Is there bullying among cats?

Is there bullying among cats?

Bullying can occur in cats as a group, and this phenomenon mostly occurs in stray cats and multi-cat households. So, what are the ways for owners to stop the bullying behavior among cats so that they can get along with each other? In this article, we share some methods and tips.

First, why there is bullying among cats

Cats are territorial animals with a clear social structure and sense of territory. In multi-cat households or multi-cat communities, some cats may establish their status or control resources by displaying bullying behavior.

First, resources such as food, water, and litter boxes can become contested in a multi-cat environment, leading to conflict and bullying among cats.

Secondly, when new cats begin to appear in the environment, the addition of new cats may upset the original balance, triggering a sense of crisis and aggressive behavior in Aboriginal cats. When new members are introduced into the family, Aboriginal cats may bully the new kittens in various ways. This behavior may be restrained when at home, but when the owner is not present, the bullying may become more serious. Over time, if the new cat gradually surpasses the Aboriginal cat in size or status, the Aboriginal cat may change its behavior or even begin to fear the new cat.

In addition, if the owner is particularly kind to a particular cat in the process of owning a cat, this may incur the jealousy of other cats. Cats are very jealous, and if the owner favors one cat over another, that favored cat may become a target for other cats to attack.

There is also the fact that cats need enough space to survive to meet their basic needs, and insufficient space may lead to conflict over territory.

Second, the performance of cat bullying behavior

Bullying behaviors among cats include, but are not limited to, aggression and threats (e.g., chasing, pouncing, biting, etc.), driving and ostracizing other cats, hogging resources such as food, water, and litter boxes, and social exclusion.

Cats that are bullied usually exhibit the following:

1. Excessive licking of hair: Frequent licking of the hair, especially in a certain area, may lead to redness of the skin and hair loss, which is a sign that the cat is trying to cope with stress or fear by self-soothing.

2. Hiding and avoiding: The originally active cat suddenly becomes timid and fearful, likes to hide, and is unwilling to interact with people or other cats, which may be subject to bullying.

3. Decreased appetite: A cat’s decreased appetite or even refusal to eat may be a sign of excessive psychological stress related to bullying.

4, over-cleaning themselves: cats begin to over-clean themselves, even leading to broken skin and infections, which may be an attempt to reduce stress.

5. Increased Aggression: Cats who suffer from bullying may become more aggressive and try to defend themselves or fight back against the bullies by attacking.

Overall, it is also possible for cats to engage in bullying behavior among themselves, which is more common in multi-cat households. However, this phenomenon is often overlooked, so in homes with multiple cats, owners should pay attention to observing and regulating the relationship between cats. Once you find bullying behavior between cats, stop it in time.