Question:
We have a 13-year-old cat and a 3-year-old cat -- both with very long hair. They have been together for three years. The 13-year-old is normally very mellow.My daughter had both cats shaved. (The long hair was becoming a problem.) Immediately after that, the 13-year-old attacked the 3-year-old.We called our kitty clinic, a vet and two animal psychiatrists (behaviorists), and we did everything they told us to do.They are separated. We switch them so the scent is concentrated in one area, and we wipe them down with a rag.I did get them to the point of both being in the same room, and they were licking each other and lying down together. Nevertheless, when the younger one makes a quick move, the older one goes after her. The younger one gets so frightened that she wets herself.Please advise. The current situation is not acceptable.
M.N., Minneapolis, MN Apr 01, 2007
Answer:
Cats, like some other animal species, react like yours when the appearance of a familiar animal is changed suddenly -- as by shaving or clipping off the animal's coat.The experts should have suggested a short course of Valium or valerian herbal therapy to reduce fear/anxiety associated with xenophobia (fear of strangers).The cat pheromone spray Feliway might help. This product can help cats get along better when there is social conflict in the home that results in stress and fighting.
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