Cat bullying exists, and owners usually don’t pay attention to it. Cats, like humans, bully other cats and make them stressed. It is especially important to be on the lookout for the following warning signs if you are thinking about boarding your cat.
Understanding Cat Bullying Behaviour
Cat bullying happens when one cat habitually bullies or intimidates another through a range of aggressive acts. This situation can arise very quickly in multi-cat homes, so it’s critical that cat owners are aware of the early warning signs.
Physical Signs of Bullying in Cats
Evident Wounds and Stress Indicators
Physical indicators are the most obvious indicators of cat bullying. Bite wounds, scratches, or patches of missing fur usually indicate hostile cat-to-cat contact. Bullying may not necessarily lead to open wounds, though. Check for bald patches due to stress grooming because nervous cats over-groom when they feel under threat.
Eating and Elimination Habit Changes
Bullied cats typically show changes in their basic habits. They may eat less or refuse to use food bowls if a higher ranking cat is defending these resources. Similarly, litter box avoidance can mean that a cat is not comfortable visiting these essential resources.
Behavioural Signs of Cat Bullying
Social Withdrawal and Hiding
Bullied cats are withdrawn and hide during the day. If your friendly cat has started hiding for hours on end in closets or under beds, this is something that requires attention.
Changes in Sleep Routines and Hypervigilance
Bullied cats sleep less or are in high alert mode even when asleep. In this state of high alert, they are never relaxed, causing long-term sickness and stress.
How Cat Boarding Facilities Prevent Cat Bullying
Individual Living Spaces
Reliable cat services in Sydney address cat bullying through thoughtful space planning. Separate housing units are offered for each cat to prevent any direct interaction between possibly incompatible cats. Cats are provided with an opportunity to feel secure within their temporary shelter without territorial disputes.
Supervised Socialisation Programs
The majority of boarding establishments offer supervised contact among cats that desire to socialise with other cats. The staff members closely monitor the contact, intervening as soon as bullying and aggression are observed. Positive associations are provided in the process without compromising on safety.
Trained Staff Recognition
Professional boarding houses have staff trained to recognise early signs of stress and aggression in cats. The staff is also experienced in observing the body language of cats and can identify immediately if the cats feel threatened or uncomfortable, thus preventing bullying cases before they escalate.
Environmental Enrichment Strategies
Good facilities provide environmental enrichment that reduces stress-related behaviour. Vertical perches, multiple feeding stations, and multiple hiding places enable cats to regulate their interactions, reducing competition and potential bullying episodes.
Protecting Your Cat’s Health
Choosing the right boarding facility involves inquiring on some specific aspects of their policies and procedures concerning anti-bullying. Choose facilities that place high value on individual cat needs and have clear procedures for cat interaction management.
Identifying signs of cat bullying allows you to advocate for your pet’s comfort and safety. Cats should be able to exist in comfort and safety, either at home or in boarding conditions, free from fear or intimidation by other cats.