I’m looking for some advice…

My bonded male and female pair (both neutered) have suddenly started have tiffs! I know behaviour changes can happen in early spring even with neutered pairs, but I don’t know whether to seperate them temporarily or just keep a close eye on it.

I don’t think these are full fights (no clumps of fur everywhere or loud “tornado” scuffles) – I only noticed because I went into their room and noticed they both looked a bit scruffy. I checked them over and my boy has some bald patches on his back (even though that fur is nowhere to be seen) with what looks like scratch marks. My girl seems ok, but fur looks scruffy which isn’t improved by grooming.

They are both still snuggling together and grooming one another but I’m worried. I’ve popped one out to graze in the garden today but I’m debating whether to seperate them with a room divider for the time being. I don’t want to risk either of them getting hurt but similarly I don’t want to do the wrong thing and break their bond.

Thanks in advance for any advice!