Social, Feeding and Predatory Behaviour 47
eat his share of the food. It may therefore appear that cats are at ease eating together
but in truth this situation can be highly stressful for them. Being forced to eat together
like this can also increase their perception that food is limited and so further increase
competition and rivalry. (Fig.4.2).
resting together. Even cats who do not get along will often rest or sleep in the same
area or on the same item of furniture, but their exact positioning can reveal that they
are simply using the same preferred resting place rather than demonstrating any
desire to be with each other. In such cases, body postures might not be completely
relaxed and there can often be a discernible distance between them (Fig. 4.1).
Signs (other than fighting) of an antagonistic relationship
avoidance. The cats may spend most of their time in separate areas of the house or,
if allowed outdoor access, spend more time away from home. If in the same room,
they may make use of raised vertical spaces, e.g. tops of furniture etc., to avoid
encounters.
watching. Close or constant watching of one cat by another can be an indicator that
the cat is feeling threatened by the presence of the other cat.
guarding access to resources (blocking). An increased sense of competition can result
in guarding resources by blocking the other cat’s access. This is usually achieved by the
guarding cat positioning itself in a corridor or at the entrance to a room containing a val-
ued resource such as food, litter tray, resting place or even access to the owner. Blocking
Fig. 4.2. Eating together is not a sign of a good relationship. Cats can be forced to eat
close together if there is no equally nutritious food available elsewhere, a situation that can
be highly stressful for the cats and might increase rivalry and aggression.