Why Does My Cat Growl At My Other Cat? [Causes & Remedy]

As a cat owner, it’s not uncommon to hear the occasional growl emanating from your feline companions, particularly when they interact with each other. While cats are often known for their independent, solitary nature, many households have multiple cats coexisting under the same roof. However, when one cat growls at another, it can be an unsettling experience. Growling, in the feline world, is a form of vocal communication—sometimes a sign of distress, warning, or irritation.

Understanding why your cat is growling at your other cat is essential for maintaining peace in your multi-cat household and ensuring that both cats are comfortable. While growling may simply be part of natural feline behavior, it’s important to recognize when it’s a sign of something more serious, whether that be territorial disputes, health issues, or underlying stress. This article delves deep into the reasons behind growling between cats, when to be concerned, how to respond as a cat owner, and when it’s necessary to consult a veterinarian. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your cats’ vocalizations and the best steps to take to keep the peace in your home.

Why Does My Cat Growl At My Other Cat?

Cats are highly territorial creatures, and their communication is nuanced and complex. They rely on a range of signals, including body language, scent marking, and vocalizations, to establish their boundaries and interact with other animals. Growling is one of the most distinct vocalizations cats use to convey a message—whether it’s to establish dominance, warn of a perceived threat, or simply express discomfort or frustration.

When one cat growls at another, it’s often a sign that something has disturbed the delicate balance between them, whether it’s a personal boundary being crossed, a resource being contested, or a change in the environment that’s causing stress. Understanding the underlying cause of the growling can help you determine the appropriate response and ensure that your cats feel safe and secure in their shared living space.

Common Reasons

1. Territorial Disputes
   One of the most common reasons for growling between cats is territorial aggression. Cats are naturally territorial animals, and they feel the need to stake their claim over certain areas or resources, such as food bowls, litter boxes, or resting spots. When a new cat enters the household or when an existing cat invades another cat’s space, growling may occur as a way for the territorial cat to express their disapproval or to warn the other cat to back off.

2. Establishing Hierarchy
   In multi-cat households, there’s often a pecking order or hierarchy that the cats will establish. Growling can be a way for one cat to assert their dominance over another. This is particularly common if there is a significant age or size difference between the cats. Older, more dominant cats may growl at younger or smaller cats to remind them of their position in the household hierarchy. These growls can serve as a warning to the other cat not to challenge their authority.

3. Resource Guarding
   Cats can be very possessive of their resources, including food, toys, and even human attention. If one cat feels that their access to a particular resource is being threatened by the other cat, they may growl as a way to defend what they perceive as "theirs." This behavior is particularly evident during feeding times or when a favorite toy or resting spot is involved. The growl serves as a clear message: “Stay away, this is mine.”

4. Stress or Anxiety
   Stress and anxiety can also contribute to growling between cats. Changes in the environment, such as a new cat being introduced, moving to a new home, or even changes in the routine, can cause one or both cats to feel uneasy. In times of stress, cats may be more irritable and prone to growling at one another as they try to navigate the uncertainty of their environment. This is often accompanied by other signs of anxiety, such as hiding, pacing, or excessive grooming.

5. Health Problems or Pain
   Cats often become more irritable and prone to aggression when they are in pain or discomfort. If one of your cats is not feeling well, they may lash out at the other cat as a way of communicating their distress. This growl may serve as a warning to the other cat to stay away. If you notice that the growling is accompanied by signs of illness—such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in grooming behavior—it’s crucial to consider whether a health problem is the root cause.

6. Fear or Discomfort
   Cats can growl when they feel threatened or frightened. This may happen if one cat is exhibiting behaviors that make the other cat uncomfortable, such as aggressive posturing, stalking, or invading personal space. The growl serves as a warning to the other cat to back off before the situation escalates into more aggressive behavior, such as swatting or fighting.

7. Playful Behavior
   It’s also important to note that not all growling between cats is a sign of aggression. Sometimes, cats growl during rough play, especially if they are engaging in chasing or pouncing games. In these instances, the growl is more of a vocalization that indicates excitement or competitive play. These growls are typically accompanied by other playful behaviors, such as chasing, pouncing, or light pawing.

When To Be Concerned

While occasional growling is normal in multi-cat households, it’s important to recognize when the behavior goes beyond typical feline communication and warrants concern. Here are some situations where you should be worried:

1. Increased Aggression or Physical Fights
   If the growling escalates into actual fighting, such as hissing, swatting, or biting, it’s a cause for concern. Cats may get hurt in physical altercations, and persistent fighting can create a hostile and stressful environment for both cats. Watch for signs of physical aggression, and separate the cats if necessary to prevent injuries.

2. Persistent Growling Without Resolution
   If the growling continues for extended periods, especially without any clear cause (such as territory disputes or changes in the environment), it may indicate that something is seriously wrong. A cat that is constantly growling might be struggling with anxiety, fear, or health issues that require attention.

3. Signs of Illness or Injury
   If one of your cats seems to be growling more than usual and is showing signs of physical discomfort—such as limping, lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavioral changes—it’s important to consider that the cat might be in pain or unwell. Health issues can make cats more irritable and prone to aggression.

4. Marked Changes in Behavior
   If your cats’ behavior has changed drastically, such as a sudden increase in growling, territorial aggression, or avoidance, this could indicate that one of the cats is feeling stressed, ill, or threatened. Sudden changes in behavior often signal that something in the environment or the cats’ relationship has shifted, and it should be addressed.

How To Respond As A Cat Owner

As a cat owner, it’s important to approach growling behavior with patience and understanding. Here are some steps to take:

1. Provide Separate Spaces
   If you have multiple cats, ensure that each cat has their own space where they can feel secure. This includes having separate feeding stations, litter boxes, and resting areas. This will reduce competition and territorial disputes between your cats, and it can help calm tensions.

2. Gradual Introductions
   If the growling is related to the introduction of a new cat, it’s essential to allow for gradual introductions. Keep the new cat separated from the resident cat(s) initially, and slowly allow them to get used to each other’s scent through the use of scent swapping (rubbing towels on each cat and then exchanging them) and supervised face-to-face meetings. This can help reduce territorial aggression and stress.

3. Create a Calm Environment
   Reducing stress in your household is key to preventing growling. Keep the environment as calm as possible by minimizing loud noises, sudden movements, and any other factors that might cause anxiety in your cats. Use pheromone diffusers, like Feliway, which can help reduce stress and promote a peaceful atmosphere.

4. Observe and Redirect
   Watch your cats closely to determine the cause of the growling. If it’s due to a resource dispute, ensure there are plenty of food and water bowls, litter boxes, and resting places so that both cats feel secure and don’t have to compete. Redirect their attention with toys or playtime to relieve tension.

When To Consult A Veterinarian

If the growling is accompanied by signs of illness, pain, or sudden behavior changes, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. If one of your cats is growling due to discomfort or illness, a veterinary check-up will help identify and address the underlying health issue. Additionally, if the growling is part of a pattern of aggressive behavior that is not resolving with behavioral interventions, a vet may be able to help diagnose potential medical conditions or offer behavioral advice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, growling between cats is a natural part of feline communication, but it can also signal underlying issues that require attention. Whether the growling stems from territorial disputes, hierarchy establishment, stress, or health problems, understanding the root cause is essential for fostering a harmonious home for all your cats. By observing their behavior, providing separate spaces, and reducing stress, you can often mitigate the growling and improve your cats’ relationship. However, if the growling persists or is accompanied by signs of illness, it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice to ensure the health and well-being of your feline companions.

FAQs

What Does It Mean When My Cat Growls At My Other Cat?

When a cat growls at another, it usually indicates that the cat is feeling threatened, territorial, or stressed. Growling is a vocalization used to warn the other cat to stay away or to express discomfort with the situation.

Is Growling Normal Behavior Between Cats?

Yes, growling is a normal behavior in cats, especially when they are establishing dominance, defending territory, or reacting to perceived threats from other cats. However, frequent growling or aggression may require attention.

How Can I Stop My Cat From Growling At My Other Cat?

To reduce growling, ensure each cat has its own space, food, and litter box to avoid competition. Gradually introduce the cats in a controlled manner, and use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior.

Can Growling Be A Sign Of Pain In My Cat?

Yes, sometimes cats growl due to pain or discomfort, particularly if they are injured or unwell. If the growling is accompanied by other signs like limping, lethargy, or hiding, it may be a sign that your cat needs a vet check-up.

Does My Cat Growl Because It’s Jealous Of The Other Cat?

Jealousy can be a factor in feline growling, especially if one cat feels that the other is receiving more attention, food, or resources. Cats are territorial animals, and they may growl to express dissatisfaction with changes in their environment.

How Do I Know If My Cats Are Fighting Or Just Growling?

Growling can be a sign of tension, but fighting typically involves more aggressive behaviors such as swatting, biting, or chasing. If the growling escalates into physical altercations, it’s important to intervene to prevent injury.

Can Environmental Changes Cause My Cat To Growl At The Other Cat?

Yes, changes in the environment such as moving to a new home, introducing new animals, or altering daily routines can cause stress in cats. This stress can lead to growling as they adjust to the changes and establish their place in the hierarchy.

Why Does My Cat Growl At My Other Cat When They’re Near Food?

Cats are naturally territorial, and food can be a major source of conflict. A cat may growl to assert dominance or protect its food from the other cat, especially if one is more food-driven or feels threatened by the other’s presence.

Can I Train My Cats To Stop Growling At Each Other?

Yes, training cats to stop growling involves creating positive associations between the cats and rewarding calm behavior. Gradual introductions, supervised interactions, and providing separate resources like food and resting spots are helpful strategies.

Is My Cat’s Growling A Sign Of Aggression Towards The Other Cat?

Growling can be a sign of aggression, but it is also a defensive response. If the growling is accompanied by hissing, stiff body posture, or swatting, it indicates higher levels of aggression. Monitoring and managing these behaviors early can help prevent escalation.