Character change after neutering

stealthkitty · Jun 10, 2013

Hi all!

Our two kittens were finally neutered today. They are brothers, about 5 months old, and until now were great friends and would do everything together. But now that they are fixed and the anesthesia has worn off, one is hissing and growling at the other, who seems confused about why he's being rebuffed. I've read that cats might not recognize one another after a visit to the vet because of a change in scent, but I was so hoping that wouldn't happen. I know there is not much we can do except to let them work it out between themselves, and perhaps follow the steps to "introduce" them if need be... but I was wondering if any one else dealt with something like this? If so, did the cats ever become buddies again like they were before?

catspaw66 · Jun 10, 2013

If they were only neutered today, the anesthesia hasn't completely worn off. They are still groggy and fearful and may be in a little bit of pain. If they are doing the same thing Wednesday, then you can be concerned. Just keep an eye on them and make sure that they are comfortable. I don't know if you are male or female, but if I had been neutered, I would be grumpy for a couple (or more) of days myself.

stealthkitty · Jun 10, 2013

Thanks for answering, Catspaw.

I sure hope you are right. I'm a woman, but yeah, I'm positive that the delicate nature of the operation will make them uncomfortable for a while. It's just so uncharacteristic for Tiramisu to growl and hiss at all, especially towards his brother, Honey Pie, since Tiramisu is the submissive one and always loved to "nurse" on Honey Pie before their afternoon nap (weaned too soon). But there was a little improvement just now. Honey Pie joined us on the bed, which elicited some hissing and so he ran away; but a few minutes later he tried again and was "allowed" to lay with us, and for a split second Tiramisu seemed to recognize him and moved as if snuggle him like normal. He ended up hissing again instead of snuggling, but then he settled down about 6 inches away and was OK. Honey Pie stayed for less than five minutes before heading back to his bed.

But at least it was something.

franksmom · Jun 10, 2013

StealthKitty said:
Thanks for answering, Catspaw.

I sure hope you are right. I'm a woman, but yeah, I'm positive that the delicate nature of the operation will make them uncomfortable for a while. It's just so uncharacteristic for Tiramisu to growl and hiss at all, especially towards his brother, Honey Pie, since Tiramisu is the submissive one and always loved to "nurse" on Honey Pie before their afternoon nap (weaned too soon). But there was a little improvement just now. Honey Pie joined us on the bed, which elicited some hissing and so he ran away; but a few minutes later he tried again and was "allowed" to lay with us, and for a split second Tiramisu seemed to recognize him and moved as if snuggle him like normal. He ended up hissing again instead of snuggling, but then he settled down about 6 inches away and was OK. Honey Pie stayed for less than five minutes before heading back to his bed.

But at least it was something.

Sounds like they are doing better. I think the problem may be is that they are spelling the vet's office on each other. You can try mixing their scents with a towel by rubbing them both with it if there are still problems in the morning.

catspaw66 · Jun 11, 2013

Franksmom said:
Sounds like they are doing better. I think the problem may be is that they are spelling the vet's office on each other. You can try mixing their scents with a towel by rubbing them both with it if there are still problems in the morning.

And give them a good brushing this morning alternating between the two without cleaning out the brush. This will get the skin oils mixed more thoroughly .

stealthkitty · Jun 11, 2013

catspaw66 said:
And give them a good brushing this morning alternating between the two without cleaning out the brush. This will get the skin oils mixed more thoroughly .

Thank you both for this advice! I had been petting them with a cloth to try to mix their scents, but I think brushing will help a bit more. It hadn't occurred to me to try it, so thanks!

There was more improvement today. Tiramisu didn't growl but he did hiss a little in between grooming and cuddling with Honey Pie.

I'm so glad things are becoming normal again! I've never had more than one cat before, and these last 2 days have highlighted how much brightness these two give us by simply liking each other. Them not getting along would have been the loss of something irreplaceable.

catspaw66 · Jun 12, 2013

StealthKitty said:
There was more improvement today. Tiramisu didn't growl but he did hiss a little in between grooming and cuddling with Honey Pie.

I'm so glad things are becoming normal again! I've never had more than one cat before, and these last 2 days have highlighted how much brightness these two give us by simply liking each other. Them not getting along would have been the loss of something irreplaceable.

There is nothing as entertaining as two or more cats running around playing in 'full kitten wacko mode'. S&S are always playing full-contact tag, or furry mouse soccer.

Character change after neutering

stealthkitty

TCS Member

Thread starter

catspaw66

TCS Member

stealthkitty

TCS Member

Thread starter

franksmom

TCS Member

catspaw66

TCS Member

stealthkitty

TCS Member

Thread starter

catspaw66

TCS Member

Latest Posts

Connect with us