Several days ago, my cat (age 4) -- who can be aggressive at times -- was asleep in bed. He must have been in a deep sleep or dreaming because when my boyfriend tried to move him he started screaming and crying, running around in circles, howling at the top of his lungs. (Since I was in the bed sleeping too at the time it was quite scary.) He ran out of the room and immediately redirected his fear and aggression on my other cat, female (age 6).
They haven't been able to get over it since then. I've kept them separated during the day and have been letting them spend time together when I can supervise. But the older cat is so scared of the little guy that they keep hissing and have even had one tussle that I broke up with a spray bottle. For the most part, though, they're just yelling at each other.
I'm just not sure how much I should be keeping them separated and how long it will take for them to warm up to each other again. The younger cat is very curious and is ready to play. He sits in front of the door or in the room a few inches away from the other cat. I'm not sure if he's trying to intimidate or trying to make friends, but most of the time their pretty calm unless she's on the move (as opposed to being behind the tub or under the bed).
Any thoughts? Advice?
I'm also concerned because I'm going out of town this weekend and was planning on leaving them here alone. Should I take one of them with me? Will this cause more animosity?
These two have been together for four years. They play and sometimes hiss at each other when it gets too rough but for the most part have always gotten along. They've never acted like this before.
When Old Friends Fight
Re: When Old Friends Fight
Don't assume this is simply a behavioral thing, get the male to your vet ASAP for an exam and rule out UTI, sources of pain, etc. Once you determine if he's healthy or not, will depend on how to proceed. Are both cats altered? Are they both strictly indoors only?
I don't think you should seperate them for long periods of time, it would be better to allow them in the same space together, supervise but not intervene unless absolutely necessary. Most often, it's best to allow the cats to work it out between themselves with as little intervention from you as possible. Speak in calm, soothing tones, but do not interfere unless there is clear biting or scratching. Hissing and growling are normal, and you should only be calmly vocal with them, but do not give individualized attention to either unless necessary.
Don't take either cat with you, that will only cause added stress for both cats. It is best they work this out in their own environment.
Use a squirt bottle and a firm "NO" with the instigator whenever he/she initiates intimidation to the other cat. Seperate only if the behavior is continuous, and seperate only for about 15 minutes at a time.
Again, vet exam first, check for UTI, bite wounds, abcesses, other sources of pain or neurological problems.
I don't think you should seperate them for long periods of time, it would be better to allow them in the same space together, supervise but not intervene unless absolutely necessary. Most often, it's best to allow the cats to work it out between themselves with as little intervention from you as possible. Speak in calm, soothing tones, but do not interfere unless there is clear biting or scratching. Hissing and growling are normal, and you should only be calmly vocal with them, but do not give individualized attention to either unless necessary.
Don't take either cat with you, that will only cause added stress for both cats. It is best they work this out in their own environment.
Use a squirt bottle and a firm "NO" with the instigator whenever he/she initiates intimidation to the other cat. Seperate only if the behavior is continuous, and seperate only for about 15 minutes at a time.
Again, vet exam first, check for UTI, bite wounds, abcesses, other sources of pain or neurological problems.
..........Traci