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Cats/Cat behavior changed for no apparent reason
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Question
Hi Karen!
I have two cats (5 and 6 years old). They grew up together and were always together, grooming each other, sleeping together, etc. Yesterday, we brought the 6 year old to the vet for a check up and a shot and when we came back home the 5 year old started acting as though we brought home a new cat. The 5 year old keep hissing at the other cat and swapping him when it walks by.
Is there any reason for this sudden change? But most importantly, is there anything we can do to "make them friends" again?
Thanks,
Melanie
Hi Melanie,
This isn't an uncommon thing. What happened is when you brought the 6 year old to the vet he picked up a whole bunch of strange odors on him. When he got home the 5 year old saw him but smelled someone strange. He is confused and thinks this cat doesn't belong there.
You need to rescent the two cats together. Take a rag or old shirt and wipe one cat and then the other and back again. Make sure you get near the tush too, (powerful :)scents there). You can even use your scent and rub them with a sweaty something that you have. They should be back to normal after about a week or two. One thing to remember though, make sure you take both with you next time you have to go to the vet with one. This will prevent any further occurrences of this. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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