Expert: Karen Craft - 9/28/2007

Question
Karen,

I really hope you can help me figure out what is going on my two male cats who have been fighting and we cannot figure out why and what to do about it.  We have had them both for 3 years, they are both rescues (not related) and fixed.  Beau is three (Siamese mix) who is from a shelter as a kitten and Jax is probably 4 (Manx) who is from a friend who was giving him up. For three years we have lived in relative peace, they would fight occasionally but nothing too crazy just play fighting usually started by Beau but Jax would get in a lick or two then run for higher ground.  No chasing or behavior issues

Recently we had to take Jax to the vet for a few hours because he ate and enormous piece of tape (separate issue - he loves to eat plastic).  Good news is Jax was OK but a few hours after we came home they  got into a massive fight unlike we have ever seen. Beau ran under the bed, peed and pooped, growled at us and would not come out for hours. So we separated them.  We have tried to re-introduce them again like I did when I first brought Jax home.  Keep them separated then switch the areas, then show the cats each other at a distance. Slowly familiarize them  again. But everytime Beau sees Jax he completely freaks out, growling, peeing and hiding.  This has been going on for a week and we are really concerned that they will not be able to co-exsist together.  I love both cats dearly and just want them to get along enough that I am not cleaning up pee constantly.  

I most tell you that this is very abnormal behavior. Both cat have always used their box (no accidents) and Beau is our super sweet cat, never growls or hisses to anybody. While Jax was probably not feeling well because of the plastic and vet he was not aggressive to us at all.  Jax has never been aggressive with me although he can be with my husband (I think it is a jealousy thing) and he has been acting relatively normal since this incident.

Any suggesting on what to do or insights into why this is happening would be appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Lauren,

This is a pretty common thing that happens. When you took Jax to the vet he picked up a lot of strange cat smells. When he got home Beau saw Jax but smelled a stranger. He was extremely confused. And to a cat the smell is what he is going to respond to most. So this is why he is attacking Jax. Keep on doing like you did when you first introduced him. Take a cloth and rub it on both cats to get each other smells on them. Make sure you get the rears too. This has some potent smells,(as we well know!). You can also use a sweaty article of clothing from you. Yours is the master scent. You can also get a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. this will help everyone calm down.

You are going to have to give a little more time. In about two weeks all should be well. Just remember, when you go to the vet take both cats with you. Even if one needs to stay overnight make sure the other is with him. You won't have this problem again. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen