Expert: Dear Tabbi - 1/23/2009

Question
my cat fights with my other cat recently and i dont know how to stop the cat from doing that and get along please help

Answer
Michaele,

There are a number of possible reasons for your cat's behavior.

One could be a medical reason. Pain causes aggression. He may have urinary crystals, an ear infection, arthritis, and abscessed teeth can cause a cat to become aggressive. If you can afford it, you may want to have him checked by a vet.

A lot of times that behavior happens when one cat smells different than it used to for whatever reason. Cats go by smell to recognize other cats and not by sight. If a cat suddenly smells different the other cat may think that he is a new cat.

You don't say how old your cats are but as they become adults the cats will establish their pecking order. One will become more dominant than the other. That is normal.

I'm guessing the cats are male, and some males, even though neutered, still have a strong male mentality and will, at times...especially during mating season, act like tomcats. They can smell a female in heat from a block away, even though they are indoor cats. Usually that behavior starts about 2-3 years old.

There is also a behavior known as Redirected Aggression where a cat will see a stray cat out the window, but can't get to it to defend it's territory. It will then turn to the other animal members in the household and fight with them as if they were the other cat (which in their mind they are). If that is the case, then blocking a window that they can see another cat out of usually stops that behavior. If they are really stressed about it they can start inappropriately eliminating around the house.

Cats also have personality clashes just like people do. The other cat may have done something to irritate the first cat and he is 'mad' at him, or giving him an attitude adjustment.

You can get what is called Feliway (or Comfort Zone with Feliway). It is a spray and you can get plug-ins (try PetSmart, a vet (they use it too), or on-line). It is very popular and is great for calming cats and reducing stress. It copies the relaxing pheromones that cats produce from rubbing their faces on things.

There is also a calming product that you can add to their food or water that reduces anxiety called Bach's Rescue Remedy. It is available on-line and in health food stores. Here is a link about it: http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

Once they can be together without fighting, feed all the cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.

Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, etc.) is great for interaction between the cats, and getting their mind off of fighting. They can all chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug'.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi