How to Stop Pheromones in Fighting Cats

Cats identify each other by scents that the human nose doesn't pick up. These scents are generated by glands in the cat's body. Hormonally based scents, called pheromones, are used to identify a territory as a cat's own. When two cats, particularly male cats, encounter strange pheromones, they often react with aggression. There are several solutions to help acclimate cats. Most solutions require time, patience and the aid of a veterinary professional, yet this should not dissuade frustrated owners from trying to get two cats to peacefully coexist.

Things You'll Need

• Veterinarian
• Separate rooms
• Synthetic pheromone preparation
• Feline behavioral specialist
• Medication
• Towels

Instructions

1. Take your cats to the veterinarian to ensure that a health problem is not causing the aggression, particularly if the aggression has started abruptly.

2. Neuter the cats who are fighting, if they are not already neutered. Neutering is the only way to permanently stop the hormones that may be causing aggression.

3. Separate the felines for a while, preferably in separate rooms. It may be possible that they need to be introduced slowly in controlled, supervised periods of interaction.

4. Use a synthetic pheromone solution. One example is a product called Feliway, which mimics a cat's natural calming pheromones.

5. Seek the help of a cat behavioral specialist. Your veterinarian will be able to make a recommendation.

6. Consider medicating your cats under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Medication should only be considered in severe situations where other corrective measures have not worked, and should only be carried out under the supervision of a veterinary medical care provider.

Tips & Warnings

• Separate cats as soon as they begin to show signs of aggression.

• Do not punish the cats. This can make aggression worse.

• Never physically correct the cats. Hitting, tapping or smacking the cats will often provoke further aggression and is ineffective.

• Rub down each cat with a towel, and allow the other cat to sleep on it. This will introduce the scent of each cat to the other, and will associate it with pleasant things.

• Do not try to physically separate or pull apart two fighting cats. This can lead to moderate to severe injury. Instead, use a squirt gun, loud noise or soft object thrown in their direction as a distraction.

References

• "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians"; Joanna Bassert, Dennis McCurnin; 2009
• Best Cat Tips - Cat Aggression
• Feliway - Frequently Asked Questions