Inter-cat aggression and tension in multi-cat households causes chronic stress. Understanding feline social needs prevents and resolves these welfare problems.
Inter-cat tension in multi-cat households is a pervasive, underrecognised welfare problem. When cats must share resources or cannot avoid each other, chronic low-grade stress develops that manifests as disease, behaviour problems, and reduced quality of life. Welfare-positive multi-cat household management requires adequate resources, choice of resting areas, and careful monitoring for tension signs.