Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 3/15/2009

Question
I have 3 cats, 2 female, and 1 male, they are 2 and 3 years old, and have lived together all their life. The one female cat just got spayed friday, Now the other two are hissing at her, as well as each other. The male has also stoped going to the bathroom, and drinking. He is eating,and  playing. But he has started to now his at me every now and then when i pet him. Why is he doing this?

Answer
Kayla -

Perhaps the other cats detect the scent of the veterinary hospital on the newly spayed cat.  This will happen whenever cats are exposed to something new.  Cats are fiercely territorial and tend to react aggressively whenever they view something has changed in their environment.

The cats will get used to the newly spayed cat and eventually they will forgive her for coming home with a different scent.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM