How To Help Cats Get Along

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Cats can be territorial creatures and are often reluctant to get along with other cats, especially if they're not related to each other. However, that doesn't mean it's impossible to have a peaceful multi-cat household. If you're struggling to make your cats get along or to stop fighting, read this guide to learn three tips that can help you.

Play

In many situations, cats lash out at each other not because they're being aggressive, but because they're bored with pent-up energy. Cats need to have a regular outlet for excess energy, especially if they're kept indoors 24/7.

Try to play with all of your cats as much as you can in order to keep them stimulated and happy. Doing so will help them to burn off their excess energy, which will make them more eager to eat and sleep to recoup their expended energy rather than getting into fights with one another. Additionally, group play can help cats to get more accustomed to socializing with each other, rather than hurting each other.

If your cats get into fights when you're not home, you can give automatic laser pointers a try. These toys are designed to project a laser on the floor and have it erratically dart everywhere in order to keep kitties engaged, even when you're not home.

Pheromone Collars and Sprays

In addition to tiring your cat out, you can give pheromone sprays or collars a try. Pheromone products emulate the hormone that nursing mother cats produce in order to keep their kittens calm. It's soothing to adult cats, too, and can be helpful in keeping kitties more peaceful without going so far as to tranquilize them with heavy drugs.

Spay and Neuter

If your cats aren't fixed yet, you have a big problem that can greatly contribute to territorial issues. Unneutered male cats are prone to fighting with each other over females. Even without a female in the household, male cats may fight in order to assert their dominance. In the same way, female cats can get into fights with one another in order to guarantee that they have access to the food and water in the area, so they can support their offspring should they become pregnant.

Simply getting your cat fixed can tremendously cut down on aggression problems between cats. If you haven't had your cats fixed yet, you should talk to a vet about having this procedure performed.

If your cats won't get along, chances are these tips will help. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian like those at All Creatures Animal Hospital for additional tips and to make sure that your cats are all inoculated so that they don't spread illnesses among each other.


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