Cats have had a reputation for being isolated for a long time, and while they aren’t as social and outgoing as dogs, they can live in the same house and get along fine. They can even form bonds with each other. If you live in a house where there is more than one cat, you may notice one cat slapping another from time to time. Why do cats behave in this manner? Is there a battle going on between them? Is it possible that something else is going on?
Cats slap each other for a variety of reasons:
For a variety of reasons, a cat may slap another cat. The key to figuring out why your cats are slapping one other is to observe their other body language and behavior. Cats slapping one other is a regular phenomenon for them, despite the fact that some of the causes are less acceptable.
1 when Playtime Started
Cats who are playful and lively may slap one other as though inviting each other to play. Cats who slap each other and invite play have the body language of a playful cat. Their whiskers will be forward, and their focus will be on the current issue. To avoid hurting the other cat, their claws will be retracted during the slap. There will be no yowling, screaming, or hissing from the cat whose slapping. All of these nonverbal indications indicate that the slapper wants to play with the other cat.
2 Instincts of Predation
Cats are carnivores, which means they must eat animal protein. This implies that they are likewise small little predators with a strong prey drive. In fact, several toys on the market make use of this. Feather wands, jingle bells, and laser pointers are all designed to appeal to your cat’s natural predatory tendencies. Cats who don’t have a proper outlet for their instincts may begin to act out by attacking their housemates or you. If your cat slaps another cat with all the hallmarks of fun body language but still seems a bit too enthusiastic about the slapping, it’s possible they’re acting on a suppressed hunting urge.
3 Illness and stress
If a cat isn’t feeling well or is in discomfort, they may slap other cats to persuade them to leave them alone. Cats in pain or suffering from a chronic illness are more cautious of other pets in the house.
They may be afraid of other pets accidentally hurting them. Cats do not always show chronic changes in the same way as dogs do. According to research, 61% of cats over the age of 6 had chronic abnormalities visible on x-ray in at least one joint, and % had alterations in several joints.
It’s worth noting that x-rays were used to diagnose arthritis in these cats, rather than changes seen by the owners. An older cat who appears to be active at home could be suffering from arthritic pain. This could explain why cats become angrier as they become older; they could be suffering.
4 Interact Aggression and a Lack of Resources
Likewise, cats can live together peacefully in some cases, but this is not always the case. When cats live in tight spaces, it’s not uncommon for them to get along. Interact aggressiveness is exhibited by cats who live together and fight, and it’s possible that’s why they’re slapping each other. Cats slapping each other due to interacting violence have a very different body language than cats slapping each other to initiate play. Cats that are showing aggressive behavior will appear tense. Their ears will be pushed flat against their heads, and their whiskers will be drawn back against their faces. They’ll be vocalizing, producing growling, hissing, and screaming.
Interact aggression can be a difficult behavioral issue because each cat is unique, but aggression can also come from a lack of resources at the home. Litter boxes and water bowls are examples of resources, but they can also include toys, beds, and vertical areas such as cat trees and shelves.
How to stop cats from slapping each other?
5 tips to stop cats from slapping each other:
Even while cats slapping each other is considered a natural behavior, it does not mean that it is ideal for your cats to do so. There are a few things you can do to reduce the number of cats slapping each other:
1- If the cause was just boredom
If your cats are slapping each other out of boredom or instinct, scheduling and organizing their playtimes can help. A cat who gets the same twenty minutes every day to hunt and attack its favorite wand toy or chase the elusive red dot may be less likely to slap its housemates for not playing with it. It’s crucial to remember that catching the prey at the end of the hunt is a big part of the fun. Because laser pointers don’t allow this, if your cat enjoys playing with them, throw them a kicker toy that they can jump on and bunny kick to ‘kill’ at the end of each session.
2- Your cats Health chack
Keeping your cat’s annual exams up to date can assist in guaranteeing that no illnesses are developing that are causing pain or suffering. Cats are often anxious at the doctor, making it harder for your veterinarian to accurately assess them for minor signs of arthritis. Take a video of your cat walking around or jumping up on items with your phone; this will assist your veterinarian to determine if your cat has early arthritis. Consider starting your cat on an added supplement as they become older. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best treatment for your cat.
3– The slaps are because of the number of litter boxes
Interact violence isn’t always easy to resolve, but there are some things you can do to make your cat’s home life less stressful. Having a proper number of litter boxes is an excellent place to start. The number of litter boxes in your home should be equal to the number of cats you have plus one, according to most behavior experts. If you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes at least.
4 – Having multiple litter boxes can help reduce the violence
Experts also advise that litter boxes be placed on each level of your home, rather than being grouped together on a single floor or in a single spot. Increasing the number of vertical areas in your home might also help to reduce interactive violence. Cat shelves and cat trees, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, can help cats deal with the stress of living in cramped confines by providing a more acceptable outlet for their tension.
5 – Speak to your veterinarian
Cats are known for slapping each other. That being said, it might mean a variety of things, and stopping it can necessitate a range of approaches. Speak to your veterinarian if you have worries about your cat’s chronic pain or how to get your cats to get along better.
