Multi-cat households create significant welfare challenges because cats are essentially solitary hunters and social stress in mixed groups is common and often unrecognized.
Multi-cat household welfare is a widespread and underappreciated problem. Unlike dogs, domestic cats have not been selectively bred for sociability with conspecifics, and many individuals find living with other cats chronically stressful even in the absence of obvious fighting. Subordinate cats in resource-restricted households may experience ongoing stress affecting immune function, behavior, and quality of life. The welfare solution is not necessarily rehoming but resource multiplication and management - enough litter boxes, feeding stations, elevated resting spots, and safe spaces to allow all cats to meet their needs without competition.