Feline behaviour
Part 3 Introducing a new cat
DOI : 10.56496 / FZMW7986
Sarah Pointer , BSc ( Hons ), RVN , FHEA
Moreton Morrell College ( part of WCG )
ABSTRACT The introduction of a new cat to a household where there are already one or more cats does not always present a behaviour problem but is an opportunity for veterinary nurses to implement a preventative approach . Cats were historically seen as a solitary species but we now know they form interspecific social relationships ( e . g . with humans ) and they form intraspecific social groups under certain circumstances ( Bradshaw , 2016 ). Conflict can arise and be frequent , and has the potential to become a risk to the owner , if it escalates or is redirected at human members of the household .
Keywords feline , behaviour , introducing , social , aggression , multi-cat
Introduction
Conflict between household cats follows elimination problems as one of the most common behaviour problems ( Atkinson , 2016a ). An estimated 35 % of cases seen by Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors ( APBC ) members in 2012 were related to inter-cat aggression ( Heath , 2016 ).
There are several things to consider when contemplating the addition of a cat to a household that is already home to one or more cats . It is therefore helpful for both the owner and the veterinary nurse ( VN ) to have an understanding of normal social behaviour in cats .
The owner ' s expectations should be managed as , when introducing cats to one another , the aim is a peaceful coexistence rather than a perfect ‘ friendship ’. Often cats will simply tolerate a new housemate , rather than incorporating them into existing social groupings ( Heath , 2016 ).
Careful thought should be given to the choice of new cat in order to maximise the likelihood of success .
Background
In the wild , cats often prefer to live alone , although they will form stable groups where resources are plentiful enough to avoid competition . These groups tend to consist of related females and their offspring .
In the domestic environment , sociality is often imposed by the owner ( Bradshaw , 2016 ) and , if improperly managed , can lead to inter-cat conflict .
Volume 37 ( 5 ) • November 2022
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