How to Control Fighting Felines

cats fighting and hissing at each other

The Reasons Cats in a Household Fight:

Jealousy or Resentment
In some instances, when another cat is introduced into a household, a once docile feline can suddenly turn ferocious. If the new cat receives extra attention from family members too, then your once placid kitty may take on a snarly demeanor or develop a cattitude. Therefore, if you do include another cat in your home, make sure that your other pet receives an equal amount of attention as well.

Territorial Issues cats fighting over shared space

Territorial Issues
In addition, the new family member may make your cat feel threatened territorially. Therefore, the new cat’s arrival may be seen as a form of intrusion. To avoid this issue, it’s important to get your cat used to the scent of the other cat. Encourage a harmonious relationship then by rubbing each cat with a towel and interchanging it between the two. Also, to discourage any fighting, you may want to supply the new member of your household with his own domicile in the house. That will assist in clearing up any issues with respect to territory.

Methods for Breaking Up Skirmishes:

Distract the Two Foes

If your cats still resist you efforts toward peaceful relations, then you’ll need to distract the two cats and stop the fracas immediately. You can prevent any skirmishes before they escalate by either squirting a water gun at the two feline foes or shaking a can filled with pennies. Banging any of your pots or pans will stop disagreements too.

Separate the Cats if Nothing Else Works
If your cats still continue to wage war with one another, then you’ll have to take more drastic measures.

Separate the Cats if Nothing Else Works

In some cases, you may have to resort to buying a large cage. Place one of the offenders into the cat cell after locating it away from the main area of the house. Make him comfortable by placing his bed and cat litter inside the confinement. Alternate the two rivals inside and outside the cage for approximately a week. By that point, your cats should be acting more amiable toward each other.

Patience is a Virtue When It Comes to Calming Cats
If one of the cats starts a fight, place him, once more, inside the cage. Continue this process until the two felines can cohabitate with one another peacefully. When they behave, reward them each with healthy cat treats or toys. Usually this measure works, if patiently followed, after a month’s time.