Here We can see, “Why Do Cats Slap Each Other?”
Cats have had a reputation for being reclusive 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 multicat household, you may notice one cat slapping another from time to time.
Table of Contents
Cats slap each other for a variety of reasons.
Cats slapping one other is a common occurrence, although some of the causes are less ideal. For a variety of reasons, a cat may smack another cat. The key to figuring out why your cats are slapping one other is to observe their different body language and behavior.
Getting 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 ask for play have the body language of a playful cat. Their whiskers will be forward, and their focus will be on the current issue. Their claws will be retracted during the slap to avoid hurting the other cat. There will be no yowling, screaming, or hissing from the cat slapping you. These nonverbal indications indicate that the slapper wants to play with the other cat.
Instincts of Predation
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat animal protein. This implies that they are likewise small tiny predators with a strong prey drive. 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 impulses 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, they may be acting on a suppressed hunting urge.
Illness and Suffering
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 warier than other pets in the house.
Cats do not always display arthritic changes in the same way dogs do. They may be afraid of other pets inadvertently injuring them. According to research, 61 percent of cats over the age of 6 had arthritic abnormalities visible on x-ray in at least one joint, and 48 percent had alterations in several joints.
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 in agony. It’s worth noting that x-rays were used to diagnose arthritis in these cats rather than changes seen by the owners.
Intercat Aggression and a Lack of Resources
Again, cats can live together peacefully in some cases, but this is not always the case. When cats live in tight quarters, it’s not uncommon for them to get along. Intercat aggressiveness is exhibited by cats who live together and fight, which may be why they’re slapping each other. Cats slapping each other due to intercat violence have a very different body language than cats slapping each other to initiate play. Cats that are displaying aggressive behavior will appear tense.
Their ears will be pressed flat against their heads, and their whiskers will be drawn back against their faces. They’ll be vocalizing, producing growling, hissing, and shrieking sounds like an agitated cat. Intercat aggressiveness can be a complex behavioral issue because each cat is unique, but aggression can also come from a lack of resources in 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
Even while cats slapping each other is considered 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 smacking each other.
If your cats are slapping each other out of boredom or instinct, scheduling and structuring their playtimes can help. A cat who gets the same twenty minutes every day to hunt and pounce on its favorite wand toy or chase the elusive red dot may be less likely to swat 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 for this, if your cat enjoys playing with them, toss them a kicker toy that they can jump on and bunny kick to ‘kill’ after each session.
Keeping your cat’s annual exams up to date can guarantee that no illnesses are developing that are causing pain or suffering. Cats are often frightened at the doctor, making it harder for your veterinarian to screen them for minor signs of arthritis accurately. Take a video of your cat walking about or leaping up on items with your phone; this will assist your veterinarian in assessing if your cat has early arthritis. Consider starting your cat on a joint supplement as they become older. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best product for your cat.
Intercat hostility isn’t always easy to resolve, but there are some things you can do to make your cat’s home life less unpleasant. Having a good number of litter boxes is an excellent place to start. According to most behavior experts, the number of litter boxes in your home should be equal to the number of cats you have plus one. If you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes at the very least.
Cat shelves and cat trees, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, can help cats cope with living in cramped confines by providing a more acceptable outlet for their tension. Experts also advise that litter boxes be placed on each level of your home rather than grouped on a single floor or in a single spot. Increasing the number of vertical areas in your home might also help to reduce intercat violence.
Cats are known for smacking each other. That said, it might mean various 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.
User Questions
What does it mean when a cat slaps?
Slapping is another way cats show their dominance. Slapping is a somewhat forceful action used to signal that the cat is scared. On the other hand, slaps can be unpleasant and even violent at times. Cats are quick to defend themselves, and when they sense a threat, their instincts kick in, and their claws emerge.
Is it common for cats to fight with one another?
Because all feline play consists of fake violence, it’s normal for kittens and young cats to participate in rough, vigorous play. All in good fun, cats stalk, chase, sneak, pounce, swat, kick, scratch, ambush, attack, and bite. It’s mutual if they’re playing.
Do cats become irritated with one another?
There are sure to be some misunderstandings and miscommunications between companion cats, just as there are bound to be misunderstandings between people. Still, if you detect a pattern of intimidation, there may be more stress between your cats than you first imagined.
How do cats kiss each other?
Johnson explains, “They clean each other, rub each other, but they don’t kiss.” “It’s a bonding experience for cats when they lick each other while grooming.” This practice is not performed by cats who do not get along.” Johnson notices her foster cats licking one other and interprets it as a sign of affection.
What’s the deal with my cats growling at each other?
Fear, lack of socialization, the inappropriate introduction of a new cat, overcrowding (i.e., not enough vertical or horizontal space, too few supplies, etc. ), redirected aggressiveness, play, and predation are underlying non-medical causes of hostility between cats in the same home.
Conclusion
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