The American Association of Feline Practitioners just released its new Guidelines on Intercat Tension. That might not seem breaking news to most pet owners, but if you are a reader with more than one cat, you may be acutely aware of the tension between your cats, or you may be missing the subtle signs of intercat tension in your home. Not only were these guidelines created by a highly qualified task force, but they have also been endorsed by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and the International Society of Feline Medicine. This set of guidelines has fabulous information for veterinarians and cat families alike.
Definition of Intercat Tension
Intercat tension refers to social tension between cats and is characterized by poor tolerance of other cats and a lack of friendly interactions by at least one cat in the household towards other cats. When one cat stares, chases, stalks or hisses at another cat, you may be witnessing intercat tension. A picture is truly worth a thousand words, and the guidelines feature photographs of various forms of intercat tension. The best illustration is Video 5 in the guidelines’ supplementary materials (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page, past the reference section) which shows staring, freezing and retreating behaviors between two cats in the same household.
Provide Adequate Feline Resources
A typical cause underlying intercat tension is resource competition. Years ago, when I added a third cat to our household, I certainly did not think to consider these factors, and the cats exhibited classic signs of intercat tension. We now know that every cat should have adequate access to resources such as their own safe resting place, a litterbox, food and water bowls, high sided bed and a scratching post. An extra litterbox, in a private but accessible place, is a must. Cats need playtime to stimulate their hunting instincts and positive human interaction. In addition to these needs, there are things to avoid such as loud noises and overwhelming smells such as cleaning products and perfumes.
External Causes of Intercat Tension
Inadequate resources is an internal source of intercat tension. However, the guidelines also point out external sources as well. Trips to the veterinarian often cause hissing, spitting and swatting when a cat returns smelling differently after being handled by the clinic staff. Always be sure to supervise the reintroduction of a cat that has been at the veterinarian to make sure all cats are safe. Another external source of intercat tension is outdoor cats. That is not an issue we see much here in New York City, but if your neighborhood tomcat hangs out outside your patio door, it may be threatening to your indoor cats and prompt intercat tensions.
Will Getting Another Cat Cause Intercat Tension?
Adding another cat to a household with one or more cats always brings the risk of introducing intercat tension. The addition may magnify current subtle tensions or cause a new problem. The task force developing the new guidelines outlined an eleven-step program to help you introduce the new feline family member successfully. Since September is Happy Cat Month, this is the perfect time to use these new guidelines to make sure your cats are happy.