How to Stop Cat Bullying: Recognizing the Signs and Stopping the Behavior

If one of your cats is bullying your other cat, you're probably looking for fast, effective solutions. Cats are sensitive and territorial creatures, so there are several reasons why your cat might be exhibiting this common but entirely fixable behavior. In this article, we’ll discuss common signs that your cat is bullying your other cat and identify the underlying reason for your cat's aggression. We've also got some tips on how to prevent and stop cat bullying from happening in the future. Read on so that your cats can coexist peacefully (and even start liking each other's company).

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Signs of Cat Bullying

  1. [1] The bully cat might also crouch low to the ground or flatten their ears when they see or come into contact with your other cat. All of these behaviors suggest that your cat is behaving aggressively and is not just playing. [2]
    • For example, your cat might hiss or bare their teeth at the other cat every time they enter the room.
    • You might also notice your cat crouching with their fur standing up when your other cat approaches them.
    • Your cat may even stalk your other cat as if he is hunting.
  2. Though cats might swat, scratch, or bite playfully during playtime, they normally don't actually hurt each other. If your cat is frequently attacking the other cat with no provocation or injuring them, this is a sign that they're bullying and not just playing. [3]
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  3. They might even try to prevent your other cat from being able to spend time with you. If you notice your cat is doing this, know that it is an attempt to intimidate and bully your other cat. [4]
    • Notice if your cat is frequently sitting right in front of your other cat's food bowl or litter box.
    • Your cat might also sit on your lap and refuse to get up when your other cat wants attention.
  4. If you notice your cat furiously licking your other cat, that's a sign that they are trying to establish dominance over them. In doing this, they may also be trying to make your other cat leave the room. This behavior is known as power grooming and it is considered a sign of bullying. [5]
  5. Notice if one of your cats is frequently hiding from the other cat or peeing or pooping outside of their litter box. These are all signs that your cat is scared. [6]
    • The bullied cat may also stop eating or eat much less.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Reasons Your Cat is Aggressive

  1. Cats are hunters that prefer to stay in their own areas to find food and resources. [7] If another cat enters the home, they might see that other feline as a threat or rival to their resources. As a result, they might start bullying that cat to protect their space (even if there's plenty of food, water, and love to go around in your home). [8]
  2. Once your cat reaches social maturity (usually between 2-4 years of age), they might attempt to exert dominance over younger cats. If one of your cats is older than the other, or you recently adopted a new kitten, this might be why they've been bullying your other cat. [9]
  3. Cats aren't immune to feeling insecure and in need of some more love. If you recently got a new kitten or have been spending time with one cat over the other, your cat may start bullying or acting aggressively to win back your attention. [10]
  4. If you recently moved or adopted another cat, your cat may become aggressive. These types of changes can make your new cat fearful and nervous, and oftentimes cats communicate these emotions with bullying or aggressive behaviors. [11]
  5. If your cat isn't spayed or neutered, they might be more territorial (especially male cats). Getting this procedure done can help lessen your cat's territorial tendencies and help them relax. [12]
  6. [13] Your cat may exhibit aggressive behavior if they are suffering from osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism, problems with their central nervous system, or dental disease. To determine if your cat is dealing with an underlying medical issue, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Cat Bullying

  1. Give each cat their own room, with separate eating areas, litter boxes, and toys. If your cat is only exhibiting minor aggression towards your other cat, keep them separated for 3-5 days. If your cat has injured your other cat or exhibited extreme aggression, you might consider keeping them separated for 1-2 weeks. Giving each cat their own space can help ease any territorial aggression, which can make them a lot calmer when you eventually reintroduce them. [15]
    • To gradually get your cats acquainted with each other, keep their food bowls on opposite sides of a door. Smelling and hearing each other while they eat may encourage them to associate the other with a positive experience.
    • You might also try allowing the cats to swap rooms each day. That way, the cats can smell each other's scent while still being separated.
  2. First, open the door slightly to see how your cats react to each other. If they don't show any signs of aggressive behavior (hissing, growling, or scratching), open the door even more. Allow the cats to spend time together in the same room if they continue to remain relaxed. If your cat starts to exhibit bullying behavior again, separate them and give them a few more days of alone time. [16]
    • If your cats respond well to being reintroduced, reward them with tasty treats to encourage their good behavior. [17]
  3. Opt for this method if you need to break up a fight between your cats. Anytime you notice your cat starting to bully your other cat, get their attention with a toy or an extra tasty treat to distract them. [18] Avoid trying to break up the fight or intervening to separate them, which may make the situation worse or leave you injured.
    • Redirection is a much more effective way to decrease your cat's bullying behavior than punishment. Physical punishment like using a spray bottle or hitting your cat will just make them scared of you, which may increase their aggression.
    • Offer your cat a treat in a flavor that they're super fond of, like tuna, salmon, or chicken.
  4. Cats need 1-2 hours of playtime each day to let out their energy in a healthy way. If you give your cats consistent playtime, you'll decrease the risk of your cat becoming aggressive or bullying your other cat. To keep any jealous feelings at bay, make sure both of your cats get attention during playtime. If they don't get along well enough to play together, give each cat their own separate playtime. [19]
    • Give your cats a few toys to choose from so that they don't get bored. Switching up the toys each play session can help your cat remain excited and stimulated.
  5. These products emit scents that mimic the smell of cat pheromones, which can help your cat feel more relaxed. Purchase a pheromone diffuser online or at your local pet store. [20]
    • Humans can't smell these scents, so you're in luck if you're worried about how the smell will affect your home.
  6. To prevent your cat from getting territorial, give each cat their own food and water station as well as their own litter box. [21] Make sure there's plenty of space between each cat's station so they won't fight over each other's resources. [22]
    • If you have 2 cats, you might consider having 3 litter boxes to reduce the risk of territorial behavior.
  7. This can help reduce your cat's aggression, and the procedure has a number of other health benefits as well. If one of your cats isn't spayed or neutered, consider calling your veterinarian and scheduling the procedure. [23]
  8. There's no shame in getting some professional help if your cat is still bullying your other cat after trying out these methods. An animal behaviorist can work with your cats and help you identify solutions that will work for them. To find one, search online or ask your veterinarian for a referral. [24]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you deal with an aggressive cat?
    Molly DeVoss
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.
    Molly DeVoss
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Expert Answer
    You should not handle an aggressive cat! If it is a strange cat, leave it alone and it will likely avoid you also. If it is your cat, identify the trigger of the aggressive behavior. For instance, if you’re dealing with territorial aggression, evaluate the resources in the home: Do you have one more litter box than the number of cats? Are you feeding them frequently enough? If your cat lashes out when petting, or you’ve noticed sudden aggression, take it to the vet immediately for a consultation to rule out pain or underlying medical issues.
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      Warnings

      • Avoid letting cats work out their aggression themselves. Cats don't respond well to this and it might increase the bullying behavior over time. Separate them and reintroduce them instead. [25]
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      References

      1. ↑ Molly DeVoss. Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview. 28 June 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
      3. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
      4. ↑ https://icatcare.org/advice/aggression-between-cats/
      5. ↑ https://petmag.com/stop-cat-from-bullying-other-cat/
      6. ↑ https://epicpetclub.com/another-cat-is-bullying-my-cat/
      7. ↑ Molly DeVoss. Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview. 28 June 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/aggression-between-cats
      9. ↑ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/my-cat-is-being-aggressive-towards-my-other-cat-what-should-i-do/
      1. ↑ https://www.felineliving.net/do-cats-get-jealous/
      2. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
      3. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/aggression-between-cats
      4. ↑ Molly DeVoss. Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview. 28 June 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
      6. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household
      7. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household
      8. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
      9. ↑ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/my-cat-is-being-aggressive-towards-my-other-cat-what-should-i-do/
      10. ↑ https://www.felineliving.net/do-cats-get-jealous/
      11. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household
      12. ↑ Molly DeVoss. Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview. 28 June 2021.
      13. ↑ https://petmag.com/stop-cat-from-bullying-other-cat/
      14. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/aggression-between-cats
      15. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/aggression-between-cats
      16. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-between-cats-your-household

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