I think they don’t call it a “cat fight” for nothing. Cats are as sensitive as they are territorial. Should they encounter a cat that ruffles their feathers, that other cat will be the first to know. When introducing cats, it’s always best to take things slowly. Cat aggression is a common issue, and I’m sure you’ve often wondered what triggers your cat so quickly in the presence of other felines.
Let’s take a closer look at cat aggression so you can better understand what’s going on in that little mind of theirs…
Why does my cat prefer some cats over others?
We know for sure that cats are very particular and finicky creatures. But this is just one of their many charms. Some cats are naturally inclined to be receptive to other cats. Cats are territorial beings by nature, and some cats refuse to give peace a chance.
For cats, their personality and exposure to other cats—or lack thereof—often predict how receptive they will be to other cats as they are introduced to them past kittenhood.
Additionally, if your cat has had a traumatic experience with another cat, it can also leave a lasting impression on them. Scars will heal, but those memories serve as a reminder to them that they aren’t willing to bend. Yes, cats can be rehabilitated and come out of their shell, but cats that dislike other cats typically exhibit this behavior at an early age, as mentioned above.
I’ve seen my usually friendly cat be extremely friendly to some cats and downright rude to others. My other ginger cat is pretty much hated by any cat he meets, aside from our family circle of cats. My youngest cat is extremely friendly and outgoing towards other cats or pets he meets. Having lived in a foster home as a small kitten, he was regularly exposed to various pets, which provided him with the proper exposure he needed to thrive as a mature cat.
Cat aggression is a serious issue and, sadly, a reason why many cats are given away or surrendered to shelters.
Some cats are OK with overlapping their territorial space with other cats, while others will not go down without a fight—literally.
For a cat that has lived outdoors for most of its life, its territory is extremely precious to them. And for exclusively indoor cats, the thought of another cat coming to live with them that they do not know is not high on their list of desires. Their home is their safe space, and the thought of sharing it with a strange feline is not something they will be thrilled about, at least not initially.
According to ASPCA.com, if one cat reaches the age of one to three years old and then trouble brews, social maturation may be a factor. There are ways to maintain peace, but avoid forcing the issue if your feline is not particularly friendly with others.
If you’d like to read more on the five distinct cat personalities, check out my article on it: Research Claims Cats Have 5 Specific Personality Types. It offers terrific insight into the feline mind and personality.
Cats will be cats, and we need to learn how to respect them and provide them with the best possible lives. For a cat that is friendlier and more receptive to other cats, keeping a cat friend for them is a great idea. But if cat aggression is a serious problem for your feline friend, then maybe it’s best to respect their wishes and have them as your only cat.
Here are the most common types of cat aggression:
Fear-induced aggression
Pet-induced aggression—you can read more on that here!
Play aggression
And when it comes to cat-on-cat aggression, it results from territorial aggression, status-induced aggression, and inter-cat aggression.
With territorial aggression, a frustrated veteran cat may even attack another cat, even a veteran one, if a new cat is introduced into the home. They are frustrated and simply redirecting their anger to an easy target, unfortunately. For status-induced aggression, a cat could go as far as to block exits/doors, access to the litter box or food bowls, or anything to show the other feline who is boss. This intense desire to define the pecking order is a behavior exhibited by a frustrated cat when it feels threatened.
And for inter-cat aggression? This often occurs when an unaltered cat reaches maturity. This one can be avoided by taking Bob Barker’s advice and always having your pet spayed or neutered. After all, there are already many unwanted litters and cats living a lonely life in shelters. It’s just another reason why spaying and neutering your pet is always a top priority.
