Expert: Tina - 12/13/2008

Question
I am having problems with my male and female cats. I got my male cat not but 4 months ago and he was our first... for all intent he is still a ketten. About a month ago we got an adult female from a friend. Nither of them got along the first day but after that it was like they were friends their whole lives. Recently my female came down sick and spent some time is the hospital with an IV in her paw and was gone for three days. I just got her home but instead of the welcoming party i expected from my male who really seemed to miss her i got a hiss fest out of him. Now he cant be in the same room with her with out hissing and growlin at her.... is this tipical? Im just wondering if they will begin to get along like thir old selves again and if there is anything I can to to helo.

Answer
HI Tiffany,

Sorry to hear your cat was sick, I hope she is well soon!

It is not uncommon for cats to have this reaction when one has stayed in the vet clinic, they come home smelling like vet, which scares the resident cat!

You can help restore harmony by taking a towel and running it on the scared cats' cheek, then rub the towel all over the other cats. Cats have scent glands in their cheeks and this will help make the groomed cats smell like home again. You can also use old bedding - if the cats have regular places to sleep, take their used bedding and rub it on each cat.

You can also get some Feliway at the pet store, it is excellent for these situations.