 
==Prevalence and risk factors==
−
There is no reliable prevalence data for the specific problem of inter-cat aggression within the household, but problems such as indoor spray marking and elimination, and scratching are common and associated with inter-cat conflict.
+
There is no reliable prevalence data for the specific problem of inter-cat aggression within the household, but problems such as indoor spray marking and elimination, and scratching are common and associated with inter-cat conflict. As with other problems, overpopulation and under-provision of resources are likely risk factors.
−
 
 
  
 
==Investigation==
 
==Investigation==
−
As with [[Feline Housesoiling|house-soiling and spraying problems]], it is important to fully understand the nature of the [[Feline Social Behaviour|cat’s relationships with each other]] and the way that they make use of their domestic territory.
+
'''Common underlying factors include:'''
−
 
 
−
Some basic information is vital.
 
−
*A [[Housesoiling - Cat#Using a House Plan|plan drawing of the home and garden]] indicating the location of feeding places, [[Cat Latrines|latrines]], resting places and any other resources the cats make use of. This drawing should also include information about places that each cat prefers to use (resting places etc) and any locations of spray marks or inappropriate elimination.
 
−
*The relationship between the cats can be determined by looking at the pattern of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Allogrooming and allorubbing|allorubbing, allogrooming and other affiliative behaviours]] such as tail-up greetings between individual cats. It is often found that small [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|factions or cliques]] exist within the whole group, with some cats remaining peripheral to the social group. There may also be ‘super-social’ individuals who show affiliative behaviour towards and are accepted by members of all of the factions. These cats may be instrumental in preventing outbreaks of aggression between factions.
 
−
*Observation of passive aggressive behaviours between the cats, chasing, resource guarding and other similar behaviours that indicate social conflict between factions or group members.
 
−
 
 
−
====Common Causes====
 
 
*Illness or debilitation
 
*Illness or debilitation
 
*Social pressure due to excessive population density
 
*Social pressure due to excessive population density
Line 44: Line 34:
 
*Redirected aggression (frustration)
 
*Redirected aggression (frustration)
  
−
==Prevention==
+
As with [[Feline Housesoiling|house-soiling and spraying problems]], it is important to fully understand the nature of the [[Feline Social Behaviour|cat’s relationships with each other]] and the way that they make use of their territory in and around the home.
−
It is advisable to prevent the aggression towards other cats in the household by providing [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Adequate Environment for Cats|adequate resources]] so that competition does not develop. Several feeding, drinking and latrine sites distributed around the home to enable cats to have a real choice of location for these activities. [[Cat Latrines|Latrines]] may also be created in the garden. The local cat population density and whether it can cope with the addition of another cat needs to considered before attempting to introduce one. Choosing cats that come from successful multi-cat households or that have sociable parents as well as [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Introducing a Cat to a New Home/Environment|introducing them correctly]] is more likely to result in a successful outcome. Providing plenty of opportunities for appropriate play is also important.
+
 
 +
'''Several types of information are required for an investigation:'''
 +
*The personality, experience and health state of individual cats.
 +
*Interactions between cats within the household.
 +
*The physical environment available to the cats (inside and outside the home).
 +
*The population of cats in the neighbourhood (as a potential source of stress and conflict).
 +
 
 +
'''Individual cats:'''
 +
*Behaviour and origin of parents, if known.
 +
*Rearing conditions and experience during the sensitive period.
 +
*Past history of living in multi-cat households (especially if rehomed).
 +
*Process of introduction to the household (including age of the cats during introduction).
 +
*Interaction with the other resident cats, prior to current problem.
 +
*Medical history and physical examination.
 +
 
 +
'''Interactions between the cats in the household:'''
 +
*The relationship between the cats can be determined by looking at the pattern of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Allogrooming and allorubbing|allorubbing, allogrooming and other affiliative behaviours]] such as tail-up greetings between individual cats.
 +
*This can be recorded on a diagram indicating the type and direction of communication between individual cats.
 +
*Observation of aggressive behaviours between the cats including chasing, resource guarding and other similar behaviours that indicate social conflict between factions or group members.
 +
 
 +
'''Physical environment:'''
 +
*Assessment of the amount and [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|distribution of resources]].
 +
*Availability of key resources (such as access to food).
 +
*Opportunities to perform normal behaviour (including play and rest).
 +
*Opportunities to perform avoidance and escape behaviour (to maintain distance from conflicting cats).
 +
 
 +
'''Neighbourhood cats:'''
 +
*Signs that non-resident cats may have entered the home to steal food or conflict with resident cats.
 +
*Evidence of local overpopulation, conflict with non-resident cats or the presence of intact male strays.
  
 
==Treatment==
 
==Treatment==
−
The ultimate aim of treatment is to produce a fully functioning cat group in which there is '''maximal affiliative behaviour and minimal aggression'''. Treatment of aggression within cat groups should only proceed where there is a genuine likelihood that the [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|environment can be permanently modified]] to meet the cats’ needs. This may mean giving the cats access to more space, a larger number and diversity of resources, and possibly indoor-outdoor access if the cats are currently kept inside. Part of the solution to some inter-cat aggression problems may be to identify and re-home [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|despotic cats]], or to sensitively reduce the overall cat population in a household by re-homing certain factions en-mass. In this case the resolution is to produce several functioning cat groups that live separately. Some owners are fortunate enough to be able to provide two or more separate ‘homes’ for their cats within their property, using outbuildings. Making this kind of decision requires an in-depth analysis and understanding of the social dynamics of the group and how it accesses resources. A good solution that improves the welfare of all the cats should never be regarded as a failure, even if the cats are unable to continue living with the owner.  
+
Treatment of inter-cat aggression problems includes interventions that operate at a group level as well as an individual level.
 +
 
 +
'''Treatment should take into account:'''
 +
*Individual personality and behaviour.
 +
*The relationships between the cats.
 +
*The [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|physical environment and resources]].
 +
*Conflict and competition with neighbourhood cats.
 +
*The relationship with the owner.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''The Individual:'''
 +
 
 +
Not all cats place the same value on specific resources, and the environment may need to be altered to take this into account. For example, providing more feeding locations if a timid cat is finding it hard to access resources.
 +
The coping strategy of individual cats also varies. In the past, clients have been advised to provide climbing and high resting places for cats, but nervous cats appear to prefer floor level hiding places.
 +
Households may include individuals with very different levels of sociability and boldness, and the provision of play and resources should take this into account. For example, environmental enrichment with activity feeding may be of interest to only one cat in a household, that is not the main antagonist in inter-cat aggression, but by satisfying this cat's behavioural needs the group social dynamic is improved.
 +
In some cases individual cats show such high levels of anxiety and inhibition that they are unable to access resources or become the target for predatory play or bullying. These cats may benefit form [[Behaviour Modifying Drugs - Overview|psychoactive medication]] to reduce anxiety.
 +
In other situations, an individual cat may behave despotically, controlling access to resources so that other cats are unable to use them. This can be the result of a medical condition, such as [[Hyperthyroidism|hyperthyroidism]] or [[Diabetes Mellitus|diabetes mellitus]], which increases the value of food resources. It can also be a feature of the personality of some cats. Hybrid cats may be particularly problematic in multi-cat households, as their social and territorial behaviour may not be compatible with domestic cats. In some cases, individuals may need to be rehomed in order to improve the welfare of the remaining cats.
 +
 
  
−
The cats responsible for initiating the aggression must be identified. It may be possible to fit the aggressor(s) with a bell and collar so that other cats can evade them faster.
+
'''Relationship Between Cats in the Household:'''
  
−
The first step to treating inter-cat aggression is therefore to '''reduce apparent competition'''. Providing each cat-faction within a household with its own collection of resources will immediately reduce stress. The cats no longer have to queue for access to resources in close proximity to cats from opposing factions. Reduced contact in competitive situations will allow the cats to live in greater isolation from each other, but this in fact also enables them to associate with each other without the complication of competition for food or space.  
+
The basis for recognition in cats is group odour. This is created and maintained by allorubbing and allogrooming, which transfers and mixes scent between members of a group. When cats leave facial and flank marks they will deposit this group odour in the environment. Once a problem has become established, there may be little or no scent transfer between individuals or factions of cats within a household, so there may be no common group odour. These individuals and factions need to be given their own resources, so that there is less competition between them. In some cases a group odour did exist, but it is lost when people are not present to transfer odours between cats, or when a super-social individual within the cat group has gone. It can also occur when cats are reunited after a period of separation (such as when hospitalised or having gone missing). The use of [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat#F3|F3 diffusers]] can simulate the effect of dense [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial marking]] within an environment, whilst the cats re-establish their own marks and exchange odours that identify them. F3 diffusers may be removed when the cats are freely associating without aggression and showing allogrooming and allorubbing between members of factions. A group odour can be deliberately created by the owner, by collecting and transferring scent between cats, in the same way as when [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Introducing a Cat to a New Home/Environment|introducing a new cat to the household]]. In fact, in some cases, it is recommended that cats be separated completely for several weeks, before being reintroduced as if bringing in a new cat. [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat#F$|Synthetic F4 pheromone]] may also be helpful in this situation as it has been described to manage intercat conflict.  
  
−
In order to '''maximise available space''' for the cats it is also important to make the best use of the outdoor environment. Provision of extra resting places, perches and latrines outside will reduce competition for indoor resources. Access to outbuildings increases indoor space available to the cats, as does providing sheltered perches. Some owners are reluctant to give cats access to outdoors, and in some countries cats are not permitted to roam free. In these cases, a secure outdoor run may be a viable option, to increase available space.
 
  
−
Part of reducing competition is to '''reduce the value of the owner as a ‘virtual resource’'''. The cats may regard the owner as a source of food, as well as security. They may be unable to gain access to food or go in and out of the house safely when the owner is not present to protect them. This also means that cats tend to congregate around the owner, which places them in close proximity at a time when they are most desperate to get food or outdoor access. Free access to food in bowls or activity feeders that always contain some food and are merely topped up by the owner at random will enable the cats to maintain distance from one another. Likewise cat-doors (preferably more than one) are better than a ‘human operated’ back-door.
+
'''[[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|Physical Environment]]:'''
  
−
'''Increasing access to space is also critical'''. The cat’s primary means of controlling its interaction with other cats is to maintain distance from them. In the small rooms that are typical of most homes, it may be very difficult for a cat to feel safe because it is always forced into closer than desirable proximity to other cats. This tends to favour aggression, because escape and avoidance are not possible. Fortunately, cats are able to make greater use of 3-dimensional space than humans and dogs, so giving them high perches in the form of shelves or cat furniture will enable the cats to re-engage [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Distance Increasing Behaviour|avoidance and distance-maintaining behaviours]].  
+
Cats form social groups on areas where resources are in excess. These groups break up and suffer conflict when resources are insufficient. In a domestic setting cats gain such high quality shelter and food that they will remain resident when social conflict in any other situation would have forced them to leave. In addition, in urban areas outside population density may be high, and resources so apparently scarce, that resident cats have little choice but to remain where they are. Improving access to resources is key to reducing conflict and competition. This includes giving the cats multiple feeding sites, latrines and plenty of choice or resting, climbing and hiding places. Access to outdoor space through a secure cat flap reduces pressure on space within the home, and permits cats to engage in normal hunting and territory behaviours that are highly motivated. However, in some countries cats are not permitted to roam free. In these cases, a secure outdoor run may be a viable option, to increase available space. If factions or isolated individuals have been identified within the group, these should be specifically provided with dedicated resources that are are apart from other cats. By doing this, conflict is reduced and it is more likely that the cats can be formed into a single social group.
  
−
Cardboard boxes and other low-down boltholes provide an excellent '''escape route for cats''' that are regularly chased aggressively or during play. This enables the victim to take refuge without having to run too far, and removes some of the reinforcement for chasing by the other cat. If the motivation for chasing is predatory play, then the owner should provide other play opportunities as an outlet for this motivation, such as play with a fishing toy and a changing supply of small, easily moved, brightly coloured toys.
 
  
−
The '''pheromone environment of functioning cat groups is quite special'''. Repeated [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|face and flank marking]] of objects in the central section of the [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|cats’ territory]], combined with [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Allogrooming and allorubbing|allorubbing and allogrooming]] creates a strong sense of security and identity. This can be lost when factions of cats or individuals dissociate from one another. This is commonest when people are not present to transfer odours between cats, or when a super-social individual within the group has gone. It can also occur when a house is redecorated, stripping odour marks from the environment, or when individuals are reunited after a period of separation (such as when hospitalised or having gone missing). The use of [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat#F3|F3 diffusers]] can simulate the effect of dense [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial and flank marking]] within an environment, whilst the cats re-establish their own marks and exchange odours that identify them. F3 diffusers may be removed when the cats are freely associating without aggression and showing allogrooming and allorubbing between members of factions. The [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat#F4|pheromone F4]] is very useful for preventing fear related aggression to previously unfamiliar individuals, but unfortunately, it is not suitable for treatment of inter-cat aggression within the household. F4 signals indicate familiarity, but with cats that have already had a number of aggressive encounters there may be a dissonance between the memory of the visual appearance of the aggressor cat and the chemical ‘familiarity’ signal. This has been seen to trigger apparent [[Feline Fear Overview|panic]] and violent outbursts.
+
'''Neighbourhood Cats:'''
  
−
A '''conditioned punisher such as a rattle may be used to disrupt aggressive behaviour at its outset''' e.g. to terminate threatening eye contact. When such an approach is used it must not be readily connected to the owner and should not be used in such a way as to actually frighten either of the cats. The aim is merely to startle the cats in order to disrupt the behavioural sequence but when used too late in the sequence, when the cats show great body tension and are preparing to strike, it may actually trigger an aggressive attack. It has to be remembered that [[Feline Fear and Stress|fear and anxiety]] are driving forces for aggressive behaviour and anything that increases tension will probably favour fighting. Use of punishment is therefore not generally recommended. A better method of distracting the cats is to try to trigger a [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|predatory behaviour]] that is directed at a toy. Most toys will not provide sufficient distraction, but laser pointer may be used carefully to break the cats’ concentration and lure them away from each other into a game. The advantage of this particular toy is that several cats can be independently distracted by moving the dot to different locations.
+
Pressure on resources within he home will be increased if resident cats do not feel secure to leave the home and utilise their territory. The outdoor environment should therefore be altered to enable resident cats to properly control the garden as territory. This includes providing places for resident cats to claw and urine mark, outdoor places for them to perch, shelter and eliminate, and a garden that is planted to encourage wildlife and to provide cover for the resident cats to move around. Neighbourhood cats should not be fed or encouraged to enter the garden. Intact stray cats should be trapped and neutered.  
  
−
'''Successful resolution of aggression is most likely if individuals recognise each other as part of the same group'''. This can be achieved by swapping odours between the cats and possibly by isolating factions or individuals so that a complete [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Introducing a Cat to a New Home/Environment|re-introduction]] is carried out, as if the cats were being brought into the house for the first time. This may be the most appropriate course if the cats are likely to inflict serious injury on each other, or where it is relatively easy for the owners to keep the cats apart in this way.
+
 
 +
'''Relationship with the Owner:'''
 +
 
 +
Part of reducing competition may be to '''reduce the value of the owner as a ‘virtual resource’'''. Resident cats may regard the owner as a source of food, as well as security. They may be unable to gain access to food or go in and out of the house safely when the owner is not present to protect them. This also means that cats tend to congregate around the owner, which places them in close proximity at a time when they are most desperate to get food or outdoor access. Owners may try to establish a "pecking order" between cats, based on the idea that some cats are dominant in the group. It is best for all resources the cats need to be freely available, and not on demand form the owner. This reduces dependence and tension between cats at feeding times and when the owner is around.
 +
 
 +
Owners should not physically intervene when cats are showing aggression; shouting, touching or trying to pick up a cat during a fight is likely to lead to redirection and serious injury to the person. If owners want to intervene to stop fights, they should use distraction rather than physical intervention or punishment. For example, using a fishing toy to distract the cats at the first sign of tension between them. This method is affective if the owner acts quickly at the start of aggression, but will not work once cats are in a stand-off.
  
 
==Prognosis==
 
==Prognosis==
Line 73: Line 111:
 
Cats are able to coexist successfully in groups but it is essential to prevent problems by choosing cats that are likely to be sociable and then [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Introducing a Cat to a New Home/Environment|introducing them in the right way]]. Rehoming some cats may be essential to provide the whole group with better welfare.
 
Cats are able to coexist successfully in groups but it is essential to prevent problems by choosing cats that are likely to be sociable and then [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Introducing a Cat to a New Home/Environment|introducing them in the right way]]. Rehoming some cats may be essential to provide the whole group with better welfare.
  
 +
In households where there is a problem of overpopulation or a clash in personality between individuals it should not be regarded as a failure if the ultimate recommendation is to rehome certain cats.
 +
 +
==Prevention==
 +
'''Inter-cat aggression can be prevented by:'''
 +
*Providing free access to an appropriate amount of resources that are distributed to allow all cats easy access.
 +
*Proper introduction of new cats to the home.
 +
*Avoiding overpopulation both in the home and in the local area.
 +
*Avoiding introduction of adult cats that are nervous or do not have a history of living in a multi-cat household.
 +
 +
It is common for a cat to lose group odour and pick up unfamiliar scents after a period at the veterinary clinic (for example, during dental work or neutering). These cats may not be recognised when they return to the home in a groggy condition after partial anaesthetic recovery, smelling different and behaving oddly. It is best to allow returning cats several hours in isolation to fully recover, clean themselves and pick up scent from commonly used bedding. Installing an [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat#F3|F3 diffuser]] may also be beneficial before bringing the cat back home.
 +
<br><br>
 +
{{Jon Bowen written
 +
|date=September 9, 2014
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Ceva}}
 +
{{OpenPages}}
  
 
[[Category:To Do - Behaviour References]]
 
[[Category:To Do - Behaviour References]]
 
[[Category:Feline Aggression Towards Cats]]
 
[[Category:Feline Aggression Towards Cats]]
−
[[Category:JBowen reviewing]]
 

Latest revision as of 09:38, 16 July 2015

Key Points

  • Individual acts of aggression between cats must be minimised.
  • Vantage points used by aggressive cats to observe access points and resources should be removed.
  • Provide each faction with its own complete set of resources and F3 diffuser, located in an area where the cats already spend most of their times.
  • Provide additional hiding and resting places around the house, including 3-dimensional space.
  • Provide low-level boltholes such as cardboard boxes so that cats have easy access to an escape route when chased.
  • Consider isolating factions or individuals if there is a significant risk of fighting or if previous attempts at re-introduction have failed.
  • Proceed with an odour introduction routine. Some deliberate odour swapping and the provision of additional resource locations may be needed to maintain permanent harmony.
  • It may be possible to inhibit aggressive behaviours at the moment that they start, using a conditioned punisher.
  • Increase play to reduce the incidence of predatory play directed at other cats.
  • Consider rehoming if successful environmental management cannot be maintained.

Aggression Between Cats in the Same Household

Aggression between cats in the household is motivated by the same underlying emotional responses as aggression towards people. These include fear, frustration, predatory behaviour, play and resource control. Often aggression problems in multi-cat households will relate to a combination of these causes, so accurate and comprehensive history taking is an essential part of reaching a diagnosis.

Redirected aggression is also common, especially when aggressive displays 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 predatory behaviour, which is acceptable when directed at inanimate objects. However, other cats in the household can become 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 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 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.

Prevalence and risk factors

There is no reliable prevalence data for the specific problem of inter-cat aggression within the household, but problems such as indoor spray marking and elimination, and scratching are common and associated with inter-cat conflict. As with other problems, overpopulation and under-provision of resources are likely risk factors.

Investigation

Common underlying factors include:

  • Illness or debilitation
  • Social pressure due to excessive population density
  • Inappropriate introduction procedure with a new cat
  • Temporary isolation of individual cats leading to failed recognition when they return, or loss of group odour
  • Fear-related aggression
  • Predatory or play-related behaviour
  • Redirected aggression (frustration)

As with house-soiling and spraying problems, it is important to fully understand the nature of the cat’s relationships with each other and the way that they make use of their territory in and around the home.

Several types of information are required for an investigation:

  • The personality, experience and health state of individual cats.
  • Interactions between cats within the household.
  • The physical environment available to the cats (inside and outside the home).
  • The population of cats in the neighbourhood (as a potential source of stress and conflict).

Individual cats:

  • Behaviour and origin of parents, if known.
  • Rearing conditions and experience during the sensitive period.
  • Past history of living in multi-cat households (especially if rehomed).
  • Process of introduction to the household (including age of the cats during introduction).
  • Interaction with the other resident cats, prior to current problem.
  • Medical history and physical examination.

Interactions between the cats in the household:

  • The relationship between the cats can be determined by looking at the pattern of allorubbing, allogrooming and other affiliative behaviours such as tail-up greetings between individual cats.
  • This can be recorded on a diagram indicating the type and direction of communication between individual cats.
  • Observation of aggressive behaviours between the cats including chasing, resource guarding and other similar behaviours that indicate social conflict between factions or group members.

Physical environment:

  • Assessment of the amount and distribution of resources.
  • Availability of key resources (such as access to food).
  • Opportunities to perform normal behaviour (including play and rest).
  • Opportunities to perform avoidance and escape behaviour (to maintain distance from conflicting cats).

Neighbourhood cats:

  • Signs that non-resident cats may have entered the home to steal food or conflict with resident cats.
  • Evidence of local overpopulation, conflict with non-resident cats or the presence of intact male strays.

Treatment

Treatment of inter-cat aggression problems includes interventions that operate at a group level as well as an individual level.

Treatment should take into account:

  • Individual personality and behaviour.
  • The relationships between the cats.
  • The physical environment and resources.
  • Conflict and competition with neighbourhood cats.
  • The relationship with the owner.


The Individual:

Not all cats place the same value on specific resources, and the environment may need to be altered to take this into account. For example, providing more feeding locations if a timid cat is finding it hard to access resources. The coping strategy of individual cats also varies. In the past, clients have been advised to provide climbing and high resting places for cats, but nervous cats appear to prefer floor level hiding places. Households may include individuals with very different levels of sociability and boldness, and the provision of play and resources should take this into account. For example, environmental enrichment with activity feeding may be of interest to only one cat in a household, that is not the main antagonist in inter-cat aggression, but by satisfying this cat's behavioural needs the group social dynamic is improved. In some cases individual cats show such high levels of anxiety and inhibition that they are unable to access resources or become the target for predatory play or bullying. These cats may benefit form psychoactive medication to reduce anxiety. In other situations, an individual cat may behave despotically, controlling access to resources so that other cats are unable to use them. This can be the result of a medical condition, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus, which increases the value of food resources. It can also be a feature of the personality of some cats. Hybrid cats may be particularly problematic in multi-cat households, as their social and territorial behaviour may not be compatible with domestic cats. In some cases, individuals may need to be rehomed in order to improve the welfare of the remaining cats.


Relationship Between Cats in the Household:

The basis for recognition in cats is group odour. This is created and maintained by allorubbing and allogrooming, which transfers and mixes scent between members of a group. When cats leave facial and flank marks they will deposit this group odour in the environment. Once a problem has become established, there may be little or no scent transfer between individuals or factions of cats within a household, so there may be no common group odour. These individuals and factions need to be given their own resources, so that there is less competition between them. In some cases a group odour did exist, but it is lost when people are not present to transfer odours between cats, or when a super-social individual within the cat group has gone. It can also occur when cats are reunited after a period of separation (such as when hospitalised or having gone missing). The use of F3 diffusers can simulate the effect of dense facial marking within an environment, whilst the cats re-establish their own marks and exchange odours that identify them. F3 diffusers may be removed when the cats are freely associating without aggression and showing allogrooming and allorubbing between members of factions. A group odour can be deliberately created by the owner, by collecting and transferring scent between cats, in the same way as when introducing a new cat to the household. In fact, in some cases, it is recommended that cats be separated completely for several weeks, before being reintroduced as if bringing in a new cat. Synthetic F4 pheromone may also be helpful in this situation as it has been described to manage intercat conflict.


Physical Environment:

Cats form social groups on areas where resources are in excess. These groups break up and suffer conflict when resources are insufficient. In a domestic setting cats gain such high quality shelter and food that they will remain resident when social conflict in any other situation would have forced them to leave. In addition, in urban areas outside population density may be high, and resources so apparently scarce, that resident cats have little choice but to remain where they are. Improving access to resources is key to reducing conflict and competition. This includes giving the cats multiple feeding sites, latrines and plenty of choice or resting, climbing and hiding places. Access to outdoor space through a secure cat flap reduces pressure on space within the home, and permits cats to engage in normal hunting and territory behaviours that are highly motivated. However, in some countries cats are not permitted to roam free. In these cases, a secure outdoor run may be a viable option, to increase available space. If factions or isolated individuals have been identified within the group, these should be specifically provided with dedicated resources that are are apart from other cats. By doing this, conflict is reduced and it is more likely that the cats can be formed into a single social group.


Neighbourhood Cats:

Pressure on resources within he home will be increased if resident cats do not feel secure to leave the home and utilise their territory. The outdoor environment should therefore be altered to enable resident cats to properly control the garden as territory. This includes providing places for resident cats to claw and urine mark, outdoor places for them to perch, shelter and eliminate, and a garden that is planted to encourage wildlife and to provide cover for the resident cats to move around. Neighbourhood cats should not be fed or encouraged to enter the garden. Intact stray cats should be trapped and neutered.


Relationship with the Owner:

Part of reducing competition may be to reduce the value of the owner as a ‘virtual resource’. Resident cats may regard the owner as a source of food, as well as security. They may be unable to gain access to food or go in and out of the house safely when the owner is not present to protect them. This also means that cats tend to congregate around the owner, which places them in close proximity at a time when they are most desperate to get food or outdoor access. Owners may try to establish a "pecking order" between cats, based on the idea that some cats are dominant in the group. It is best for all resources the cats need to be freely available, and not on demand form the owner. This reduces dependence and tension between cats at feeding times and when the owner is around.

Owners should not physically intervene when cats are showing aggression; shouting, touching or trying to pick up a cat during a fight is likely to lead to redirection and serious injury to the person. If owners want to intervene to stop fights, they should use distraction rather than physical intervention or punishment. For example, using a fishing toy to distract the cats at the first sign of tension between them. This method is affective if the owner acts quickly at the start of aggression, but will not work once cats are in a stand-off.

Prognosis

The prognosis for these cases depends upon several factors, including owner compliance with environmental modifications, the ability of the home environment to support the intended cat population, sociability of individuals within the group and the owner’s expectation of the end result. Continued maintenance of the conditions that enable the group to coexist is paramount.

Cats are able to coexist successfully in groups but it is essential to prevent problems by choosing cats that are likely to be sociable and then introducing them in the right way. Rehoming some cats may be essential to provide the whole group with better welfare.

In households where there is a problem of overpopulation or a clash in personality between individuals it should not be regarded as a failure if the ultimate recommendation is to rehome certain cats.

Prevention

Inter-cat aggression can be prevented by:

  • Providing free access to an appropriate amount of resources that are distributed to allow all cats easy access.
  • Proper introduction of new cats to the home.
  • Avoiding overpopulation both in the home and in the local area.
  • Avoiding introduction of adult cats that are nervous or do not have a history of living in a multi-cat household.

It is common for a cat to lose group odour and pick up unfamiliar scents after a period at the veterinary clinic (for example, during dental work or neutering). These cats may not be recognised when they return to the home in a groggy condition after partial anaesthetic recovery, smelling different and behaving oddly. It is best to allow returning cats several hours in isolation to fully recover, clean themselves and pick up scent from commonly used bedding. Installing an F3 diffuser may also be beneficial before bringing the cat back home.

This article has been written and expert reviewed by Jon Bowen BVetMed DipAS(CABC) MRCVS.

Date reviewed: September 9, 2014


The creation of this content was made possible by Ceva Santé Animale as part of the feline behaviour project. Ceva logo.jpg


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