Dealing with multi-cat households: understanding how problems develop

The domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) continues to be one of the most commonly owned companion animals. Owners may be pressured to house more than one cat, or may misguidedly think that cats require feline companionship. However, being forced to co-exist with unrelated individuals in a densely populated home is a potential source of feline stress, and in 2015, Cats Protection ( www.cats.org.uk ) saw an eighteen percent increase in the number of cats entering adoption centres due to cohabiting cats not getting along. When problems occur, it is often the veterinary practice that owners will turn to for advice, although in many cases this is only once the situation has become critical. The veterinary team therefore have a major role in educating the client, and being able to provide advice on the needs of the cat can assist in reducing problem behaviours. This two-part article looks at some common behaviour problems associated with cats living in a multi-cat household and provides strategies to help prevent, manage and treat them. Part one provides an insight into normal feline behaviour patterns and their complex social system. It examines the cat's species-specific requirements, and descriptions of how they communicate are provided to help gain an understanding of why problems occur. Opportunities for educating the client are considered and an account of some of the most commonly encountered behaviour problems and conditions are presented. Part two will concentrate on strategies to help manage cats living in a multi-cat household.