How to reduce conflict and help your cats get along at home

Bringing multiple cats into your home, whether at the same time or gradually, can be a stressful experience for both you and them. Just like people, every cat has its own personality, preferences, and comfort zones. When I adopted 2 cats from the same litter, I assumed things would be simple. Their distinct personalities, however, created a dynamic I had to learn to navigate having only ever owned one cat at a time.

At Co-op Insurance, we know your pets are part of the family, so here’s a guide to help keep your home peaceful.

Getting multiple cats at the same time

Bringing home more than one cat, especially from the same litter or bonded pair can make settling in easier, but it still needs thoughtful planning. Cats from the same litter or a bonded pair often bring comfort and familiarity. They may even share beds, groom each other, and can settle into your home more quickly. To keep things harmonious make sure they each have their own bowl, tray, and sleeping spots so they can have space when they want it.

If they are new to each other

Make sure you introduce them gradually, even if they seem relaxed at first as early, positive experiences can help prevent territorial issues. Try to keep play balanced, avoid always favouring the more confident cat. Cats thrive when they feel safe.

Give each cat their own space, ideally a quiet room with a litter tray, food, water, toys and somewhere to sleep. Find a way to swap their scents before they meet, which could involve exchanging blankets or stroking one cat then the other cat. Try and use controlled introductions so they’re not immediately in the same space together without supervision and help.

Whether adopted together or separately, giving each cat the chance to feel safe in their own right is key to peaceful cohabitation.

‘Alpha’ cats and social hierarchy

It’s common for one cat to naturally take on a more confident or dominant role. While cats do not follow strict pack hierarchies like dogs do, some felines will still organise themselves into a loose social structure. One of my cats always eats first and takes care of any intruders in the garden while her sister waits for food and hides from visitors.

Here’s what to look for:

• the ‘alpha’ cat might be the first to explore new spaces, approach visitors, or claim favourite resting areas.
• they may lead play, supervise feeding routines, or watch over the home from a preferred high perch.
• as long as behaviour stays calm with no bullying, blocking access to resources, or aggressive chasing this hierarchy is perfectly normal.

How you can help:

• make sure all cats have easy access to food, water, and litter trays so a confident cat can’t guard everything.
• reward peaceful behaviour, especially when the more dominant cat allows others to share spaces.
• provide multiple high vantage points so confident cats don’t claim every lookout.

Understanding these dynamics helps keep harmony in your home and prevents small tensions becoming bigger issues.

Provide plenty of resources

Cats generally do not like sharing so it is important you have enough for them to thrive.

• multiple feeding stations
• separate litter trays (one per cat, plus one extra)
• several water bowls
• plenty of scratching posts and resting areas

When resources are easy to access, cats are less likely to compete and more likely to settle comfortably.

Watch for signs of stress and act early

These can include:

• hiding
• reduced appetite
• swishing tail, flattened ears or unusual noises
• not using the litter tray when they have previously

If you spot concerns, take a step back. Slow introductions or separate spaces can help reset the balance. If needed, your vet or a qualified behaviourist can offer personalised advice.

Be patient as it can take time

Some cats bond deeply; others are happy simply coexisting. Both are natural outcomes. What matters most is that each cat feels safe, understood, and part of the family.

With patience, kindness, and a well-prepared home, your cats can enjoy a peaceful and happy life together.