Why Does My Kitten No Longer Get Along with Sibling Cats?

You brought home a pair of adorable, cuddly kittens, and they were the best of friends. Now they’re growing up, and you’re starting to see some hissing, swatting, and maybe even fighting. Why does your kitten no longer seem friendly with its sibling cats?

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Cats Are Territorial Creatures

The first thing to remember is that cats are territorial. Even kittens. They may have been perfectly happy sharing space and resources as tiny babies, but as they grow, their instincts kick in. Think of it like this: imagine you and your siblings sharing a bedroom your whole life. As you get older, you’ll want your own space and things! Cats feel the same way.

Social Maturity in Cats

Another important factor is that cats don’t reach social maturity until they’re between 18 months and four years old. Like human teenagers, young cats are going through big changes and figuring out their place in the world. This can lead to changes in their relationships with other cats, even siblings they were once close to.

Reasons for Sibling Conflict

Here are some common reasons why sibling cats might start fighting:

Competition for resources: Cats need access to food, water, litter boxes, and comfy spots to rest. If they feel like they have to compete for these things, it can lead to tension and aggression.
Territorial disputes: As cats mature, they become more aware of their territory and may start guarding it from other cats, even their siblings. This can manifest in blocking or time-sharing resources like food, water, beds, litter boxes, and even access to the garden.
Personality clashes: Just like people, cats have different personalities. Some cats are more social than others, and some are more prone to aggression. As kittens grow up, their personalities may become more apparent, and they may find that they’re not as compatible with their siblings as they once were.
Changes in the environment: Any significant change in the environment, such as a move to a new home, the introduction of a new pet, or even a change in your routine, can cause stress for cats and lead to aggression.
Medical issues: Sometimes, aggression can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your kitten suddenly starts acting aggressively towards its siblings, it’s important to rule out any medical problems.

How to Help Your Sibling Cats Get Along

It’s important to note that it’s never a good idea to let cats “fight it out.” This will only escalate the problem and could lead to injuries.

Here are some things you can do to help your sibling cats live together more harmoniously:

Provide plenty of resources: Make sure each cat has its own food and water bowls, litter box, scratching post, and bed. Ideally, you should have one more resource than the number of cats you have.
Create vertical space: Cats feel more secure when they can get up high. Provide cat trees, shelves, and other vertical spaces where they can perch and survey their territory.
Give them individual attention: Spend time playing with each cat separately to help them burn off energy and reduce stress.
Use pheromone products: Pheromone sprays and diffusers can help to create a more calming environment for cats.
Consult a veterinarian or behaviorist: If the aggression is severe or you’re not able to manage it on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Can Littermates Be Separated?

If your kittens have grown up together, you might be wondering if it’s okay to separate them. While it’s not ideal, sometimes separation is the best option for everyone’s safety and well-being.

If your sibling cats are constantly fighting, causing each other stress, and are not responding to other management techniques, separation might be necessary. This might involve creating separate living spaces within your home or finding a new home for one of the cats.

A Final Note: Sibling Bonds Aren’t Guaranteed

Remember that just because cats are siblings doesn’t mean they’ll always be best friends. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cats just don’t get along. If that’s the case, the kindest thing you can do is to provide them with the space and resources they need to live happy and healthy lives, even if it means living apart.