Multi-cat households frequently involve social stress and conflict that compromises cat welfare. Understanding feline social needs enables better household management.
Chronic low-level social stress in multi-cat households causes elevated cortisol, increased urinary disease risk, and reduced welfare even without overt fighting. Many owners are unaware of the conflict because much cat communication is subtle. Providing multiple resource locations on different floors, ensuring no cat can be cornered or ambushed, and recognising incompatible pairs reduces stress significantly. In severe cases, rehoming one cat may be the most welfare-positive outcome.