Question: My cats no longer get along after entering a battle. What is triggering this and what can I do?
I have 2 cats. They have actually been dealing with each other for about 10 years. One of them saw another feline outdoors and assaulted my other feline. Now, my other feline is really aggressive after being assaulted, and will not leave the space. I have actually attempted soothing deals with, the diffuser, and absolutely nothing appears to be working. Do you have any tips or factors for their habits, and how I can fix it?
-Andrew
Answer:
DearAndrew,
I am so sorry that your cats do not appear to be getting along any longer. I can’t envision how difficult that need to be for you and them particularly considering that you have had them for so long. It seems like the preliminary factor for the battle was the feline outside that surprised your cats.
You will desire to make certain this does not occur once again, so it may be a great concept to installed tones in the windows where your cats may see another feline exterior. Once there has actually been a disturbance in the consistency and balance of your home, it can be hard for cats to adjust back to typical. After the preliminary battle, your cats’ relationship together has actually been somewhat harmed. The great news exists are methods to treatment this.
My suggestions are to be client and likewise look for assistance from your vet. While you are waiting on your vet visit, here are a couple of things you can attempt to get their relationship back on track.
HowDo You Handle Aggression Between Cats that Used to Get Along?
Aggression in between 2 cats that utilized to get along is a typical issue that I view as a vet. The bulk of the time this happens due to the fact that of some type of stress factor or modification in your house. Anything can worry a feline out, and in this case, the outdoors feline triggered your cats to get stressed out and afraid. Consider attempting the following actions.
1. Separate Your Cats Into Separate Areas of the House
For now, it is a great concept to keep your cats entirely separated. If they are fighting and hissing at each other, this implies they aren’t getting along and require a little timeout. Usually, I advise a number of days to a couple of weeks. You will have to have separate food bowls, water bowls, and litter boxes for them in their different locations.
2. Place Their Food Bowls Next To the Door
You will desire to position their food bowls on either side of a closed door. This method, they can see and smell each other while they are still separated. Because they will be consuming while they see and smell one another, this will assist them associate each other with a favorable thing which in this case is the food.
3. Switch Rooms
After a couple of days of separation, change their areas. This will permit your cats to have gain access to to the fragrances of the other feline. At this point, you are attempting to get them utilized to each other’s odor.
4. Crack the Door
After your separation duration, attempt splitting the door simply an inch or two and letting your cats smell noses. If they appear calm, you might attempt opening it broader. If they still stay calm, they might be prepared to be reestablished together. You can likewise attempt offering a delicious reward throughout this reintroduction duration such as tuna juice orcanned cat food If they experience any indications of aggressiveness towards each other, close the door.
5. Consult With Your Vet
If these actions aren’t working, it is a great concept to speak with your vet. There are oral medications that can be momentarily offered to assistance keep cats calm so they can be effectively reestablished.
A Few Final Thoughts
Aggression in between 2 cats who formerly got along is typically brought on by tension. In this case, it was most likely due to the fact that of the outdoors feline that surprised your cats. You ought to separate your cats for a number of days and gradually reestablish them utilizing the actions explained above.
For more info about the reintroduction procedure, have a look at this valuable post from theASPCA In addition, it would be a great concept to set up a visit with your vet. They might be able to provide you other tips and possibly recommend short-term stress and anxiety medications to assist your cats get along much better. Good luck with your cats!
Sincerely,
AddieReinhard, DVM
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