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Cat vs Cat - Why is One Cat Being Picked On? - CVH Cat Vet

Photo Credit: Mrs eNil via Compfight cc
Although we may keep several cats together as pets, a cat’s natural instinct is to be alone, apart from breeding time. It may seem that there are many cats altogether at times, but this is simply because they have a queen cat in season, or there is food on offer. Otherwise, cats are solitary animals.

Many people are surprised that the two gorgeous kittens they acquired seem overnight to decide they have never seen each other before and war begins. This can seem to start from nothing at all – one walks out of the room they were in and a fight begins. Alternatively, one may try to chase the other out of what it considers is its territory.  This is upsetting for the owners, but it is a natural cat behaviour.

Cats are very territorial. Even animals that have been ‘fixed’ will still attempt to ‘mark’ their space and heaven help some other cat that ventures into it. A queen cat will share her space with her kittens happily when they are small, but, usually when she comes in season again, the kittens are regarded as strangers to her and she can act very aggressively towards them.

For some cat companions, it can be not only confusing but frustrating to see their cat’s aggression and outright hostility towards other cats. There are so many types of cat angers that many feline owners may not be familiar with.
 
Types of Aggression You May See in Your Cat

Aggression is not only scary the owner, but it is difficult for the victim cat as well. If your cat felt she was backed into a corner, it may end in engaging in an angry and aggressive behaviour. Cats use their bodies to communicate their emotions, and they do many posturings. There can be many underlying causes of aggression of your cat. The most important thing is to rule out any medical causes, and you can take the help of your veterinarian.
 
Here are some common types of aggressive behaviours in cats:

  • Territorial aggression
  • Intercat aggressive behaviour
  • Redirected form of aggression
  • Aggressiveness induced by too much petting
  • Backed in a corner or fear aggression
  • Aggression related to toys and play sessions
  • Aggression related to hurt or injury
  • Maternal aggression
  • Aggressive with  no apparent  reason

 

Find the Underlying Cause of Aggressive Behavior in Cats

Aggression cannot go undetected. Unprovoked aggressive behaviour is extremely rare in cats. The change in cat’s behaviour can be due to any medical condition or sudden change in the surroundings. You can avoid cat fights by making some changes and making your cats comfortable.  

Before the scraps escalate into full-on war, you should check fully to see what you can find is wrong. Sometimes feeding one cat away from the others will stop the aggression. This will also ensure that the ‘Outed’ cat gets food. If the behaviour continues, you may have to go back to reintroducing the cat to the others from the beginning. Put it into a cage and place it near the others. Doing this will take much time to accustom the others to having her around, but it can work. Otherwise, visit your vet clinic and discuss alternatives, such as sprays that introduce calmness into the cats. You will find useful advice there.