Research from feline veterinary behaviour product FELIWAY FRIENDS has revealed that over 65 per cent of cat owners believe that their cats get on with each other, yet nearly all of those questioned owned cats that displayed signs of multi-cat tension.

The research found that more than 60 per cent of cat owners believed that their cats were either sociable or indifferent towards each other despite showing signs of disharmony which included: chasing (65 per cent), swiping paws (53 per cent), hissing (48 per cent), keeping a distance from one another (31 per cent), fighting and acting aggressively (27 per cent), staring (30 per cent) and sitting in front of resources to block access (25 per cent).

According to the research, the cats were so stressed that they would often scratch furniture or household items (46 per cent), hide from their housemates (26 per cent), meow excessively (20 per cent) or spray (17 per cent).

Claire Russell, FELIWAY brand manager at Ceva Animal Health, said that 80 per cent of pet owners allow their cats to eat and drink beside their housemates, which is known to increase multi-cat tension.

Simple changes within the household, she said, such as separating feeding areas, positioning water bowls away from the feeding areas and creating safe areas up high will help prevent disharmony.

Ms Russell added: “There is the common misconception that cats need other feline companions, however they are naturally solitary survivors who are more than happy in their own company.

“Simple environmental changes and using FELIWAY FRIENDS can help restore harmony between household cats who are displaying signs of multi-cat tension.”