Do cats fight to the death? This is a question that’s been asked by many pet owners over the years.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons why cats might fight and what could happen if they do. We’ll also explore some methods for preventing catfights from happening in the first place.
So, whether you’re a new cat owner or you’ve been around them for years, be sure to keep reading to learn more!
Why Do Cats Fight?
There are a few different reasons why cats might fight. Most of the time cats won’t engage in a fight as getting injured would leave them vulnerable to other predators.
However, there are some reasons why they are more likely to engage in a fight.
Territorial
One of the most common reasons is simply because they’re territorial creatures. If a cat feels like its territory is being threatened, it might become aggressive and start a fight.
Aggression
Sometimes, a cat might just be naturally aggressive. If a cat is constantly getting into fights, it might be a good idea to take them to the vet to see if there’s anything wrong.
Maternal aggression
Another reason why cats might fight is maternal aggression. This is when a mother cat feels like her kittens are being threatened.
She will become very aggressive and might even attack another cat if she feels like they’re a threat.
Mating
Cats will also sometimes fight when they’re trying to mate.
The males will become aggressive in order to assert their dominance over the female and the other males.
Play fighting
Sometimes, cats will engage in what’s called play fighting. This is when they mimic the behaviors of a real fight but without any intention of causing harm.
They might do this when they’re playing with each other or when they’re trying to get your attention.
Resources(Strays And Wild)
Cats also sometimes fight over resources, such as food or water.
If there aren’t enough resources to go around, cats might start fighting in order to get what they need.
Of course, this applies more to cats that live in the wild.
How Does A Cat Fight?
Now that we’ve looked at some of the reasons why cats fight, let’s take a look at how they actually fight.
Cats will usually start by posturing. This is when they make themselves look bigger and more aggressive. They might do this by arching their backs, puffing out their fur, or lashing their tails.
If the posturing doesn’t work, the cats will then start to hiss and growl at each other.
They might also start swatting at each other with their paws.
Sometimes, the fighting will escalate to biting and scratching. This is usually when one of the cats decides to back down.
Do Cats Fight To The Death
It’s unlikely that they would fight to the death. However, it is possible for a cat to be seriously injured, these injuries may lead to death.
This is why it’s important to try to prevent catfights from happening in the first place.
So cats do fight and yes cats can kill each other.
How To Prevent Catfights
There are a few different things you can do so cats stop fighting. This is especially helpful for pet owners that keep two kitties in the same home.
Stop The Fight Early Before It Escalates
If you see your cats posturing or swatting at each other, intervene early.
Make a loud noise or spray them with water to startle them and break up the fight.
Provide Enough Resources And Living Space
One of the most important things is to make sure that there are enough resources for everyone. This means having enough grub, water, and litter boxes.
Another thing you can do is to provide plenty of toys and scratching posts. This will help keep your cats occupied and might help reduce the amount of fighting.
Spay Or Neuter Your Cat
Another good idea is to spay or neuter your cats. This will help reduce their hormones and might make them less likely to fight.
Reward Good Behavior
You should reward your cats when they get along. Give them treats or pet them when they’re being good.
This will help reinforce the behavior and might make them less likely to fight in the future.
Use Pheromones
You can also use synthetic feline pheromones to help keep your cats calm.
This is a safe and effective way to help reduce stress and make your cats less likely to fight.
Separate Your Cats If Necessary
If your cats just can’t seem to get along, you might need to keep them separated.
This means having two separate living areas for your cats. They should have their own cat food, water, litter boxes, and toys.
You can slowly reintroduce them to each other over time. But, if they start fighting again, you might need to keep them separated permanently.
Getting Help From A Vet Or Behaviorist
If you’re having trouble getting your cats to get along, you might need to seek professional help.
Your vet can help you rule out any medical conditions that might be causing the aggression.
A behaviorist can also help you figure out what’s causing the fighting and how to stop it.
Cats are interesting creatures and they certainly have a unique way of communicating.
While we might not always understand why they fight, it’s important to try to prevent it from happening.
Why Do Cats Fight At Night?
There are several reasons why cats may fight at night. The most common reason is simply that they are more active during the evening and night hours.
Cats are natural predators, and their hunting instincts often come out during these times.
Additionally, cats may be more territorial at night and may view other cats as intruders on their territory.
Finally, some cats simply do not get along with other cats and may start fights when they encounter each other.
What Can I Do To Stop My Cats From Fighting At Night?
If your cats are fighting at night, there are a few things you can do to try to stop it.
First, make sure that they have plenty of toys and playtime during the day so that they are less likely to be bored and antsy at night.
Additionally, try to feed them at least part of their meal before bedtime so that they are not as hungry and more likely to hunt for food at night.
Finally, make sure that they have plenty of places to hide and sleep so that they feel safe and secure.
If all else fails, you may need to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to help you figure out how to stop your cats from fighting at night.
Do You Let Cats Fight It Out?
No, you should not let cats fight it out. It may seem like they are just playing around, but fights between cats can escalate quickly and become very dangerous.
Cats can seriously injure each other during a fight, and sometimes even kill each other.
If you have multiple cats in your home, it’s important to take steps to prevent fighting and keep everyone safe.
However, if you see two cats fighting on the street, it’s best not to intervene for your own safety.
Should I Hiss Back At My Cat?
Most cat owners have been there, you’re minding your own business, when all of a sudden, your sweet kitty starts hissing at you for no apparent reason. It can be startling and confusing, especially if you’ve never seen your cat act this way before.
So, what’s causing this sudden change in behavior? And more importantly, what should you do about it?
First of all, it’s important to understand that hissing is a natural communication tool for cats. When they feel threatened or uncomfortable, hissing allows them to express their displeasure without resorting to violence.
In most cases, hissing is simply your cat’s way of telling you to back off.
If your cat is hissing at you, the best thing to do is give him some space. Let him calm down on his own, and only approach him again when he seems ready. Don’t try to force the issue or punish him, this will only make things worse.
In some cases, cats may hiss at each other as a way of establishing dominance. If two cats in your household are hissing at each other, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to help resolve the issue.
So, should you hiss back at your cat when he hisses at you? No, definitely not! Hissing back will only escalate the situation and make your cat more agitated.
How Long Does A Cat Fight Last?
Most cat scraps last only a few seconds to a minute or two.
The intensity of the fighting will generally depend on the reason for the altercation and the personalities of the cats involved.
Conclusion
While cats usually don’t fight to the death, it’s still possible for them to be seriously injured or killed in a fight.
This is why it’s important to try to prevent a cat fight from happening in the first place.
You can do this by providing enough resources, spaying or neutering your cats, and using synthetic feline pheromones.
If your cats just can’t seem to get along, you might need to keep them separated.
But, if you’re at a loss, you can always seek professional help from a vet or behaviorist.
For further reading that you may be interested in. Check out this study on cat aggression by Cornell University. It provides a more complete answer.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.
