I adopted 2 cats (who are brothers) from the Humane Society about 2 years ago, who are now about 3 1/2 years old. They've always had play fights (chasing each other around the house, wrestling, etc.), but they were always very loving and caring towards each other as well. About 2 months ago, they got into a pretty bad fight and one bit the other's paw, drawing blood, and resulting in a severe abscess that required IV antibiotics. Since then, I've been keeping them separated completely - they can't even be near each other without fighting, and it's been 2 months!! I have a spray bottle that I use on them whenever they go after each other, and that deters them somewhat, but it doesn't prevent them from trying to fight.
Does anyone have any suggestions? How long will this go on? Do I have to keep them separated forever???
2006-11-16 13:58:30 · 12 answers · asked by ech564 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Are they neutered? Generally, neutered males won't feel the urge to fight.
2006-11-16 14:03:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the cats separate for a period of time, meaning separate levels of the home, or behind closed doors. Periodically rub one of the cats down with a towel, then rub it on the other cat, and vice versa. This will help them get used to each other's smells again. Another suggestion is to bring one cat into the room with the other cat, locked in a carrier, while feeding the other cat next to it. This will cause the other cat to associate feeding time with the other cat. The water is actually a bad idea, especially if only used when the cats are near each other or fighting...this causes them to associate each other with the spray bottle. You can also try a kitty pheromone spray such as Feliway, or there are plug in pheromone units that often lessen aggresiveness in cats.
2006-11-16 16:49:38 · answer #2 · answered by mnelso1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have they been neutered? If not, call and make the appt. now.They will be calmer if you have them neutered. If you have the spray bottle of water that is good and also a can full of coins, when you shake it, will get their attention and they'll stop the fighting. If you have to be gone for a good part of the day or night, I would definitely keep them separated because you are not there to referee. I also would make sure that they have their own litter boxes their own food bowl, their own special place to sleep( a pet bed for each) If they never get along despite these changes I would contact the Humane Society to see if they have any suggestions or maybe they will have to find a new home for one of them...I hope things work out and they can stay where they are...but not if one is gonna be hurt all the time....
2006-11-16 14:09:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boys will be boys, especially if they are real boys! Apart from desexing (I presume the Humane Society already has done that?)
Neutered males have small misunderstandings, not generally like you describe. Do you feed them separately, as food can be a catalyst (pardon the pun) for a fight. There is always a dominant male. My boys look after each other, the dominant one goes out hunting and the shy one waits for him to come home, he lets him eat first, they are brothers.
2006-11-16 14:28:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way is to separate them. Sometimes cats become accustom to each other and others do not. having them spayed and neut rated might help. I have a cat now of 3 years, because he never did learn to get along with a friend of mines cats. I have had no problems from him. You know what they say, a Cat picks the owner, the owner doesn't pick a Cat. LOL
But sometimes very true.
2006-11-16 14:04:10 · answer #5 · answered by gettyupgo59 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This seems very unusual to me. I can only suggest you go to www.spiritessence.com and learn something about flower essences. Dr. Jean Hovfe and her partner do behavioral consults on cat problems. Their consultation prices and procedures are listed there if you want to consider that.
Your brother cats should be able to live peacefully together and you shouldn't have to keep them separate all the time.
I am basing my recommendation on the assumption that they are both neutered.
2006-11-16 14:29:57 · answer #6 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to me you are doing the right thing with the spray bottle. that was going to be my suggestion, however you could always let nature take its course and let the two puddies paw it out.. (no pun intended) Maybe the one cat didn't mean to bite so hard. do they hiss at each other? just be patient.
2006-11-16 14:11:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its probable because the female isn't feeling nicely,possibly he needed to play even though it damage her,supply them time and they'll probable come again to regularly occurring,upload that to the actual shown actuality that she did not scent like her even as she were given back from the vet and also you'll have a at a loss for words male kitty :) reliable good fortune!
2016-11-24 23:42:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way is to separate them.Unlike humans cats doesn't care whether they're brothers or not.When they see each others they'll just fight.Talk to your vet.
2006-11-16 14:13:56 · answer #9 · answered by sya sya 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are they neutered? being adopted I would assume so.. but if not then thats a bulk of the problem///
were they declawed?? declawed cats often have to put on bigger shows of agression so they dont let others know they are "defenseless"
talk to your vet - their are pet prozak pills if you need htem...
2006-11-16 14:05:14 · answer #10 · answered by CF_ 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋