Inter-cat conflict in multi-cat households causes chronic stress that degrades welfare even when overt aggression is not visible.
Multi-cat household welfare management requires understanding that cats evolved as solitary hunters with strong territorial instincts - living with other cats is a welfare compromise that requires active management to prevent chronic stress. The welfare problem is often invisible because covert conflict leaves no obvious physical signs. A cat that stops using the litter box, loses weight, or develops recurrent urinary disease may be experiencing chronic stress from inter-cat conflict that owners haven't recognized. Resource provision, spatial management, and behavioral assessment provide the foundation for welfare-positive multi-cat households.