How to stop cats from fighting (and why it happens)

One minute your cute, loving kitties are curled up together, having groomed each other to sleep, purring contentedly. The next, they are racing around the room, leaping on each other and brawling like feral strays that are loathsome enemies. Are they fighting – or is this how cats play?

Seeing your cats fighting is distressing, but it’s more common than pet parents think and is usually manageable. Identifying what’s happening – and why – is the first step.

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Are my cats playing or fighting? How to tell the difference

Close attention to the cats’ body language will reveal their intentions. A few good questions to ask are:

• Do both cats look happy and relaxed? Or do they seem tense, with their ears flattened and the coat and tail puffed up?

• Are the cats evenly matched, taking it in turns to be the chaser, or is one cat always the aggressor, with the other one trying to run away and hide?

• Do they pause often and take short breaks, or is the action relentless?

• Is the biting gentle, or is it causing pain?

• Most importantly, are they quiet, or is there hissing, growling, yowling or screeching?

Here’s a quick comparison table to show the difference between playtime and fighting:

Do cats play fight?

Yes! Cats are born to play fight, as seen in a litter of kittens. Play is an essential part of a cat’s development, like in the early life of many mammals.

In play, kittens practise their hunting skills and hone their coordination and balance. They exercise their growing bodies, stretching and jumping, and work their muscles.

Play isn’t just about preparing for adulthood in physical terms; it is also essential for teaching the kitten about social bonds. If a kitten is too rough in play, their siblings will quickly communicate their pain and displeasure. The mother, too, will feed back to her young if play is too rough.

Play doesn’t end when the kittens go to their new homes. Often, kittens are rehomed as pairs and the play continues as they get older. It reduces as they reach maturity – around 18 months onwards – but bursts of play will likely continue throughout their lives, and even elderly cats can engage in some unexpected, occasional fun together.

Can play fighting turn into real fighting?

Just as children can get overexcited in play and end up squabbling, so can cats. Look out for early signs of escalation, so you can intervene promptly and distract the cats before relations break down.

Some good questions to ask yourself are:

• Has the energy of play changed? Is it more vigorous?

• Are there now vocalisations, like growls, yowls and hissing?

• Is the play still evenly matched and reciprocal, or has one cat become the clear aggressor and the other a victim?

• Has the cats’ body language changed? Is there now tail swishing? Are the bodies rigid and the ears flattened? Is there fixed staring? Is a paw raised, ready to defend or attack?

The charity Cats Protection has some useful advice on cat fights and how to distinguish play from genuine conflict.

Why do cats fight?

Why do cats fight each other in the same household?

Unlike dogs, who are sociable pets and enjoy being part of a pack, cats are naturally solitary and territorial.

But they can form social groups and live harmoniously together, provided they have enough space and don’t need to compete for resources (food, water, beds, owner attention, litter trays).

A successful multi-cat home needs careful management, paying close attention to each cat’s needs. It’s generally advised that a home has at least one resource per cat plus one.

For example, a three-cat home would have at least four litter trays and food and water bowls.

Safe, cosy resting spots, away from others, should also be plentiful, and you should make sure each cat gets plenty of individual attention for play, chin rubs and snoozes on your lap.

Cats will trigger territorial disputes if they feel that their security is threatened by a lack of space or resources. A new routine or other change in the home can also trigger disharmony.

For example, a new baby or cat can disrupt a cat’s sense of safety and cause stress, which can result in frayed tempers, a change in behaviour and even a change in health.

Even sibling cats that have always lived happily with each other, can squabble if they feel their space and security is threatened, especially after the age of 18 months once they reach social maturity and begin to grow apart.

Why do cats suddenly start fighting after getting along?

You know when you’ve had a bad day at work and you come home and snap at an innocent family member? Our tailmates take their frustration out on others too!

For example, when a cat is intimidated by something outside, it can lead to redirected aggression, where the cat lashes out at a fellow pet or person in their family.

Stress from pain, illness or allergies can also cause such a reaction, which is why it’s so important to seek prompt veterinary advice if your cat starts fighting (or has any other behavioural change) with no clear trigger.

Why do unneutered cats fight more?

Unneutered cats have a stronger drive to pass on their genes, which leads to increased competition. One way this competition is expressed is through fighting.

For example, unneutered male cats are more likely to get lost and to be killed or injured in a road accident, as they fight and pursue females so single-mindedly; they’re not as cautious of environmental dangers around them.

Female cats who are in heat are especially likely to behave uncharacteristically, too, thanks to the huge surge in hormones, and this continues if they are pregnant and after giving birth. There is nothing as fierce as a mother protecting her young against a perceived threat.

Why do neighbourhood cats fight with my cat?

If you have moved to a new area, the neighbourhood cats are likely to see your pet as an intruder that needs to be chased away from ‘their’ territory.

With modern living, where gardens are generally smaller, and towns are more densely populated, cat territories inevitably overlap, which can cause problems.

Remarkably, cats seem to avoid confrontations by working out a time-share agreement for communal areas, patrolling and scent marking at different times throughout the day to avoid conflict.

But if a newcomer moves to the area, territorial disputes are likely for a while until the newbie learns the rota system and finds a free time-slot that hasn’t been claimed by others.

How do I stop my cat from fighting with a neighbourhood cat?

Being territorial, it’s likely that your cat will experience a dispute with a neighbourhood cat at some point, especially in densely populated areas.

Cats don’t understand human-created boundaries, like gardens, and will wander where they choose. If that choice involves your back garden, your own cat could understandably object.

Most cats soon work out which gardens are out of bounds, based on the reception they get – and especially if a dog is present! If they do not, the PDSA charity suggests a fence with a 45-degree overhang, which makes it difficult for a cat to enter the garden.

But be warned: it also makes it difficult for your own cat too! The PDSA points out that it isn’t suitable for all cats; some might become very stressed from being confined to their own home and garden.

If neighbourhood disputes continue, try to find the owner, so you can both negotiate a time to keep your cats in and let them out, so they avoid each other. If this isn’t possible and your cat is being repeatedly targeted, keeping them indoors may be the kindest option.

It’s not just gardens that get visited by other cats; some cheeky felines even take to visiting homes, either through open windows or an unsecured catflap. This can be especially upsetting to the cat whose home is invaded – and particularly if they are insecure or are bullied by the intruder.

Fortunately, this is easily remedied by investing in a microchip catflap, which allows entry only to your own cat.

How to stop cats fighting in the moment

Tempting though it is to dive in and break up a scrap by getting in between the fighting felines, it’s important to keep yourself safe.

Reaching in and trying to separate them with your bare hands will result in you being scratched and bitten, which is not only painful but can lead to serious infections.

Instead, make a loud noise to startle them. Clap, make a loud ‘shhhh’-type hissing sound, whistle, stamp your feet or rattle their kibble tin – anything that will stop them in their tracks. That is usually enough to break the deadlock and for the cats to disperse and go their separate ways to calm down.

If a noise doesn’t work, throw a soft cushion or towel between them, or use a sofa cushion or board to separate them and usher one away. A spray bottle of water could be used, but there usually isn’t time to get one; it is often more practicable to use a soft item that is close to hand.

What should I do after my cats have fought?

Generally, you should:

• Separate the cats to let them calm down.

• Give it time for things to return to normal.

• Provide a safe rest area with high perch spots.

We discuss how to do this below.

Separate the cats to let them calm down

The length of separation depends on the ferocity of the fight, and if it was a one-off. A brief squabble in otherwise friendly cats needs no more than a few hours of alone time. But a real brawl in cats who are having relationship issues would warrant up to 48 hours of separation.

Give it time for things to return to normal

Post-fight, everything may appear calm, but it takes a while for the cats’ hormone levels to return to normal. In the middle of a scuffle, adrenaline will spike, causing an immediate ‘fight or flight response’, followed shortly after by cortisol, which promotes alertness and energy to sustain the initial response.

These stress hormones can take many hours to subside and reach normal levels; in the meantime, the cats might not even recognise each other’s scents, making another fight more likely.

Give them somewhere to rest

Make sure the cats have a quiet, calming, safe place to rest, with high perch spots to retreat to if they choose and their own food, water bowls and litter tray. A pheromone diffuser or spray, such as Feliway, would be beneficial, to help the cats feel more secure.

Check for injury

Check each cat for any signs of injury and seek veterinary advice if concerned, especially if bites have been sustained, as these can become infected quickly.

Reintroduce them gradually

Once the cats have returned to their normal selves, reintroduce them gradually, ensuring you monitor closely to intervene at the first hint of a side eye!

Long-term solutions to stop cats fighting

Tensions arise when a cat feels threatened, either personally or if their resources are at risk.

In a multi-cat home, make sure that you have more resources than cats. For example, if you have three cats, then you should provide a minimum of four bowls of food, four water bowls, four litter trays, four beds and four hiding places/perches.

These should all be placed in separate, quiet locations – not communal areas where there is a lot of ‘traffic’. Halls, for example, where people and pets pass frequently, are too busy for a cat to feel secure.

Cats feel most secure when they are perched high. A bed on a cat tree, shelf, unit, or wall-mount is a perfect snooze spot, away from other cats, the dog, or children. With older cats, who may be less mobile, be sure to place strategic steps so they can still access their high-up hideaways.

Remember that you are a resource! Time spent petting your cat, grooming them gently and playing with them individually is very important. It also gives each cat the opportunity to release any pent-up energy that might otherwise be spent looking for mischief and starting quarrels!

Do pheromone diffusers help stop cats fighting?

Pheromone diffusers use a synthetic version of the chemicals that cats create from specific glands, such as around the face, the paw pads and a mother cat’s nipples. These pheromones make the cat feel safe and calm.

Pheromone diffusers are odourless to humans but help cats to feel secure, surrounding them in familiar reassuring scents, thereby reducing stress, which is a key contributor to inter-cat disharmony.

Products like Feliway Friends are clinically evidenced to reduce inter-cat tension. They work best if used in the places where the cats spend most of their time, and if used as part of a wider management approach.

How do I reintroduce cats that are fighting?

• Start from scratch (excuse the pun). Treat it as a fresh introduction as if they are strangers that have never met.

• Separate the cats for a few days, so they have time to settle and feel calm and safe. Then begin to exchange scents. Of all the senses, smell is very important to cats. They can detect scents that we cannot – including the group scent of home, which is made up of all family members (animals and humans).

• It’s why scent sharing – where you stroke one cat with a cloth, particularly around the sides of the mouth, and then stroke the other with the same cloth – is so important when it comes to introducing a new cat to the home. Exchange scents by swapping the cats’ bedding and toys, too.

• Acceptance begins once the newbie smells familiar. By the time the cats meet again face to face, they will already recognise each other in terms of scent.

• The first reintroductions after scent exchanging should be visual. If you have glass internal doors, these are ideal for letting the cats see each other whilst safely behind a barrier. Otherwise, use a tall baby gate.

• Supervise the cats for short reintroductions and let them return to their own spaces afterwards. Gradually, increase the length of time they are together, talking reassuringly to them and rewarding the calm behaviour.

• If the aggression resumes, go back a step and take the future reintroductions even more slowly. Review the cats’ living arrangements and ensure there is plenty of space for them to access resources and live comfortably together.

Our article on introducing cats can help here as a refresher.

Should I rehome one of my cats if they keep fighting?

Consult with a reputable, qualified cat behaviourist before making a decision. The majority of cases can be resolved amicably, but sometimes there is a personality clash that cannot be overcome. Individual chemistry plays a part.

Not every person likes every other human. If you had to live with a housemate that you hadn’t chosen, there’s a rare chance that you might not get along either.

With plenty of space, most cats will cohabit happily, but sometimes – despite your best efforts – it just doesn’t work out. In such cases, rehoming is the kindest option, particularly if one cat is significantly stressed.

Don’t underestimate how damaging chronic stress can be. It can cause serious health and well-being issues, such as cystitis and overgrooming, and impacts a cat’s quality of life.

It's heartbreaking to rehome a much-loved cat, but if a professional deems it is in the cat’s best interests, it is important to do what is right.

When to get professional help

So, when should you see a vet about your cats fighting?

Any change in behaviour should prompt a vet visit. If the fighting starts suddenly, a vet needs to rule out pain or illness being a trigger. Other behavioural changes, such as overgrooming, or a change in toileting (accidents around the house, or a change in frequency), should also be investigated by a vet.

Persistent stress, as caused by inter-cat quarrels, can have a significant impact on a cat’s physical and emotional well-being.

You should also seek veterinary attention if your cat sustains an injury from fighting. Cat bites, in particular, can become infected rapidly, thanks to a cat’s sharp, curved fangs pushing bacteria deep under the skin.

When should I see a cat behaviourist?

A feline behaviourist should be consulted in the event of a longstanding conflict that hasn’t responded to environmental management and/or where you are considering rehoming a cat and want to explore all options first.

Your vet can refer you to a professional or you can find an accredited behaviourist via the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) or ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council). Such professionals will advise an initial veterinary check to ensure that a physical issue isn’t causing the problem.

A behaviourist will work closely with your vet. For example, it could be that behavioural medication is needed in the initial stages of working with the cats.

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Common questions about cats fighting

How do I know if my cats are playing or fighting?

You can tell it's real fighting if there's tense body language, vocalisations like hissing and the force they use.

Tense body language is a sign that the cats are fighting. There might also be staring, flattened ears, a fluffed-up coat and tail, a raised paw, retracted claws, and an upright stance with at least one of the cats trying to be ‘taller’ than the other. They might go on their hind legs and ‘box’ with their front paws. There will also be vocalisations, such as hissing, growling and yowling.

Play is gentler, with no injuries or pain, and the cats taking it in turns to chase or be chased. They will have frequent short breaks and will be calm at the end of play.

Why do my cats fight at night?

Cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, a time most suitable for hunting small prey. It’s advisable to keep them indoors from just before dusk, and to keep them inside until after dawn. This reduces the risks of road accidents, when there is reduced visibility and when cats might be less careful when single-mindedly in pursuit of prey.

Unfortunately for us pet owners, cats will want to play at the time when we most want to sleep! Midnight zoomies around the house and energetic play might tip over into a fight if the cats become too overstimulated. Separating the cats before bedtime is advisable if night fights recur.

Most cats become less active at night as they get older and many will snooze the night away, particularly if they have had plenty of exercise and play during the daytime.

Why do my cats fight after one returns from the vet?

The returning cat will have lost the scent of home and will smell unfamiliar to the other cat. The returnee will also be stressed from the vet visit and car journey and could be less tolerant of any feline housemates and more likely to squabble because of redirected aggression. Some quiet time away from others will help the cat to settle and groom, comforting themselves and reinstating their familiar scent.

A pheromone spray, such as Feliway, can be sprayed on bedding in the travel carrier to/from the vet’s and inside the car, to help reduce stress.

Do cats fight to establish dominance?

Not really. Cats don’t naturally live in packs where there is a social hierarchy. But they can acknowledge each other’s status in terms of whether they are neutered, their age and their health.

A young unneutered tom in his prime is likely to challenge an older, neutered male if competing for resources, knowing that he has a good chance of winning a scrap.

Will cats eventually stop fighting on their own?

It’s unlikely. The reasons for the fighting need to be addressed in order for it to be resolved in the long term. For example, if they are fighting over a prime resting place that always gets the best sunshine, then the quarrel will continue until a similar spot is provided so they can both enjoy a warm, safe snooze.

Is it normal for cats to fight every day?

No, pet cats shouldn’t fight every day. Feral, unneutered toms are likely to scrap in densely populated areas, but a healthy pet cat that is neutered and well cared for should be provided with all the food, water, shelter and love that it needs and so shouldn’t need to fight. If a cat is fighting every day, something is wrong and investigations should be made.

Should I let my cats sort it out themselves?

Nope. Tensions are likely to escalate unless the root cause of the issue is addressed. The longer the relationship is left to deteriorate, the harder it will be to repair. Intervene at the first sign of trouble for the best chance of long-term success.

Can cats that fight ever become friends?

Absolutely! It is rare that issues cannot be overcome. In most cases, provided each individual cat’s needs are met, and you have sufficient space, feline domestic harmony can be achieved.