Felines have a much more developed sense of smell than ours, to the point that they can feel the smell that other animals have and know, just for that, if they are part of their group of trusted beings or not. It is a very reliable and efficient system that avoids many problems, but sometimes it works too well and it can confuse you.
This is what happens when we take one of our furry animals to an unknown place for a few hours or days, and then we take him home again. What happen? What my cat attacks my other cat, suddenly. They may already be brothers or have grown up together, but it often happens that, without further ado, one of the two rejects the other. Why? Let's find out.
The first time I had one of my cats sterilized, I couldn't even imagine how his sister would behave afterward. He went home and immediately began to snort at him, as if he didn't know him at all. The truth was, they were quite unpleasant moments, very uncomfortable and even sad, because until that day they had been very close. If that is what has happened to you, in principle you do not have to worry, since it is something normal and has a solution.
The cause of this sudden change in attitude of the cat that has been at home is the smells "brought" by the cat that has been outside. That is what our furry beloved dislikes so much that he has not come out.
To do? There is no choice but to present them, as if they did not know each other at all. To do this, you have to take the cat that has been outside to a room, with a bed, the feeder and drinker, and a litter box. For 2 to 3 days, the beds will be exchanged so that they accept each other's scent, and they will be given prizes every time they approach or smell it.
On the fourth day, you can let them see each other, for example through a glass. If there are no grunts or snorts, they can be put together. But, yes, if you see that one of the two is nervous, that is, that he puts his ears back, growls, snorts or tries to scratch the other, keep him in a room for a couple of days, and try again after that. weather. You can even buy a diffuser of Feliway and put it in the area where cats make more life.
Anyway, if after two weeks you do not notice improvement, do not hesitate to ask a feline ethologist for help.
More causes of seizures between cats
Animals don't do things for no reason, and cats are no exception. If your feline friend suddenly turns into a hissing, scratching, and growling broiler, there is a reason for this change in behavior.
Aggression is defined as the intention to intimidate or dominate, and is a common feline behavior problem. Unfortunately, an aggressive cat is at risk of being turned over to a shelter or abandoned by a frustrated owner.
It certainly can be confusing when a cat suddenly infuriates people who love him. However, there is always a reason and the challenge is to find out what bothers the cat. Read on to learn why a normally docile cat might suddenly become aggressive and what you can do to help an angry kitten.
Fear / stress
While cats are generally loners, they are also sociable and capable of forming close bonds with the people they love. However, a cat can become aggressive if it feels threatened, instinctively lashing out to protect himself. For rescued cats, what triggers an aggressive reaction could be related to a bad experience like fighting in the street, or adjusting to life in a shelter. You may not fully understand what is causing the fear or stress. Your cat could also be reacting to other household pets or even an atmosphere where people don't get along and are fighting.
Some of the most common causes of fear or stress in a cat's life include new pets in the home, too many pets in the home, sudden moves, sneaking up on them, loud noises, harsh treatment or unfair punishment, being put in a cat carrier, riding in a vehicle, lack of resources (food, water, toys, scratching post), a change in routine or no routine at all.
Pain
Anytime a kind and gentle kitty shows aggression, it's time to visit the vet. Cats are stoic and try to hide pain or illness. A feline could be showing aggression to protect an injury or avoid touching a sensitive area.
Common causes of pain include dental disease, abdominal pain, arthritis, soft tissue injuries, or infections. Sudden aggression can also be caused by neurological problems, cognitive decline, and loss of smell, hearing, or vision.
Stroke-induced aggression
This is a type of confusing aggression that occurs when you calmly pet your cat and it suddenly turns towards you, grabbing your hand with its front claws while trying to rip your skin apart with its rear claws and teeth.
It can happen if your cat becomes overstimulated and the pleasant sensation of being petted turns into irritation. It may seem like it came out of nowhere for no reason, but your cat was actually giving you signals that it wanted the petting session to end, such as backward ears, dilated pupils, body stiffness, growls, and wagging tail. When you do not notice the signals and continue with the strokes, attacking is the cat's last resort to stop you.
Territorial issues
Cats are not afraid to use aggression to protect their territory. Looking out the window and seeing another cat walking outside could trigger the aggression. Other possible triggers are the addition of a new cat or dog to the home, an unknown person in the home, or a move. Sometimes a cat becomes territorial when you pay attention to another pet in the house and will suddenly attack you or the other pet.
Redirected Frustration / Aggression
Redirected aggression is one of the most common and unpredictable causes of sudden hostility in cats. This is when a kitten becomes hyperaroused, irritated, or stressed by a stimulus that is out of her reach.
These are just a few of the reasons a happy kitty can suddenly become aggressive. The first thing to do is schedule a medical follow-up with your vet to make sure there is no medical reason for the aggressive behavior. If none are found, the next step is to speak with an animal behavior specialist who can help you get to the bottom of your kitten's aggression ... or start by following the advice we give you below.
How to solve the problem of the attack between cats
There are many possible reasons why your cat could be attacking your other cat, including lack of space, social maturity, a medical problem, or environmental changes. Fortunately, generally solutions can be found that allow cats to continue living together and overcome their aggression.
Since you can't just ask your cats what's wrong with each other, identifying the reason for the aggression will generally be a process of elimination that involves simply trying various solutions.
Keep in mind that if the behavior started after the cats have been together for a while, a medical problem may be the culprit. When a cat is in pain or uncomfortable, it may show signs of aggression, even if it is typically docile. Once medical issues have been ruled out, there are other things to try to reduce cat-to-cat aggression.
Let the cats have their space
Cats like to have their own space and can be quite territorial. Having to share a small space, food bowls, and litter boxes is a common reason for aggression. While you may not be able to expand your home, you can add space for cats by providing additional perches, cat condos or even invest in an outdoor cat enclosure that allows cats to safely spend time outdoors.
Also, place food and water bowls and litter boxes (one litter box per cat plus one extra litter box works best!) For each pet, so the cats don't have to share. You can buy the new material that you need at this link.
Provides an escape that cats like
If a cat tends to be passive, install a collar or latch controlled cat door that leads to a quiet room. Just put the collar on the cat that is bullied or allows the passive cat to enter. Leave the other one out. This will allow you to escape from the aggressor and give the stalking cat a cooling off period..
Pheromones
Many cat owners have had great success using pheromones to prevent one cat from attacking the other cat. These products, which come in spray and diffuser form, calm cats and are, in some cases, a very effective way to eliminate fighting. You just have to ask your vet what type of product is best for you to use.
Wait time
Does absence make love grow? Maybe not, but it will give you a chance to reintroduce cats properly and slowly. Wait for the cats to recognize your scent before putting them together in the same room. This way they will be calmer when they get together and will not feel like they are a threat..
If the above methods are unsuccessful, seek the help of an animal behavior specialist. The good news is that, in most cases, with time and patience, the problem can be solved to the point that cats will be able to live together in peace, even if they are not the best of friends.
Good luck.