Dominant and aggressive behaviour
29th Aug 2023
Cats are naturally solitary animals, so if they are living with other cats, they can become territorial and dominate the other cats in the space they see as their own. Social hierarchies will naturally form in areas with multiple cats, be this within a home, or in the same neighbourhood.
Some especially territorial cats may never get along with other cats and will do much better living in a single cat household. However, most cats can learn to get along with other cats, particularly if you can identify what is causing the dominant behaviour, and how to minimise it.
Dominance in a cat can appear at a young age but it will become especially pronounced between the age of two to four years.
Common types of aggression between cats are:
Territorial
As highly territorial animals, this is probably the most commonly observed type of dominant behaviour. This will most likely occur if a new cat is introduced to the home, neighbourhood, or when a young cat reaches maturity.
Inter-male
Inter-male aggression is much more commonly observed between un-neutered male cats but can also be seen between neutered males. This will often manifest as fighting between the two cats, with the stronger one winning a higher social rank and breeding rights. However, the less dominant cat will usually back down before any physical fighting starts.
Maternal
Queens with kittens are particularly sensitive and will lash out if they think their kittens might be at risk. They will lash out at other cats, animals, and even humans, if necessary.
Displaced aggression
Sometimes cats will pick on the cats they live with happily for what appears to be no reason. This could be displaced aggression, causing the cat to lash out at a friendly cat because they cannot reach the cat they can see through the window, for example, that is causing them distress. Other stressful and disruptive situations like loud noises and home improvements can also have this effect.
Non-recognition
Usually caused when a friendly cat or human smells different for some reason, causing the cat difficulty in recognising someone they usually would have no issue with.
Medical conditions
Cats can become more aggressive and dominant if they are in pain or suffering from a medical condition. If you cat has become more aggressive for no apparent reason, seek veterinary advice.
Aside from physically fighting with other cats, cats will assert their dominance in the following ways:
- Hissing and growling
- Staring
- Pushing other cats away from the food bowl
- Hoarding toys
- Taking over sleeping-spots
- Spraying urine to mark territory
- Rubbing cheeks/face on items and area to leave their scent to mark as their territory
It has also been noticed that dominant cats will pick on cats that are injured or unwell. Cats will detect illness amongst other cats before most humans will, and they may pick on the weak to increase their own social standing.
Different areas of your house might “belong” to different cats, with one cat behaving dominantly in one room, but having a different role in another room, with a different cat.
By identifying what kind of dominance your cat is displaying, you will be able to take steps to minimise the effects. Remove any causes of distress and separate your cats if they are behaving dominantly towards each other, as this will cause them unnecessary stress.
Other key things to remember are:
- Introduce/reintroduce new and separated cats slowly, with a means of escape for both cats if things don’t go well.
- Spray/neuter your cats to limit hormonal aggression.
- Make sure there are enough resources to go round. This includes litter trays, toys, food, and water bowls. Remember that your time and attention is also considered by your cats as a resource, so divide this equally too!
Whenever you are trying to train or discipline cats, always remember to:
- Reinforce good behaviour
- Correct
- Distract
- Do not punish