Inter-cat Relationships
Together we can help you to find solutions to create more harmony between your cats
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Problems with inter-cat relationships is one of the many feline behaviour concerns that our cat behaviourists support with. As a cat owner, dealing with problems such as fighting between your cats can be a challenging experience, and stressful for all involved. Some cats get along well with each other. However, when you have two or more cats that aren’t getting on or fighting with each other, it can cause distress for both the cats and the household.
Cats are sensitive beings, who can become easily stressed by other individuals whom they don’t wish to share their core territories with. You long to provide a safe, comforting environment for both cats and hope both cats can live in harmony with each other. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, problems may occur in inter-cat relationships such as aggression and fighting.
Here to help with inter-cat relationships
As cat behaviourists, our goal is to help you decode the relationship between your cats, understand the root cause of issues between them, and guide you on ways to help all cats involved feel more relaxed. By examining your cats’ environment, daily routines, and interactions, we can identify potential triggers and devise a personalised plan to address them.
Whether it’s through careful resource management, removing sources of worry, creating separate core territories, and addressing their needs, we’ll work together to reduce the stress causing the issues or fighting between your cats.
Remember, overcoming difficulties such as fighting between your cats can take time and patience. With consistent effort, professional guidance, and a lot of love, we can help your cats feel more secure and confident. Together, we can work towards a happier, more peaceful life for your precious companions.
Meet Your Cat Behaviourists
Zoe Demery
Zoe has a doctorate in animal cognition and behaviour, and she is one of the few independently accredited clinical cat behaviourists in the UK (CCAB). She is also a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, registered with ABTC, and certified by IAABC as a cat behaviour consultant. Zoe is a proud committee member of FAB Clinicians and chairs the feline subcommittee.
Since starting practice in 2012, she has helped dozens of cats and their caregivers around the world better understand each other. Zoe also mentors budding cat behaviourists.
Victoria Stockley
Victoria worked as a veterinary nurse for several years before specialising in feline behaviour. She has a BSc (Hons) and an MSc (merit) in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln. Victoria is a Candidate Member of FAB Clinicians and Provisional Member of APBC.
Victoria’s particular interest in cat behaviour began when, at age 11, she adopted her first (feral) kitten (with adult help!). It was obvious from the start that Magic was a different cat, and she taught Victoria how much patience and understanding cats need. Victoria is currently the loyal servant to a cat named Twinkle, an incredibly personable cat with special medical needs.
“Really thorough process – we felt you really took the time to understand us and the cats. We saw almost instant improvements with some of the strategies suggested. The second catflap on the first floor was a stroke of genius! Behaviour work is obviously ongoing because our cats at apparently extremely difficult individuals! But it’s super helpful being able to send updates on what’s happening and get feedback, so we can work out what’s working and what isn’t. It’s also been *so* reassuring to know that we’re on the right lines and have (usually) been doing the right things.”
Comprehensive support
Our behaviour consultations can support you with problems with inter-cat relationships
- We visit you at your home in person or online, for an initial assessment generally lasting 2 hours and ideally, everyone in the household should be present.
- We take a full and detailed case history. Together we work out a treatment plan that is realistic and tailored to you and your cat’s needs.
- You receive relevant information sheets, which tie in with the behaviour plan for your cat.
- Soon after the consultation, a report is sent to you, which is later copied to your vet. This outlines the reasons behind the problem and highlights the key steps of the plan.
- Your vet is kept informed of how your cat progresses.
- Plans are updated with new material for you to work on.
- We schedule one 1-hour follow-up session about a month later, which is conducted via an online video link.
- We are available for optional weekly check-ins for 6 weeks after your initial consultation. Each week you can book a 15-minute call through our online calendar, or send us an email or WhatsApp message.
- If during the development of the case, the additional expertise of a veterinary behaviourist is required, then I integrate their advice into the plan. I work closely with select, independently accredited cat vet behaviourists, who will review and discuss your cat’s case with your vet.
- More follow-up support available as needed.
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Luna and Max’s story
Luna and Max, two previously harmonious housemates, started showing signs of discord after Max returned from a vet visit. Luna, usually friendly, began hissing and avoiding Max. Their owner, Emma, was concerned about the sudden change in dynamics.
In cases like this, reintroduction is key. We advised Emma to temporarily separate the cats, giving them their own spaces. This helped reduce immediate stress and prevent aggressive encounters. Gradually, we reintroduced them under supervised, positive conditions – using treats and playtime.
We also recommended using scent-swapping techniques to familiarize them with each other’s scent again, as Max’s scent had likely changed during his vet visit, causing Luna’s adverse reaction.
With patience and Emma’s diligent application of these strategies, Luna and Max began to tolerate each other’s presence again. Over the next few weeks, their relationship improved steadily. They resumed their usual activities together, like shared meals and play sessions.
This case study highlights the importance of controlled reintroduction and scent familiarity in resolving conflicts between cats, especially after one experiences a significant change like a vet visit.
Next steps
1. Vet referral
Feline behaviour problems are often caused by underlying physiological issues, so we need to address these first
3. History form
Give us some background about your cat and your relationship
4. Consultation
Let’s get started on the plan to dealing with your cat’s behaviour
Recommended
by vets
you may be able to
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“As a vet, I have referred many of my patients to Zoe – she works absolute miracles on cats!”
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FAQ
Have a more general question? Check out our general FAQ.
Prefer to chat things through a bit more?
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0121 299 0188
Is it okay to bring our cat to one of your behaviour clinics?
How should I go about arranging a vet referral for my cat?
Remember that vet visits are stressful for cats; so do chat through the different options with your vet first. For example, if you are having problems between cats in the household, taking one cat out can make things worse. One way to make the experience less stressful is to leave your cat transport box out for several days, then feed your cat(s) inside it.
If you would like your cats to become friends once more, contact us to get started.
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