Expert: Becky - 3/8/2007

Question
I have 2 male cats about a year apart in age. The older male cat is fixed and the younger one was not.  They got along great since day 1. Never growled or hissed at each other, just loved each other and played together.  I just got the younger male fixed today. Upon bringing him home from the vet, my older male cat has been growling, hissing, and even striked at the younger one.  Does this behavior have anything to do with the younger one now being fixed?  Or could it be that the older cat smells the vet/other cats? I want to know if the older cat is going to hate the younger one permanently now, or if he (they) will go back to their loving ways?  The young cat that just got fixed is acting normal. I think he is confused as to why my older cat is treating him badly all of a sudden.

Answer
Hi Brady!
When your cat came home from the Vet, he smelled different. This is why your other male cat is so upset. He will calm down in a few days and everything will be back to normal.  Cats have a very sensitive nose and he knows something just isn't "right".  Don't worry, they will soon be best of buddies again.

God Bless,
Becky