Have you ever witnessed cats fighting over love or cats fighting over territory? And that's not all — sometimes you may find your own cats fighting at home for all sorts of reasons, some of which remain a complete mystery to us!
Having more than one cat at home can be truly delightful; nothing quite prepares you for the hilarious antics of two kittens ambushing each other in play and tumbling all over the place. They're wonderful scenes, aren't they? And they really are — anyone who shares their home with more than one cat knows it's a rewarding experience, but no one ever said it was always easy. Managing two cats in the same home can sometimes cause a few headaches, especially if one or both of them have a slightly rebellious streak.
Cats fighting at home — how to prevent it
Sometimes cats come to blows, and when that happens it's not a pretty sight at all. Watching a cat fight is a genuinely shocking display of ferocity, and it's a stark reminder of how closely related they are to the big cats. Unlike fights between dogs, cats fight in a furious, relentless way — they never let go, and above all they will not stop hurting each other unless someone steps in to separate them. But why can living with two cats be so difficult that it comes to such violent clashes? What could trigger such sudden, fierce and unstoppable rage in an animal as seemingly calm and serene as a cat? The reasons are generally just two: either we're dealing with cats fighting over territory, or cats fighting over love.
In either case, intervening will be genuinely difficult — and dangerous. But as we mentioned, while a fight between dogs usually resolves itself on its own, a fight between cats absolutely does not, and it can become devastating — in some cases even fatal for one of them. It therefore goes without saying that two cats fighting cannot simply be left to their own devices; a decisive intervention on our part is needed, ideally without losing a hand — or worse.
Two adult cats, male or female, sharing the same home can get along perfectly well, playing or hunting together; but rest assured that sooner or later the spark will be lit, and then, suddenly, the first warning signs of a catastrophic and inevitable clash will appear. There are some small precautions you can take to try to prevent a cat fight, or at least to try to nip one in the bud.
Fighting over territory
When it comes to cats fighting over territory, there are a few simple steps you can take to help both cats understand that there is plenty of room for everyone and that each one has their own space and belongings. For example, it is very helpful to keep food bowls, beds and litter trays separate, so that each cat has their own. Cats are generally not always willing to share their things, and something that doesn't bother your cat in the slightest today could lead them to attack their companion tomorrow.
Making plenty of cat toys available, along with a scratching post large enough for both cats, can also be helpful. This is because very often behind two cats fighting lies the frustration of one or both animals — usually caused by boredom or a lack of stimulation. If cats have the opportunity to channel their energy into play, they are more likely to overlook the things that irritate them.
Cats fighting over love
When we are dealing with two cats fighting over love — as in the case of two male cats competing for a female — there is very little that can be done. Their primal instinct will drive them to fight; nothing and no one will be able to divert their attention from either their rival or the reward that awaits them. But if we can't prevent the fight, what can we do to separate them?
What to do if cats are fighting
Usually the only effective way to discourage two cats from an imminent fight is to catch them off guard by making a loud noise as close to them as possible. A sharp clap of the hands may be enough, or better still, a metallic clang that grabs their attention and distracts them from what they were about to do — or were already doing. Another option could be to try to separate two fighting cats using water — perhaps with a spray bottle or something similar. The sudden contact with water should break their focus and give you the time to draw them away, perhaps with a treat.
What not to do if two cats are fighting
One thing you must never, ever do under any circumstances is try to physically separate them. Putting your hands between two fighting cats can have very serious consequences — with their claws and teeth, a cat can cause real injury. Trying to separate them with your feet might feel safer thanks to shoes and trousers, but it is still not a good idea. Your cat will think you are joining in the fight and may decide to turn on you. Scolding your cat after the situation has been brought under control is also not a great move — our little feline feels very vulnerable immediately after a cat fight. They may interpret your telling-off as a direct attack and could react aggressively.
In short, cats need to be handled with care — we've always known that. The right approach is to separate the fighting cats using one of the methods described above, in the hope that they work, and then let the cats calm down on their own. Once they have settled, it's time to assess the damage — cats can genuinely hurt each other when they fight, so it is more than likely that one or both of them will urgently need to see a vet.
