Why does one of my cats keep attacking the other one?

@Bd200789 (2994)
United States
June 10, 2008 6:05pm CST
The cats have never fought like this until now. I was on the computer when I heard this weird noise. One cat was growling at the other and biting his neck. Midnight hadn’t done anything. He was fast asleep! I had to separate them. This has happened a lot in the last few days, and I don’t know why. They are both tomcats, and about a year old. Is this normal?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@draelman (12)
• Canada
11 Jun 08
Un-neutered males are known to be far more aggressive than the fixed ones. That could be your problem right there; if you want them to get along you know what you have to do. Ask your vet and they will confirm this with you.
2 people like this
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
11 Jun 08
Ok, thanks. We're trying to find a place to get thim neutered, but we haven't had any luck.
@Valenas (1507)
• United States
11 Jun 08
It is very normal. The fact that they are both males is likely the greatest cause. Unless you are planning to breed, have them neutered if you can afford it. They are old enough where they are becoming rivals--kind of like two boys hitting puberty.
1 person likes this
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
11 Jun 08
Ok, thanks. I was worried. We really should have them neutered soon. Wll the fights stop then?
@Valenas (1507)
• United States
11 Jun 08
If this helps any, I just checked with my mother, a veterinarian technician, and she said that it is best to get it done as soon as possible, as some of their current behaviors may become permanent if it is not taken care of quickly, and last even after the neuter. But again, do ask your vet.
1 person likes this
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
11 Jun 08
Ok, thanks. We'll get it done as soon as possible.
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
11 Jun 08
I dont have any cats so I am not sure why. But cats are very smart animals, could it be they are sharing toys etc and what is not happy with the other.?
1 person likes this
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
11 Jun 08
Thanks. I hope that's all it is.
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
11 Jun 08
good luck
@mcat19 (1357)
• United States
11 Jun 08
It could be a dominance issue; they want to see who is king of the castle. I'm assuming that both are neutered, if not, this would probably help. I would let them work it out unless one of them draws blood.
@Sheena_C (87)
• Canada
12 Jun 08
I have a similar problem. I have 3 cats (2 sisters and an older cat I have had for years) and the sisters hate my older cat. They have been living together for a year and they STILL don't get along. I feel so bad because my poor older kitty just wants love and attention and whenever she walks in the room or walks by one of the other cats, she gets swatted at or worse, attacked. I don't know what to do with them.
@agihcam (1914)
• Philippines
11 Jun 08
Two things I have observed.One,they have some stuff or foods that want to own but it was hold by the other.Two,they are both male and wanting to own the female one.It is natural for the cats.
1 person likes this
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
11 Jun 08
Thanks. I was worried. They've never acted like this before.
• United States
11 Jun 08
My two tomcats can have some pretty good fights, but the make up afterwards. They have a love/hate relationship. It is perfectly normal.
@snowy22315 (182187)
• United States
11 Jun 08
It sounds like they are trying to establish territory with each other. I have had cats fight alot but not cats that were raised together. Get them neutered. It will improve.