Cats constantly fighting *UPDATE with pics!*

bitemebankers

chocdonuty wrote: »

Tbh I haven't given them enough time yet, had it been months and they are still not getting on then yes I would rehome one but not just yet, got to try a few things first before I give up on them.

Fair enough. But please, for the sake of your own emotional well-being if nothing else, bear in mind that you may ultimately have no choice but to re-home one of them.

Fire_Fox

bitemebankers wrote: »

Yes, rehome one of them. I'm a bit surprised nobody has suggested this already. Most cats are much happier as solitary felines (although they can get on well with dogs and other pets) and living in a multi-cat household will lead to stress, spraying, injury or worse.

I'm not saying multi-cat households never work - occasionally they do. But when it obviously isn't working, as on the above, better to call it a day before it gets worse.

That is a myth. Some cats are happier living alone, many others prefer company. Plenty of feral cats live in colonies, even once they are neutering.

bitemebankers

Fire_Fox wrote: »

That is a myth.

No, it isn't. It's what every experienced animal behaviourist will tell you. It may not be what you want to hear, but that doesn't change the fact.

Some cats are happier living alone, many others prefer company.

Most don't.

Plenty of feral cats live in colonies

Not even remotely comparable to a domestic situation where multiple cats have to share a (relatively) tiny area of space and resources.

even once they are neutering.

This doesn't make sense.

picklepick

bitemebankers wrote: »

No, it isn't. It's what every experienced animal behaviourist will tell you. It may not be what you want to hear, but that doesn't change the fact.

Are you an experienced animal behviourist?

Fire_Fox

bitemebankers wrote: »

No, it isn't. It's what every experienced animal behaviourist will tell you. It may not be what you want to hear, but that doesn't change the fact.

Most don't.

Not even remotely comparable to a domestic situation where multiple cats have to share a (relatively) tiny area of space and resources.

This doesn't make sense.

Every experienced animal behaviourist? :rotfl: Plenty of behaviourists give advice on introductions, adaptations to multi cat households such as sufficient litter trays and the importance of allowing cats to express their natural instincts. They do not all routinely recommend we only have one cat. Most rescues - which are advised by veterinarians and behaviourists - recommend things like adopting two kittens for company. Some cats 'cry', 'grieve' or become clinically depressed when a companion is removed from the household, others thrive.

In *some* domestic situations the cats are obliged to share a comparatively small space. Many pet cats have access to the great outdoors: some choose to return to the multi cat household, others vote with their paws and find a new home. Some cats play with their companion, others fight. Some have and enjoy human company, others are home alone a good deal.

It makes perfect sense, the colonies are not simply remaining together when there are young kittens to support or when adults want to get laid. Many feral colonies have scarcer food resources than their domestic cousins. Even wild species of cat kept in a zoo environment live as groups. You stated "most cats are much happier as solitary felines" perhaps you worded that badly and you meant to say most indoor cats?

bitemebankers

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/most

picklepick

bitemebankers - Would you care to cite your source to back up this statement? "It's what every experienced animal behaviourist will tell you."

Funny that the following is a direct quote from one of the country's biggest cat charities and it directly contradicts yours!

"Most feline behaviourists agree that cats generally lead healthier, happier lives if there is another feline in the household"

gettingready

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

2. As they don't seem to be trying to actually kill one another, try not to get involved in Cat Politics.

Absolutely - I would just leave them to it, decide for themselves who is the top cat and get on with their life together.. The more you get involved - the more issues you are causing.

bitemebankers

picklepick wrote: »

Funny that the following is a direct quote from one of the country's biggest cat charities and it directly contradicts yours!

They're wrong, and very irresponsible to say such a thing. If, indeed, you've quoted them correctly and in context.

Would you care to cite your source to back up this statement?

Yes: the animal experts I know in real life. Remember that? It's where human beings move around and actually talk to each other, you know, out loud and stuff.

picklepick

bitemebankers wrote: »

Yes: the animal experts I know in real life. Remember that? It's where human beings move around and actually talk to each other, you know, out loud and stuff.

You know EVERY animal behaviourist and EVERY single one of them has told you their opinion on whether cats are happiest alone or with a companion?! :rotfl: Wow, that's a very bizarre group of friends you have there!

You have to be the most arrogant person I have ever encountered on this forum and that is saying something :T