Question
Several questions have addressed how to get cats to get along together.
- How to stop two male cats from fighting
- How can I encourage two cats to get along?
- How do we handle two female cats in the household demonstrating alpha behavior?
- How to get cats to coexist in peace?
- How much dominance is normal in 2 cats at play
- Recommendations for introducing kittens to adult cats
Each of these situations has the potential to create a fight between the cats. While the fight is happening, what is the best way for me to react? Should I stop the fight (if so, how) or let it go on, and how can I tell the difference?
Answer
Should I Stop The Fight?
Sometimes cats play fight, and a little squabbling is normal to establish territorial dominance. Signs of a serious cat fight that should be interrupted:
- Blood on one/both of the cats
- Growling (aggression), hissing (fear/aggression), or yowling (pain/fear)
- Puffed out fur (especially on the tail) indicates that the cat is trying to make himself appear bigger and is a sign of serious aggression or fear
- Ears laid back against the skull (if the ears are upright and pointed the cat is relaxed and happy)
How Do I Stop The Fight?
The most important thing is to not go near a pair of fighting cats. You risk injury to yourself, the cats, and the cats may associate you with the fight and loose their trust in you.
The best way to stop a cat fight is to distract them and interrupt the fight. From a hidden position (you don't want them to associate the distraction with you), create a loud noise (like bang some pots or clap your hands). Often this noise will startle the cats for a few seconds, allowing the victim cat to flee.
Occasionally you'll need to interrupt the aggressor cat's sight of the victim cat in order to allow the victim cat time to get to a safe location. This should be done with a towel, pillowcase, or piece of cardboard so that you remain safe and somewhat removed from the situation.
Answered By - Zaralynda