Why your cats don’t get along — and how to help them live in peace

Fighting cats at home? Learn why it happens and how to restore harmony

If your cats seem more like rivals than roommates, you’re not alone. Inter-cat tension is common in multi-cat homes — and often preventable with the right setup.

Despite the myth that cats are always solitary, they can live peacefully in groups. Problems usually stem from territory conflicts, mismatched personalities, or poor introductions.

According to feline behaviorists, cats can learn to coexist — but they need structure, space, and time.

Why cats fight — and what to do

Cause Signs Solution
Lack of territory Fighting over beds or windows Create separate zones with full resources
Age/personality clash One hides, one acts dominant Playtime and attention tailored to each
Bad first impression Growling, chasing, or biting Slow reintroduction through barriers
Not enough litter boxes Guarding or inappropriate peeing Add more boxes and feeding stations
Health issues or stress Sudden aggression Vet check and more enrichment

Cat myths and facts

  • Myth: Cats are antisocial
    Fact: They’re territorial but can bond with others under the right conditions.
  • Myth: One fight means lifelong hostility
    Fact: With time and strategy, cats can reconcile.

FAQ

  • Should I separate cats after a fight? Yes — and reintroduce slowly with supervision.
  • Do calming sprays work? They help, but environmental changes matter more.
  • Do littermate cats get along better? Not always — temperament matters more than origin.

Fun fact: Cats mentally divide the home into zones. When these invisible territories are violated, even subtle changes can trigger conflict — or lead to “urine diplomacy”.

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Author`s name Marina Lebedeva