Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 12/12/2009

Question
hi, i have two cats, both 8 month old and are siblings.  both have not yet been neutered, though they have been given the required vaccinations.  they are indoor cats, but sometimes the male wants to go out, so i let them out, but i stay out with them, till they themselves run inside the house.  Day before yesterday morning, the male got out without me, and got caught by two bitches (female dogs) but was rescued in time by a good samaritan who got him home wrapped in a towel.  fortunately he was not bit, but only scratched around his neck and inner thighs.  he was slow and lethargic the day he was in the fight, but 3 days since, he seems normal and is eating, sleeping and going to the loo like usual.  But the problem that i am facing is that since he came back, the female has suddenly developed a hatred towards him.  she is not letting him come near her even by a meter! she is hissing viciously at him and even started attacking him and cornering him yesterday.  he seems fine physically, but looks hurt and terrified by the female cat.  they were very loving and caring with each other except for playing 'fight' sometimes.. but now its real, and the female looks more traumatized by his accident than the male himself.  and is hiding constantly from him, not eating or sleeping properly. i am absolutely shocked by this behaviour of hers.  Please help!

Answer
Hi
often cat aggression is caused by fear and I think this is what has happened in this case. Your female cat has become afraid not of the male cat but f the situation i.e he may be acting differently because of his experience, he may smell different due to the dogs etc.

This is not an un common problem so don't worry about that. Basically the female cat needs to find her confidence again with the male cat.

I would suggest a period of reintroduction for the two. here is the procedure.

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

Give them time and some Patience and things should return to normal.

best wishes Kate
http://www.our-happy-cat.com