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Cats/fighting sisters

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Expert: - 3/5/2010


Question
I have two spayed sister cats. I rescued them about 2 or so years ago and they were the best of friends. A few months ago my one cat was in the window sleeping and was spooked by a large(maybe male) cat outside. I scared the cat away and about 20 minutes later it came back when both of my girls were in the window. They ended up attacking each other to the extreme! They are still fighting even months after this whole ordeal. I have tried everything to make them live in harmony but its not working.Seperating them, spraying them with water, putting the one in a cage with the other one free and vice versa, you name it, I probably tried it. So my question is this, would seperate litter boxes make a difference? I havent tried this one yet. Any helpful advice would be appriciated!!! Thanks!

p.s Giving one away isnt a option.

Answer
Hi Katie,

First off make sure they can't see out of that window anymore. This is what is called redirected aggression. Since they can't get at the strange cat they go after each other. You might want to try some Feliway comfort zone. This mimics a cat's happy pheromones and can calm them down. Try a cat introduction protocol. This will help. Introduce them gradually to each other again. Praise and stoke each one when they are together. Feed them special treats. You want to make the time when they are together as pleasurable as you can. Separate litter boxes might help. This gives each cat their own space.  

It is imperative that they don't go back in that window. You don't want this whole thing to start again. If worse comes to worse, take them to the vet for some tranquilizers. This will help. I would also make sure that when I go to the vet with one I would take the other. Redirected aggression can stem from that too. 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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