Multi-cat households create significant welfare challenges from inter-cat conflict, resource competition, and chronic stress that owners frequently fail to recognise.
Chronic inter-cat conflict causes ongoing stress and welfare harm that owners miss because it is often subtle and slow to develop. Providing adequate resources including multiple feeding stations, litter trays, sleeping areas, and vertical space prevents conflict by allowing cats to avoid each other when needed. Recognising subtle stress signs including altered grooming and toileting behaviour enables earlier intervention.