Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!Vet Tips - By Our Vets!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet ClinicGlossary
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

one of my bonded cats keeps on hurting the other one, what do I do?

I'm really at a loss here and could use some advice. I have two cats, Max and Lily, who have been inseparable since I adopted them. They've always been best buddies, grooming each other and curling up to nap together. But recently, Max has started to get aggressive with Lily out of nowhere. It seems like every day he's swatting or biting her, and poor Lily just looks so confused and hurt. I've tried giving them separate spaces to calm down, but Max keeps going for her whenever he gets the chance. It's heartbreaking to see their friendship fall apart, and I'm worried about Lily getting seriously hurt. Has anyone else experienced something like this? What can I do to help them get back to being the sweet, bonded pair they used to be?

Answer:

Thanks for reaching out with your concern. It sounds like a tricky situation, and it's great that you're looking to help your cats live peacefully together. Cats often assert dominance, and this can sometimes result in what looks like aggressive behavior between bonded cats.



Common causes include resource competition (for food, water, or sleeping spots), stress from changes in the home, or even redirected aggression from a perceived threat outside. Sometimes, one cat may be trying to play while the other isn't interested, leading to scuffles.



At home, try to ensure each cat has plenty of their own resources. Separate feeding areas and multiple litter boxes can help reduce perceived competition. Interactive toys and engaging playtime can also dissipate some of the energy that might be fueling these incidents.



Keep an eye out for any signs of injury, excessive hiding, or changes in behaviour like grooming too much, which can indicate stress. If you see blood, hear high-pitched yowls, or notice significant changes in behavior or temperament, it might be time to step in more actively.



For personalized guidance, consider booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. We can discuss the situation, offer tailored solutions, and ensure your cats are healthy in every way.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 26, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Cat A has virus. Vet says wait it out. Now cat B has virus. Follow steps for cat A??
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Any exotics vets in the house?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elderly Cat's fine, except he's not fine?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[DOG] Yellow vomit every 2/4 days
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support - anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicAsk A Vet: Q&AGlossary
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links