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Cats/My two female, sister kittens recently spayed showing aggression

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Expert: - 8/10/2008


Question
Hi,

I recently had my two girls spayed at the same time. they are just over 4
months and I have had them since they were 8 weeks. They've always been
close. Since they've been home from the clinic it's like they don't even know
each other. Hissing, growling and stare downs. They've always slept with me,
one on each side and eat from the same bowl, share a litter box. It's like they
had their memory remooved not their ovaries. What can I do? Do I need to set
up another feeding station and an addtional litter box. The more aggressive
one seems to be keeping the other trapped in the bedroom. She'll only come
out escorted. I'd appreciate any advice or insight.

Thanks,
Kim

Answer
Hi Kim,

It sounds like they were kept separately at the vets. Sometimes, when this happens, the different scents on the cats make the other think it is a stranger cat. It sees the known cat but smells a stranger. It's very confusing. You will need to reintroduce them. Search on the web for a cat intro protocol and follow those instructions. It will take about 2 weeks but all will be well. Just make sure when you take one to the vet to take the other. And if one has to stay at the Animal Hospital, the other is to stay in the same cage. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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