Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Don't know what going on!?!

Advertisement

Expert: Dear Tabbi - 2/13/2009


Question
I have two cats,male and female...both of them have been fixed. They've been together for 15+ years. They just all of the sudden starting fighting,and its no little fight. Rolling around,screaming,hair flying fights.I don't know what's gotten into them. I don't know what to do? Can anyone help?

Answer
Lacey,

Don't panic. Your cats are approximately 80 years old in human years and their behavior is more than likely age-related. At that age they can get kitty Alzheimer's and act in a bizarre manner and get confused easily. Pain also makes cats aggressive which they could have from arthritis, or any number of things.

I would suggest finding a vet that specializes in geriatric cat care and their conditions. Not all vets do which can be detrimental to an elderly cat. They should have an "older cat checkup". They check the function of this kidneys, thyroid, liver, etc. These checkups should be done every six months when you have a geriatric cat. If caught early some conditions can be treated with medication, especially pain medication for arthritis, which will ease any discomfort, and extend their quality of life.

Being prepared and knowledgeable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cat and for you. I am including some very good links about elderly cats:
(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

And I know it sounds morbid, but it has been proven that cats (and other animals) can smell the impending death in another animal and sometimes will attack it. I sincerely hope that it is not the case here, but because of their age, you do need to be prepared.

If you need to put your poor kitties to sleep at some point, or lose them, here is an EXCELLENT site for emotional support, and where you can have a memorial for your kitties:

http://rainbowsbridge.com/hello.htm


I hope this helps. And don't get angry and frustrated with the cats, they are probably as confused about their behavior as you are. Give them a lot of reassurance and love. They need it now more than ever.

Tabbi  

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dear Tabbi

Expertise

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.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

Education/Credentials
***********

Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.