I have 3 cats who have always gotten along great. One of my kittens was at the vet over the weekend and was very sick - and still is sick but slowly getting better. I brought my kitten home last night and he went up to both my other cats and they both hissed at him and wont let him near them. Isn't it true that cats will hiss at a dying animal? Any advice is appreciated :(
2007-04-23 22:32:02 · 5 answers · asked by erinboberin21 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I will just second what the others say.
The other cats are definitely hissing at your cat because of how it smells. This always happens when you bring one cat back from the vet.
You have to understand, cats judge EVERYTHING by how it smells. It's hard to imagine, because we judge primarily by sight, but cats don't. The simple fact is, because your cat smells so different, the other two don't even know who he is for sure!! Just give it a few days, and as the vet smell leaves the cat, the others will start reactung normally to him.
Good luck getting kitty Better`
2007-04-24 01:56:39 · answer #1 · answered by Shelly P. Tofu, E.M.T. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, honey... no, that's NOT why the older cats are hissing at the kitten. It is becuase the kitten has just been from the vet and smells different. Cats recognize each other mainly by their scents. Try this: Get a rag or hand towel. Rub one and then the other of the older cats with it. Then transfer the scent on to the kitten by rubbing him with the hand towel. Do that several times. It will help hasten the recognition process. :)
2007-04-23 22:41:08 · answer #2 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Phoebeheart is absolutely right! I've had cats for over 30 years, and they always hiss at each other when one comes back from the vet. It is just because of the different smell. They will soon get over it, and be back to loving the kitten again.
2007-04-23 22:54:21 · answer #3 · answered by sparrow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats dislike a change in their routine, also the kitten smells like the vet clinic and they associate the smell with scary things.You can try rubbing a towel on the other cats, especially around their face, and then rub it on the kitten. If the kitten is really sick he should probably have a room to himself for a day or two if possible. I will think good thoughts for your little boy.
2007-04-23 22:40:58 · answer #4 · answered by barbara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no i thnk its just because the kitten may smell different and the other cats can smell that. let 'em be but just look out for them just incase.
2007-04-24 02:04:05 · answer #5 · answered by kate<3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋