One Cat Is Bullying the Other: What to Do 😿
Living in a multi-cat home can be rewarding, but sometimes one cat may bully or dominate another. This behavior can range from gentle intimidation to more overt aggression. Understanding why it happens and how to respond calmly can prevent stress and keep all cats safe and comfortable.
Why Cats Bully Others 🐾
Cats are naturally territorial and social hierarchies exist even in peaceful multi-cat homes. Bullying often arises when one cat feels the need to assert dominance over resources like food, resting spots, or attention from their human.
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), what we often perceive as bullying is a normal expression of social order. In AVSAB’s behavioral model, these behaviors are viewed as communication signals rather than personal attacks. Hissing, swatting, or chasing are ways cats negotiate boundaries, not necessarily signs of severe aggression.
Signs of Dominant Cat Behavior 🌿
Some common indicators of one cat dominating another include:
- Repeatedly chasing or cornering the other cat
- Guarding food, litter boxes, or favorite resting areas
- Swatting, hissing, or gentle biting to enforce space
- Preventing the other cat from accessing preferred spots
Recognizing these patterns early can help you intervene before stress escalates.
How to Reduce Cat Aggression at Home 🏡
- Separate Resources – Ensure each cat has its own food bowls, litter boxes, and cozy resting areas. Multiple access points reduce competition.
- Create Vertical Space – Shelves, cat trees, or window perches allow cats to escape and observe, reducing confrontations.
- Supervised Interaction – Observe interactions, especially after feeding or play. Interrupt bullying calmly using a gentle distraction, like a toy or sound.
- Environmental Enrichment – Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and play sessions can redirect energy and lower stress in a multi-cat home.
- Structured Reintroduction – In persistent bullying, consider reintroducing cats gradually as if they were meeting for the first time.
According to AVSAB, structured management and environmental adjustments are key to preventing chronic multi-cat stress and reducing aggressive dominance behaviors.
When to Seek Professional Help 🌈
If bullying escalates to injury or the submissive cat shows signs of chronic stress—hiding, over-grooming, reduced appetite—it is advisable to consult a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC) or veterinarian with behavior expertise. Tailored strategies can help restore balance and prevent long-term anxiety.
By observing behavior, respecting boundaries, and adjusting the environment, most cats can coexist peacefully, and dominant behaviors can be mitigated without tension or injury.
FAQ: Cat Bullying in Multi-Cat Homes 🐾
Q: How do I know if my cat is being bullied?
A: Signs include repeated chasing, hiding, avoiding shared spaces, or over-grooming due to stress. Subtle intimidation like swatting or guarding resources is also a form of bullying.
Q: Can I stop bullying by separating the cats completely?
A: Temporary separation can reduce stress, but long-term solutions involve managing resources, enrichment, and gradual reintroduction to restore harmony.
Q: Is bullying always aggressive behavior?
A: Not necessarily. Dominant behaviors like mild swatting or chasing are communication signals, as noted by AVSAB. True aggression involves injury or prolonged stress.
Q: When should I get professional help?
A: Persistent aggression, injury, or signs of chronic stress in the submissive cat indicate the need for expert guidance from a CCBC or veterinary behaviorist.