Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/29/2009

Question
We have 2 cats, a 9 year old female and a 5 year old male. Both are "fixed" and were declawed. The problem is that we moved 3 months ago. Soon after moved we had to have extensive remodeling done. Since that time our male cat has become very aggressive to our female cat. He will chase and attack her so she spends most of the time hiding. It became so bad that she began having bowel movements on the couch. We think it was her as we put her in isolation in our bedroom so she could relax and there has not been another mess on the couch. What can we do to help them get along again? We have tried spraying the male with citrus infused water and putting him up in a small room as well. Nothing seems to work.

Thank you so much!

Answer
Shalom,

Your male cat is very stressed and confused, first with the move then the remodeling. A cat needs a routine and he can't develop one with everything going on. He is the one that you should probably keep in your bedroom with a litterbox, food, and water until things settle down.

Have you tried Bach's Rescue Remedy? People swear by it for aggressive behavior, and other emotional and physical behaviors. You can get it at a health food store (people use it too) or on-line. I will give you some detailed information about it:

Bach's Flower Essences were developed for humans, but they work on animals as well. Flower essences work on both physical and emotional issues to help heal and calm. They are non-toxic and have NO side effects, and are safe for pets and animals of all sizes.  

BACH'S RESCUE REMEDY is the most commonly used. Rescue Remedy can be used for any acute trauma, fear, or stress situations. It will not change the inherent temperament of an animal, but will help bring them into balance.

It can be given by mouth, but it can also be sprayed on the skin or ears with a spray bottle and it will still have a beneficial effect.

For cats, only a few drops (2-4) are necessary. They need not be swallowed, but MUST contact the mucous membranes (gums, tongue, lips). You can also add a dropper full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution). You can add a dropper full to a spray bottle filled with spring water and  use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas. You can also put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it--the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb the flower essences in this way.

There is no improper or wrong method of applying the Bach Remedies. It is not necessary to be precise in counting the number of drops in any of the dilution methods. The Rescue Remedy is non-toxic and therefore has no side effects.

For most behavioral problems 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks is sufficient, though some may animals may need drops or a dropper full added to their drinking water long-term.

More information about Bach's can be found on these websites:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

http://www.nelsonbach.com/BFE_for_pets.html

http://www.petsynergy.com/flower.html

http://www.oes.org/page1/Bach-Rescue-Remedy.html

As a last resort you can talk to your vet about a prescription for kitty Prozac. It is commonly used to calm a stressed or aggressive cat, or one with emotional issues. Usually a two week dose is sufficient.

Tabbi