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My two male cats fight constantly. How can I stop their aggression?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

i have two males cats that won't get along. They've been together for a year and when one was first introduced, he attacked the other male. ever since then, he always shows his belly and tries to play but the other male growls until the other male goes into attack mode. what can i do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 11th, 2017

I would separate the cats, and slowly reintroduce them to each other. Take the cat who is aggressive, and put him in his own room with his own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let the other cat in the aggressive cat's room while the aggressive cat is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the second cat from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the aggressive cat out of his room, and see how he interacts with the other cat. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the cat in his room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other. I'm not sure if both are neutered, but if they aren't, neutering them will also help with aggressive behaviors and getting along.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 3rd, 2017

    I would definitely have the male fixed as soon as possible, as that may help in them getting along. I can also give you a method that should help them get along better with each other as well: I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the male, and put him in his own room with his own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let the other cat in the male cat's room while the male is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the second cat from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the male cat out of his room, and see how he interacts with the other cat. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the male cat in his room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on March 25th, 2018

    Hi there! Introducing two cats to each other can be a long and complicated process. Having the new kitty stay in your room for now is a good start, but be aware that you may need to continue this for several weeks before allowing him to venture out into the house. In the meantime, you can practice feeding both cats treats on either side of the closed door to help them associate good things with hearing and smelling each other, and switch bedding or blankets between the new cat's room and the rest of the house ever few days to help them get used to each other's scent. Here is an article with more information on introducing a new cat to your home: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-steps-to-introducing-your-cat-to-a-new-feline/

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 2nd, 2016

    I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the new cat, and put him in his own room with his own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let the other cat in the new cat's room while the new cat is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the second cat from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the new cat out of his room, and see how he interacts with the other cat. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the new cat in his room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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