On 23 December 2024, I heard a piercing screech from inside my house. I was in the garden, and upon hearing this heart-stopping sound, I ran inside to find my two cats, Malaki and Hazel, crouched low to the ground, hissing at each other.

I immediately knew they weren’t playing.

What the hell? I thought. These two were bonded! We’d adopted them together just a few weeks prior. I’d never known a more affectionate pair of cats; they were absolutely enamoured with each other. Until then.

Neither noticed me at first, but when Malaki did, she ran to my legs as if to hide. Hazel lunged — making a sound I’d never heard from my sweet kitty — and they fought again. It was exactly like the cat fights you see in cartoons: a swirling ball of fur, claws, and bone-chilling screeches. I was terrified.

I screamed for my partner, who was in another room with noise-cancelling headphones. He didn’t hear me for what felt like ages. I can’t even remember if I ran to him or stayed rooted to the spot, yelling, “MITCHELL! THEY’RE TRYING TO KILL EACH OTHER!”

When Mitch arrived at the scene, he was equally stunned by this sudden change in their behaviour, but he was able to act. He’s a fighter; I freeze.

I stood there, helpless, terrified, and heartbroken. A panic attack welled up, then I went into complete shock. I couldn’t move. I eventually heard Mitchell’s urgent voice asking for my dressing gown — I threw it to him, and he separated the cats.

After things calmed down, we kept them separated. We divided the house in half, each sleeping with a cat that night. One of us took the bed, the other the sofa.

We did this for the first three weeks after “the incident” — the only way we can refer to it. Our friends and family thought we were mad for sleeping separately so that neither cat would be alone. But both Hazel and Malaki are very dependent on human companionship; they are incredibly friendly cats who followed us everywhere. Having only been with us a few weeks, we didn’t have the heart to leave one alone overnight. To say “the incident” was distressing is an understatement.

So, what happened? After countless hours reading articles, Reddit threads, and watching YouTube videos, we learned the following:

Cats fight. Even bonded pairs, even cats from the same litter.
Triggers are complex, but external factors, like other animals, are often to blame.
One theory suggests that if a cat is agitated by something outside (like another cat) and can’t reach it, they may redirect their aggression towards the nearest target — which, unfortunately, could be their “bonded” buddy.
Because cats are so scent-focused, a stressed or scared cat’s scent might change, meaning the other cat no longer recognises them. They essentially become strangers, which only makes things worse.

It’s hard to say what triggered our cats, as neither of us was present. We believe they saw a possum or a neighbour’s cat outside the window. Unable to attack it (cats are very territorial), they attacked each other.

The first few weeks were gloomy. I had other things going on, which affected Mitch too. The cat fight was the last thing we needed. Plus, it was Christmas.

Our cats no longer had each other for comfort, and Mitch and I couldn’t spend as much time together as planned.

We followed a five-step reintroduction plan (detailed below).

In short, the steps included: complete separation, scent swapping, short visual introductions through a barrier, and then supervised visits of increasing duration. This process was initially scary, as we all had a little PTSD from “the incident.” There were positive interactions and progress, but also negative ones, meaning we sometimes had to go back a step.

Although the last few days have been pleasant, the end feels near. Yesterday, Mitch commented that it has been a month and a half since “The Incident”. A month and a half. Damn. This made me reflect. The end feels near, but I also have doubts. What if it takes longer? Some cats never recover.

On a positive note, we recently discussed the good things to come from this. We’ve learned so much more about cats, and especially about our cats. We’ve had individual quality time with each, getting to know their personalities better. Also, some of their initial behavioural issues are fading.

Hazel, for example, was shyer and more reserved than Malaki. Perhaps due to Malaki’s dominant personality (typical of a Tonkinese), Hazel didn’t seem to play much. She also hid from noises, watching Malaki investigate, as if Malaki was the scout.

Now, Hazel is incredibly playful. She initiates play and even runs around by herself in her tunnel. She’s more confident and less afraid of outside noises.

We’ve also bonded more with Malaki through increased playtime, now that she doesn’t have Hazel to play with. I try to play with her for an hour a day, as this is important for her breed. Consequently, she has stopped biting us in our sleep to initiate play. We’ve learned to redirect her playful aggression; I’ve often seen Mitch emerge from the bedroom, rubbing his eyes and waving a cat wand at an energetic Malaki.

The cat fight experience has been devastating, but a learning opportunity and a chance for us all to grow. It’s unfortunate that the cats have been fighting for longer than they were getting along, but it has made us stronger and more in control of our emotions. Not that pets and children are the same, but this is the kind of resilience we’ll need one day when Mitch and I have our human children. It’ll help us grow as people.

Do we regret getting our cats? Absolutely not. We’ve been asked, “Why not just give one away?” We immediately answered, “We could never choose! We genuinely love them both for individual reasons, flaws and all.” The fact that we both feel this way, and are navigating this challenge together, has strengthened our relationship too.

This whole experience has been a rollercoaster, but it’s definitely made us appreciate just how much we love these two crazy cats, even when they’re being little devils.

A step-by-step guide to reintroduce your cats and restore peace after a fight:

1. Separate and Cool Down

Immediate Separation: Separate the cats immediately to prevent further injury and reduce emotional arousal. Place them in different rooms with closed doors.
Cool-Down Period: Allow at least 24–48 hours for them to calm down. The duration depends on the severity of the fight and their personalities. Some cats may need longer. Ensure each has their own resources (food, water, litter box, bedding, toys).

2. Gradual Scent Introduction

Scent Swapping: Exchange bedding, toys, or towels between their spaces to familiarise them with each other’s scent in a non-threatening way. You can also gently rub a cloth on one cat and then the other to mix their scents.
Positive Association: While separated, engage in positive interactions with each cat individually. Play with them, groom them, and offer treats to create positive associations with the scents.

3. Controlled Visual Introduction

Barrier Introduction: After a few days, allow them to see each other through a barrier like a screen door or baby gate. Keep initial sessions short and supervised.
Positive Reinforcement: Offer treats or toys when they are calm in each other’s presence. If they show signs of aggression (hissing, growling, swatting), separate them immediately and try again later.

4. Supervised Interaction

Short, Supervised Visits: Once they seem relaxed with visual contact, allow short, supervised visits in a neutral area. Keep the visits brief and gradually increase the duration as they tolerate each other.
Distraction and Play: Engage them in play or offer treats to distract them. If any aggression appears, separate them immediately.

5. Gradual Freedom

Increased Freedom: If all goes well, gradually allow them more freedom together. Continue to supervise, especially initially.
Monitor and Adjust: Observe their behaviour closely for any signs of tension or aggression. If problems arise, go back a step.

Important Considerations:

Identify the Cause: If possible, try to determine the cause of the initial fight. Was it over resources, territory, or redirected aggression? Addressing the underlying issue can help prevent future conflicts.
Patience is Key: Reintroducing cats takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process.
Professional Help: If the problem persists or escalates, consult a veterinarian or certified cat behaviourist. They can provide personalised guidance and rule out any medical issues.

References

Overall, K. L. (2008). Feline aggression. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 38(2), 293–311.
Beaver, B. V. (2003). Reactivity and aggression in cats. Veterinary Medicine, 98(10), 878–886.
ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cats-and-other-pets
The Humane Society of the United States: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/introducing-your-new-cat-other-pets
Jackson Galaxy: https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/

When Bonded Cats Fight

From best friends to enemies: My cats' sudden fight turned our world upside down. Learn how we're navigating the reintroduction process (and the lessons we've learned along the way)

The all-in-one writing platform.

Write, publish everywhere, see what works, and become a better writer - all in one place.