Expert: Jessica - 9/30/2009

Question
hi,i was just wondering why is it that when some of my other cats start to fight that my females cat will jump in?then if me or someone else is around then they will attack there legs. i dont understand why is the cats that we rised by a bottle is doing this to use for.please i need help so i will no what to do i love theses cats with are my heart and soul and i need help thank you

Answer
Hi Sherrie.  Your cat is becoming frightened when fights break out between your other kitties.  Most cats run away when they get scared (the “flight” part of the Fight or Flight Response), but some cats are naturally predisposed to a “fight” reaction, instead.  This is why she joins in on the fighting.

However, if she feels unable to reach the situation, she may display what’s called redirected aggression.  This occurs when the cat is unable to act out its aggression on what’s upsetting it, so it turns on the nearest person or pet.  If you happen to be closer to your cat when a fight breaks out than the other cats are, she may redirect her aggression onto you because you are easier to access.

Cats who constantly have redirected aggression issues often end up causing rifts in their relationships with other pets in the homes and sometimes with their owners, so it’s important to try to resolve it.  Other pets in the home don’t understand why the cat is attacking them and come to think of the cat as a bully, which in turn leads to fear aggression on their part.  But it also sounds like your other kitties may have aggression problems to address.  

If all of your kitties haven’t been spayed and neutered, that would be a great place to start, since hormones contribute a great deal to aggression in both males and females.  Then, I would strongly recommend using a product called Feliway in your home.  It can help take the edge off and reduce aggression all around.  I use the plug in diffuser in my own home.  You can learn more about how it works at www.feliway.com

Also, be sure to provide the cats with enough personal space.  Lots and lots of cat furniture!  This is essential for a multi-cat home.  I know in my own house, each cat claims a shelf on their cat trees, and just that little bit of space helps provide a lot of peace!  Be sure there are plenty of litter boxes (recommended to have one per cat plus one extra) and food bowls, too.

In serious cases of aggression, kitties may need to have behavioral modification exercises and sometimes take medications for a while.  You should talk to your vet about those options if it seems you aren’t making any progress.

Good luck!

Jessica