HELP REDUCE CONFLICT IN A MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLD
Cats are naturally independent creatures that like to control their environment and prefer structure in their surroundings. Sometimes, an additional cat might leave your kitty feeling threatened and unable to control her environment. She may display this stress in ways that make her look mean or cause her to "act out." Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your cat feel less stressed, leading to her being nicer and more approachable overall.
Your Cat Might Act Out if She Feels Stressed
If you're not sure if your cat is stressed, consider the following stress symptoms that might clue you in. A stressed cat might act destructively, making it tougher to know there's an issue unless you know what signs to look for.1
- Urine spraying, marking, pooping outside the litter box, or not covering after using the litter box.
- Extra vocalization
- Destructive scratching, whether vertically or even on your carpet (horizontally)
- Causing conflict with you or your other pets
- Digestive issues, like constipation or diarrhea
- Excessive grooming
While some stressed cats may indeed withdraw, others will become an instigator. If your cat displays a sudden change in behavior, you might want to visit a veterinarian to rule out any health issues. Once you've ruled that out, look into the following solutions to help ease your cat's stress.
