How does your cat typically react to other cats? Is he a solitary creature who doesn’t care for company or does he love all the fuzzies?
Cats are affectionate, territorial animals. They don’t tolerate trespassers and may chase, scratch, and bite any strange feline who is encroaching on their territory. Most do not instigate the confrontation themselves but they exploit opportunity when it presents itself (i.e., another cat wanders close). This can lead to conflicts between cats and appear to you that your cat hates other cats. While it’s partly true, the main reason is due to their innate instinct to protect their territory.
Why does my cat hate other cats?
Cats are territorial animals, so your cat’s hostility toward another cat is likely because they feel the need to protect their space. Other reasons they fight include fighting for resources and mating rights, protecting their young, or jealousy. They could also simply fight when their play turns aggressive.
Territorial issues
Cats are very territorial and they will fight over territory. They may also work to establish dominance in the home, which means if another cat is found on their favorite chair or bed, there can be a battle royal for that spot! If you notice your cat fighting with other cats outside of your home, this may be because he is trying to establish dominance and claim that territory as his own.
Mating rights
Another reason cats may fight with each other is over mating rights or for living space in which they feel like the female cat will come into heat any day, so they need to protect their turf. This can be a very serious fight that can result in injuries.
Protective instincts
Cats may also fight with each other if they have young kittens to protect from intruding cats. If you have more than one cat and they’re pregnant or nursing, this could be another reason for fighting as she will not want any other predators in the area.
Play or aggression
Cats may also fight in play, but this can quickly escalate into a vicious battle that could end up with serious injuries for either of them. It is very hard to tell if your cats are playing at first and then suddenly it turns into a real skirmish. This kind of play can quickly turn into something more serious
Jealousy
A cat may also be jealous of another pet, or even a human in the household. This is not common but can happen if your other pets are receiving special attention from you and this makes him feel like he has been put aside for someone else.
How to identify signs of aggression
Aggression can usually be detected by a cat’s body language. His tail will stand straight up, his ears will go back and he may even arch his back or crouch into a stalking position. You should never put yourself in danger with an aggressive cat as they are very likely to attack.
How to get my cat to like other cats
Relationships between cats are hard to predict and it is critical not to rush into things. Here are a few tips that can help lessen the tension between your cats.
Give them their own space
If your cat lives with another feline, you may want to give them their own space. For instance, if they are both indoor cats, consider giving one of the cats a designated room for him where he can eat his food and go potty without being bothered by other animals. If this is not possible because there isn’t enough room, put up a baby gate or keep the doors shut.
Enforce quiet time
If your cat is being aggressive to another pet in the home, you should separate them for an hour at first and just see how things go. Have one of them inside while the other is confined to his room with food, water, toys and a litter box.
Sufficient attention and play time
You should also make sure to give your cat plenty of attention and play time with you which will help establish a bond between the two of you, instead of focusing on just one pet in the family. Each day, take turns who gets all their love and affection while making sure that there is enough for both cats.
Enough water, food, and litter box
In addition to all of this, you should also make sure that your cat can eat their food and go potty in peace. They need a clean place that they feel safe using the litter box, so be mindful when other animals are around them while doing these things. This will help keep fights from breaking out between the two of them and establish a pecking order between pets.
Sterilize your cats
If you are having trouble getting your cats to get along, it is also a good idea to spay or neuter them. You shouldn’t wait too long for this because the longer they live together in one space, the more likely they will become aggressive towards each other due to their hormones raging out of control.
Introduce new cats slowly
When you first introduce a new cat to existing cats, you should do so slowly and cautiously. If you go too fast you scare them and your cat will hate other cats.
Place your new cat in a separate room and close the door where he can find food, water, and his litter box. Allow your cats to stiff the new cat from the other side of the door but DO NOT let them interact yet.
Slowly, you can let them interact with each other face to face, under your full supervision. Do not leave them alone yet. Observe how they behave and separate them if you see their meeting becoming aggressive.
This article from Spruce Pet is a great resource if you are about to bring home a new cat.
Takeaway
Cats are very territorial animals and can get aggressive when it comes to defending their territory. There could be many reasons why one cat hate other cats, but generally, they will fight over resources or territory.
To avoid this problem in the future you should give each cat its own space and sufficient resources. Introducing new cats to your family is also very important.
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