Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 11/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 cats, Oliver is 5 years old and Joey is 6 months, both are indoor cats. When Joey was first brought home it was war for about 4 days, I had to keep Oliver away from Joey for fear he would seriously hurt him. They became best friends. I took Joey in to be neutered but when I brought him home the next day as soon as Oliver took a whiff of him he went crazy, he is extremely aggressive. I have tried using the water bottle and right now I take turns closing them off in a room and showing affection to each one individually but nothing seems to work. If Oliver has his way Joey will be out the door!!!
Is this normal behavior? I really need some help with this one, will they ever be friends again?
Brenda

ANSWER: Hi
don't worry this is normal behaviour. There is a way that cats need to be introduced to each other so that they can build confidence in each other in a safe and calm environment. I have described the process here. it does take a little time and effort but it really is worth it in the end.

http://www.our-happy-cat.com/introducing-cats.html

P.S you may also be interested in my page about cat discipline. i only say this as the water bottle method is worse than useless as all it does is make the cat fearful of you and can make situations worse. here is the page anyway

http://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-discipline.html

best wishes Kate

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Before I took Joey out of the house for an overnight stay at the vet's they were best friends. They were together all the time, playing, eating and sleeping with each other. I assumed as soon as I brought Joey back into the home things would resume as normal but this is not the case. Oliver is just as nasty as he was when I first brought the kitten home, this is the part that has me confused.

Answer
Hi
I have known cats who were friends for many years suddenly display this behaviour. As I say it is caused by fear and the fear can be something as simple as a different smell. Try the introduction method I described it helps them to recover their confidence in each other and get over the fear without the danger of a fight etc.

best wishes Kate