As any cat owner can tell you, cats are great pets; they provide companionship while retaining an independent spirit, and, in turn, are playful, serene and cuddly. The thing about felines, though, is that they are more solitary, they’re territorial, and they will fight other cats that encroach on their turf.

Cat fighting, whether in the home or outside, can lead to serious injury, which is why the veterinarians at Waipahu, HI-based Waipio Pet Clinic emphasize that some care should be taken to prevent outbreaks of aggression. So what are some ways to prevent cat brawling and fighting?Let’s take a look:

• Spaying/Neutering: This is a good thing to do regardless, but spaying or neutering cats is especially important if your pet goes outdoors. Cats that are sexually active tend to wander much more and be more aggressive, increasing the likelihood of them encountering others or encroaching on “enemy” territory.
• Indoor Living: The fact of the matter is that the life-span of an outdoor cat, for a variety of reasons, is significantly shorter than it is for an indoor animal. There are numerous dangers out there, and certainly the possibility of squabbling with another cat is among them. If at all possible, keep felines indoors; so long as you give them some surfaces to play on and scratch, they’ll be fine.
• Cats As Roommates: If you’re introducing a new cat into a home that already has a local feline population, extra care needs to be taken. A good vet will recommend that you keep the cats separated for the first two weeks and feed them simultaneously from opposite sides of a closed door, allowing them to get accustomed to each other’s smell. Eventually, you can allow them to meet in controlled environments, though there will inevitably be aggression at first.

Ultimately, with patience and these strategies, you should have no problem ensuring that your cat is safe and cared for; what’s more, when you need dedicated vet care on Oahu, bring your furry family members to Waipio Pet Clinic. Find out more about this pet hospital by calling (808) 676-2205 or checking out their website.