ALMOST A YEAR OF PEACEFUL COEXISTING, MY (NOW) 1 Y.O. KITTY IS HISSING AND GROWLING AT ONE OF OUR OL

In May, I adopted two female kittens (three months old at the time).  We had two 5 y.o. male cats (all spayed and neutered).  Everyone got along famously until approximately two weeks ago, one of the older male cats, Jakey, went to the vet (he was lethargic and not eventually stopped eating).  When Jakey went to the Vet, I also took the two younger ones, as one, Dandelion, had a slight cold, and I took her sister, Posie, to keep Dandy company.

Ever since we went to the Vet, Posie hisses and growls at Jakey. She is a diluted Calico / Tabby mix, and has quite a personality.  Posie gets along fine with Benjie, the other male cat. Jakey has since been back to the Vet twice.  The Vet cannot find anything wrong.. I think Jakey is now upset and depressed (he frightens easily).  This has been going on almost two weeks now, and poor Jakey spends most of the time in the closet or under the bed, and often comes out at night to eat. I am giving Jakey and Posie Rescue Remedy, so far, no changes. I have never seen or experienced anything like this.  Prior to this, Jakey and Posie played together all the time.

Has anyone had a similar situation occur??  Thank you in advance for any information you may share.

Jakey has since been back to the Vet twice.

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He probably smells like the vet's office to her and she's associating that smell with something unpleasant/scary. Some members put a dab of vanilla extract under the chins of all their cats following a vet visit so they all smell alike. That might be worth a try in this case.

Jakey looks like your J-cat!.  I would agree with you; however I have never seen or had a cat that continued hissing or growling after two weeks. Plus, Posie was at the Vet with her sister, Dandy the first time we went to the Vet, and she started hissing at Jakey the first day.

A month ago, Benjie, the other older male cat was at the vet, and Posie had no problems with Benjie. Granted, Jakey is extremely timid, and frightens easily while Posie is very self assured. I am giving them both Rescue Remedy, however I do not know how long (in this type of situation) I should expect for it to have some effect.

Thank you for your reply.

Posie is probably trying to establish a new pecking order, with herself at the top. In addition to the Rescue Remedy, you could try a Feliway diffuser or the spray. Some members recommend calming collars or treats.

Hi jCat,

Posie was trying to be alpha cat the day I brought her home! Benjie, who is the alpha cat, let's Posie thinks she is alpha cat and they get along great. Jakey is super sweet, and has never cared about being alpha cat.

I just remembered something. About a week ago (after Jakey had been to the vet). Benjie got up and sat next to him on the couch, as they usually are very close. Jakey hissed and growled at Benjie, and he had not done anything! I was thinking of getting Jackson Galaxy's "Safe Space" Essential Essence and adding that to the mix.

Last week the vet said he thinks it is a behavioral problem (rather than a health issue) and I agree with him. I just want Jakey to feel safe & secure in his home and return to a harmonious household again.