Expert: Dear Tabbi - 2/12/2009

Question
The older of the two cats (10 yrs.) got outside for the first time for about 3-4
hours.  When we found her under the stairs she ran back into the apartment
and began attacking our younger cat.  She has NEVER shown any aggression
towards humans or her younger sister.  She continues to stalk the bedroom
door in which we have secluded the younger cat (hours later).  What is going
on?  Will she ever be able to be reunited into the company of our other cat?
Please help us.

Answer
Nathan,

Your poor kitty is traumatized and stressed by the experience. At 10, your cat is approximately 52 years old in human years and older cats don't take stress as well as a younger cat. Give her time to calm down. It may take a few days.

Try feeding both cats some yummy cat treats together. Something like tuna, tinned sardines in oil, etc. so that the older cat will associate the younger cat with something positive.

Also try a pet laser light. You can get them at PetSmart, Petco, etc. They are a great interactive toy to help the cats play and be together again. Cats LOVE to chase the 'little red bug' on the walls, floors, and ceilings.

Be aware too that pain can make a cat suddenly aggressive.

Being prepared and knowledgeable about elderly cats health and behavior will make things easier for the cat and for you. For future reference I am including some good links about elderly cats that I hope you find informative: (Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

Your cat should be back to normal soon with the younger cat. Just give her a lot of reassurance and love.

I hope this helps.
Tabbi