How to Stop Cat Fighting: Effective Tips for Cat Aggression

Cats are territorial creatures who generally establish invisible boundaries with neighbours' cats, tolerating their presence without seeking friendship. However, some felines are more prone to fighting and territorial disputes, especially dominant tomcats that roam widely seeking mates or to defend territory.

If your cat is frequently involved in fights, it can be distressing due to the risks of injury or damage to other neighbourhood cats. While personality traits can't be fully changed, there are effective strategies to address underlying causes of aggression and reduce harmful scrapping.

1. Spay or neuter your cat

Unneutered cats, especially male tomcats, roam more extensively and show increased aggression due to competition for mates. Neutering reduces hormones which drive territorial and sexual aggression. Ensure your cat is spayed or neutered to promote calmer behaviour and reduce fights.

2. Make your cat’s environment secure and comforting

Your cat must feel safe at home. If they feel threatened or stressed inside or in the garden, their stress may escalate aggression outside. Create a sanctuary where your cat has control over its space, including elevated resting places and hiding spots. Removing stressors such as loud noises or intrusions by other cats into your garden can help immensely.

3. Adjust your cat’s outdoor schedule

If your cat consistently returns with fight wounds around specific times, it might clash with another local cat’s routine. Restricting your cat’s outdoor access during peak conflict times can break the cycle of aggression and reduce encounters with rivals.

4. Allow time for territory acceptance in a new area

When relocating, a cat needs weeks or months to settle into the local feline hierarchy. Initial territorial disputes with established neighbourhood cats are normal but usually resolve naturally. Avoid exacerbating these tensions by keeping routine and providing a calm environment for your cat.

5. Manage feral cat populations and competition

High numbers of feral or stray cats increase competition for food and resources, causing domestic cats to be more defensive and aggressive. Contact organisations like the RSPCA or Cats Protection for guidance on feral cat management, including neutering programmes to reduce numbers humanely.

6. Meet your cat’s play and feeding needs

Active play at home satisfies natural hunting instincts and reduces boredom and frustration, common triggers for aggression. Regular meals in a safe environment discourage long-distance roaming to find food, cutting down conflict opportunities.
Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and play sessions with wand toys provide mental and physical enrichment.

7. Understand the effects of ageing

Older cats generally become more sedentary and less territorial, often leading to a reduction in aggression over time. Patience is important when dealing with young, exuberant cats; many will mellow with age.

8. Use calming aids thoughtfully

Feliway diffusers and sprays release synthetic pheromones that promote a sense of calm and reduce anxiety-induced aggression indoors. The Felifriend spray can help when introducing new cats by reducing tension.
Apply such products to the environment or wipe on your cat’s fur before outdoor excursions, but never spray directly onto the cat's skin, to avoid adverse reactions.

9. Avoid direct punishment and unsafe intervention

Never physically punish or yell at your cat for fighting, as this increases stress and aggression. When fights occur, do not place hands between cats to prevent injury.
Instead, distract with noise or a toy to safely interrupt aggression without escalating it.

10. Seek professional help if needed

If your cat’s aggressive behaviour persists despite these measures, consult a veterinary behaviourist who can diagnose potential medical causes, advise on behaviour modification, or prescribe medication if appropriate.
In rare cases where cats cannot peacefully coexist, rehoming may be the kindest solution.

When can kittens leave their mother?

Quick Answer: Kittens can generally leave their mother at around 8-12 weeks of age once they are fully weaned and have started their vaccinations.

At this age, kittens have typically learned crucial social skills from their mother and littermates. Premature separation can negatively impact behaviour and health, so responsible breeders and owners ensure kittens are ready with proper care and socialisation.

Why use Feliway for cat aggression?

Quick Answer: Feliway releases synthetic feline facial pheromones that help reduce stress and calm cats, easing inter-cat tension and aggression.

Produced to mimic natural pheromones cats use to mark their environment as safe, Feliway promotes relaxation and reduces conflict-causing anxiety. It is best used continuously indoors on diffusers and sprayed on bedding or items where cats rest. For introducing cats, Felifriend spray is often recommended to improve acceptance.
These products are widely supported by veterinary behaviourists in managing cat aggression and are safe when used as directed.