Lovey growled and hissed when smelling another cat..

Hi all,
Just wondering if you think this is completely normal or an over-reaction on lovey's part....
Last night BF went down to talk to the landlord..and while there, had a petting session with one of her cats...

Well, when he came back upstairs and then went to pet Lovey (just absentmindedly while he was talking to me), Lovey arched up, and began high pitched continued growling and hissing, and wouldn't take his eyes off of BF or daughter...They were standing close together at the time...

I realized what was going on and told BF to go wash his hands and told them both not to go near him...

Lovey didn't flee and calmed down soon after BF washed his hands...

BF says "well, we know for sure know that Lovey HATES other cats!"

Is this true? I don't know much of Lovey's history and was perhaps planning weeks down the line to adopt another...But is this indicative that I absolutely shouldn't or is it a normal reaction?

Thanks!

I wouldn't conclude that your cat hates other cats.

I think she just was reacting to a new sensation and didn't understand everything that was happening.

Yes it's just because there was another unfamiliar cat smell that Lovey acted like this.

Rosie was like this when I first brought Sophie home, and tomorrow i take Sophie for her yearly check up and booster shot, and i guarantee Rosie will hiss at her when we get back because she'll smell different

Originally Posted by Nano

I wouldn't conclude that your cat hates other cats.

I think she just was reacting to a new sensation and didn't understand everything that was happening.

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I wouldn't jump to any conclusions. My cats often react whether through excess sniffing or being aloof when I come home from my boyfriend's house smelling like his cat and we've been going out for a year. They both clearly get along with other cats since they love each other!

Thanks everyone!!
That makes me feel somewhat better.
I have seen cats sniff excessively but not up and growl and hiss just on the SMELL of another cat on someone's hands.

I am also paranoid as the woman I got Lovey from suggested he didn't get along with a previous owner's cats and that is why she got rid of him...But then he was only there briefly and it wasn't an optimal situation...And I am in the dark about much of his past...so I always wonder....

It would be many weeks until a new kitten comes home (if they do at all, I am still deciding)...and am cautious about Lovey's reaction...

If you do get another kitten just follow the steps in the introduction thread on here and they should be fine

Originally Posted by rosiemac

If you do get another kitten just follow the steps in the introduction thread on here and they should be fine

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Thanks Susan, that makes me feel better.

I haven't decided yet and don't want anything to sway my decision either way...but will let you all know if a new baby comes home soon