Cats are solitary hunters that form complex social relationships when kept in groups. Conflict in multicat households is a major but often unrecognised source of chronic stress and welfare deterioration.
Chronic social stress in multicat households is a significant welfare issue that is frequently misdiagnosed or unrecognised by owners. Cats that share living space without adequate resources — multiple feeding stations, water sources, sleeping areas, litter trays and vertical space — experience ongoing stress that manifests as lower urinary tract disease, skin disorders, over-grooming and reduced immune function. The introduction of a new cat to an existing household is one of the highest-risk welfare events for resident cats — a gradual introduction protocol over 4-6 weeks significantly reduces the likelihood of chronic social tension developing. Feline body language indicating stress (flattened ears, tail tucking, avoidance) requires a proactive management response.