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Cats/My kittens loved each other, but after neutering, hate each other

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Expert: - 3/14/2009


Question
In September, I got a male kitten from a farm.  As I was leaving, the farmer
told me there was a brother left behind. The two loved each other and shouldn't
be seperated.  Two days later, I went back for the brother.  Was he right!  They
love each other.  They always licked each other, slept together (on top of each
other) and played together.  On Monday, I got them neutered and declawed.  I
picked them up on Tuesday and now they hate each other.  If they get near each
other they start to hiss and carry on.  They are fine with me, but when they see
each other they get very angry.  HELP!  I want my loving boys back.  Can you
advise me on how to handle this situation.  I love my boys and hate to see what
is happening to them.  They don't interact with each other at all.


Answer
Nancy,

Declawing is a procedure that involves the amputation of the cat's digits at the first joint and is incredibly painful. Pain could be one reason that the brothers are being aggressive with each other. I would recommend having the vet prescribe some proper pain relief immediately to see if that helps. Failing that I have a few other tricks that just might get things straightened out, but I feel that it's most humane and appropriate due to the significance of declawing surgery to rule out post surgical pain and or infection.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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