Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cat not recognizing siblings

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/20/2008


Question
I have 3 males, litter mates.  They are 6 this year.  One of them is now growling and swinging at the other two, keeps watching for them to come in the room even now while I'm at this computer.  
I just dosed him yesterday with flea med, is the back of the head above the shoulders a bad spot, could it have got into a gland or something.  He is normally a docile boy who is not averse to cuddling and grooming his mates.  I am pretty upet, I just spent all available cash on one of my other ones yesterday, but will do what I have to.

Answer
Cathy,

I wouldn't worry too much. Where you put it is the perfect place. When the medicine starts to kill, fleas panic and try to get away or get aggressive. I would take a guess that the flea medicine is working and that it is annoying and irritating him which he is taking out on the others (or blaming the others for it). If he were having a reaction to the medicine he would be drooling and listless.

You can try distracting him with toys. If you have a pet laser light that is a good way. Or try pulling a shoestring around for him to chase. This is not recommended for play, but try wrapping a towel around your hand and rough house with him so he can take his frustrations out by attacking your hand (towel). Or you can lock him in a room for a while until he settles down, bring him out to eat with the others (even if it is a kitty treat).

If you still have the box the medicine came in, there is usually an 800 number for questions, or a website address. If you still have concerns, give them a call or access their website.

I hope this helps,
Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

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