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Question
Just yesterday I took my 6 year old female(Gwenyth) cat to the vet for a check up and left my 9 year old male(Fisher) at home. We when returned Gwen of course was still freaked from being away and Fisher hissed,growled and swatted her. He hid under the bed hissing for hours. He is still after a day and a half quite angry and she cannot go near him without him making a huge scene. If I sit on the sofa he is very cuddly with me but if I give her any attention he seems to get upset. It's so strange. I don't understand it at all and he frightens me as well when he get's like this because he did swatt at me as well. It's not like they were ever best friends but they usually are very compatable. If you have any insight to his aggressive behavior it would be greatly appreciated. I live in an apartment so I can't really separate them. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Thank you,
Carla
Hi Carla,
This is called Non Recognition Aggression. What happened when you took Gwenyth to the vet is she picked up a lot of strange odors. When she got home Fisher saw Gwen but smelled a strange cat. He is confused and striking out at her. He is striking at you because he smells the same strange smells on you from her.
You need to reintroduce her to him. Follow a cat intro protocol. You need to take some article of clothing of yours,(the sweatier the better), and wipe down both of them with it. You will giving a shared smell to them. Get something called Feliway Spray. It mimics "happy" cat pheromones. Spray both of them with it. Feed them both some sardines. You can also smear a little of the fish oil on them.
He will calm down . It will just take time. The one other thing you can do to prevent this is to take both with you to the vet. They will both come back with the same smells. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you. It makes perfect sense. And yes it has already gotten better. Carla | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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