Inter-cat aggression is one of the most common behavior problems in multi-cat households and causes chronic stress for both aggressor and victim. Environmental management and behavior support are key.
Inter-cat aggression causes genuine and sustained welfare harm to subordinate cats in multi-cat households. Cats that cannot access food, litter boxes, or resting places without facing threat from a dominant animal experience chronic stress that manifests in physiological and behavioral changes measurable across many systems. The victim cat typically shows subtle signs: hiding more, eating less, or eliminating outside the litter box — signs that owners frequently misattribute to other causes. Resolving inter-cat conflict requires both environmental management and sometimes behavioral intervention from a qualified feline behavior specialist. In cases of severe, entrenched aggression, rehoming one cat may be the most welfare-responsible option.