Why is my cat attacking my other cat?

Some of the underlying non-medical causes for aggression between cats in the same household include fear, lack of socialisation, inappropriate introduction of a new cat, overcrowding (i.e. not enough vertical or horizontal space, too few resources etc), redirected aggression, play and predation.
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How do I stop one cat from attacking my other cat?

If one cat keeps attacking a particular cat, the first step is to separate the cats from each other completely — in separate areas of the house. Do not allow them to paw at or smell each other through a door. If they must be in adjoining rooms, place a barrier at the bottom of the door.
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Why does my cat chase and attack my other cat?

Territorial aggression

Cats are very territorial, much more so than dogs. Territorial aggression occurs when a cat feels that his territory has been invaded by an intruder. Depending on where your cat spends his time, he may view your whole neighborhood as his territory. Female cats can be just as territorial as males.
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Why does my cat keep hitting my other cat?

Playful, energetic cats may slap each other as in invitation to play. Cats that are inviting play by slapping will have body language fitting a playful cat. Their whiskers will be forward and their attention given to the situation at hand. Their claws will be retracted for the slap so as not to hurt the other cat.
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Should I let my cats fight it out?

Never let your cats “fight it out.” Cats don't resolve their issues through fighting. Interrupt aggression or fighting by clapping your hands loudly, squirting the aggressive cat with a water gun, or directing compressed air (without noise) at the aggressive cat.
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How do cats show dominance to other cats?

Dominant cats may attempt to establish their dominance in a multiple cat household by hissing, hitting, and growling. They may also urinate outside of the litter box in areas that the other cats frequent, push other cats out of the food bowl until they are done eating, and make the other cats feel threatened.
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How can you tell which cat is dominant?

How to Tell Which Cat is Dominant
  1. A Dominant Cat Might Challenge Another Cat. ...
  2. A Dominant Cat Might Sit on or Mount Another Cat. ...
  3. A Dominant Cat Might Hoard Food or Toys. ...
  4. A Dominant Cat May Spray or Bunt. ...
  5. Territorial Reasons. ...
  6. Lack of Feline Socialization Also Causes Dominance Or Aggression Problems.
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What do you do when cats don't get along?

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your cats get along again.
  1. Give Them Their Own Territory. Cats often don't like to share and can become selfish with resources. ...
  2. Visit a Veterinarian. ...
  3. Use Calming Diffusers. ...
  4. Look for Triggers. ...
  5. Reintroduce Your Cats.
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How do I get my cat to stop biting my other cats neck?

How Can You Stop Aggressive Biting?
  1. Use distraction and redirection. When a cat engages in inappropriate and aggressive play behavior, it's best to pick up a toy and distract the cat. ...
  2. Don't reward. It's best to try to stop the behavior before they start the biting. ...
  3. Don't punish. ...
  4. Be consistent.
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Do cats get jealous of other cats?

Can Cats Get Jealous of Other Cats? Jealousy over the presence of another cat is very common. All cats have different personalities, and some will be made insecure and display jealousy more easily than others. It is important to watch your cat and observe their cues and triggers.
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How do you reintroduce a cat after a fight?

Here are the basic steps for reintroducing cats after they have gotten into a fight:
  1. Keep cats completely separate, with no eye contact.
  2. Wait until they have calmed down (I recommend at least a day)
  3. Begin feeding on opposite sides of the door at all mealtimes (keep door closed, still no physical or or visual contact yet)
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Do cats fight to the death?

So, physical fights are the last resort. Cats will rarely, if ever, kill each other during a physical fight. But the injuries sustained from bite or scratch wounds do have the potential to become infected, and left untreated, these could ultimately lead to a cat's death.
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Why is my cat biting my other cats back?

This can be a pleasure thing or a dominance thing. Some cats will do this because they like to… and will do it to other cats, stuffed animals, dogs, etc. If it doesn't bother your other cat – then maybe it is not worth worrying about.
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How do you tell if your cats are playing or fighting?

If your cats' bodies are relaxed or their ears are pointed forward, they're likely just playing. If your cats flatten their ears, hold their ears back, or puff up their fur or tails, this is a sign that they're fighting, not playing.
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Why does my cat bite my other cats legs?

This can occur in response to punishment or the threat of punishment from a person, an attack or attempted attack from another cat, or anytime he feels threatened or afraid.
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Is it possible for two cats to never get along?

It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do. Many cats who don't become buddies learn to avoid each other, but some cats fight when introduced and continue to do so until one of the cats must be re-homed.
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Why is my cat suddenly aggressive?

If your cat shows sudden aggression, animal scientists say that you should bring your cat to your veterinarian immediately. This sudden change in behavior may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Veterinarians say that your cat's aggression may be due to pain from conditions such as arthritis or infection.
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Will my cats ever get along again?

Not all companion cats are going to get along 100% of the time; just as with people, there are bound to be some misunderstandings and miscommunication, but if you notice a pattern of intimidation, there may be more stress between your cats than you originally thought.
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How do you tell if your cats are a bonded pair?

How can you tell if two cats are bonded? If you are unsure of whether cats are bonded, there are some things to look for. These include enjoying playtime together, and also sleeping next to each other. Other bonded behaviors include rubbing their bodies and faces against each other, and eating food at the same time.
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How do you calm an aggressive cat?

Give the cat its own space.

After an aggressive episode it's best to let the cat decompress and calm down on its own. Don't interact with it until it has calmed down and it comes to you for interaction or attention. You may even want to keep it sequestered in a room by itself with food, water, and a litter box.
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How do you show your cat you're the Alpha?

1) Do not allow him on to your lap unless you are in control. Begin with very short stroking periods and then place him back on the floor and stand up. Then give him a small treat such as a short play session with a toy or a small amount of food. Try to recognise the warning signs and stop well before they appear.
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Should you hiss back at your cat?

You shouldn't hiss at your cat because they might perceive your hissing as a threat and become scared. Since cats use hissing as a defensive mechanism to express discomfort, stress, or fear and to avoid confrontation, you should also avoid using hissing to discipline them.
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Why are my cats hissing at each other all of a sudden?

The most common reason that cats hiss is when they feel threatened by another cat or animal, and they will hiss as a warning to keep away. Hissing is a way to warn the threat to not come any closer or else be attacked.
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Why are my bonded cats fighting?

They're Insecure about Territories. Sometimes sudden outbursts are caused by unease about territories in the home. Cats are naturally territorial, but friendly cats have learned to share their space peacefully. If you recently moved to a new home, they may need to work those issues out again.
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Can cats go into shock after a fight?

Any trauma or serious injury can cause shock. If a cat is in shock, do not take time to split fractures or treat minor injuries.
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