Conflicts between two cats

V
Vivilamalice Icon representing the flag French
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Hello,

My two female cats (both 5 years old) have lived together since they were 3 months old. They’ve never been particularly close; they just tolerate each other (they might sleep next to one another, but that’s about as far as it goes).

This morning at 9 am, I was woken up by my cats screaming in the conservatory. Arched backs, hissing, etc., which usually never happens. One of them must have had a stress-induced accident because there was a big puddle of pee. I don’t know what triggered it; I just found the white one with loads of fur, dust, and dirt on her head. Since then, they can’t stand the sight of each other.

One of them (the tabby) is on high alert, following and watching every move the other one (the white one) makes. If the white one jumps off the sofa, the other one rushes over to sniff her. But that scares the white one, who hisses at her, and off they go again: it’s a never-ending cycle.

Anyway, I’ve separated them, but the white one is begging to be let out (which I’m not letting her do). I don’t know what else to do... it’s all quite stressful.

Translated from French
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3 answers
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    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi,

    This situation can happen even with cats that have lived together for a long time. It’s possible that a stressful event triggered an aggressive reaction, followed by a loss of recognition between them. You did the right thing by separating them. I would advise keeping them apart for a few days, ensuring each has their own resources, then gradually reintroducing them by starting with scent swapping before any visual contact. If one of the cats seems to be in pain, shows unusual behavioural changes, or if the aggression persists despite the separation, a trip to the vet is recommended to rule out any medical issues. Best of luck; these situations are often quite distressing to witness but can generally improve with a gradual reintroduction.

    Best wishes,

    Romane

    Translated from French
    C
    Chatzen Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    The fact they’ve lived together for nearly 5 years without any major issues and then had one single very intense incident makes me think it was more of a major fright or a one-off conflict rather than a territorial problem.

    The most important thing now is not to try and put them back together too quickly.
    I would keep them separated for a few more hours or even 1–2 days depending on how they are, then start a gradual reintroduction:

    • give each of them their own quiet space;
    • scent swapping (blankets, cushions, or a cloth rubbed on their cheeks);
    • feeding them on either side of a closed door;
    • short periods of visual contact, but only if they stay relaxed;
    • stop before any staring, chasing, or growling starts.

    The stress peeing plus the fact they can’t stand the sight of each other after years together shows they’re likely still very wound up emotionally.

    However, since this has happened so suddenly after coexisting for a long time, I’d also check if one of them is in pain (discomfort, an injury, etc.), especially the one whose behaviour seems to have changed.

    Hang in there—it’s very distressing when it happens, but it’s not unusual for two cats to gradually get back to their routine after a few days of calm management 🐾

    Chatzen 🐾

    Translated from French
    J
    Jocely Icon representing the flag French
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    Have they been spayed? If they have, then it shouldn't be a territorial dispute. Something must have happened between them that you missed, seeing as they’ve been together for such a long time. Or perhaps one of them is in pain, which is making her unable to tolerate the other. In my opinion, a trip to the vet is needed for whichever one seems more out of sorts than usual. Keep us updated, kind regards.
    Translated from French

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