Best friends no more

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site and it's great! I tried looking through the archives but I didn't see my problem, so I was hoping you guys could help.

Well, we have 2 female cats, one gray and one calico, and have had them for 4 years, and they have always gotten along great. One was not spayed, and she would go into heat, but it wasn't a problem. Then, about 2 weeks ago she got suddenly very aggresive towards our other cat (like they were going to murder each other) we called the vet right away, and they said it was because she wasn't spayed. So we made the appointment. Meanwhile, after 2 days of seperation, they got along well again for about 4 days. Then, freak out city and we seperated them.

Our gray cat got spayed, and of course when she came back from the vet the calico hissed at her (because she smelled weird). Well, it's been 2 days now and they still won't get along. I've been doing all the re-introducing thing (like switching a blanket back and forth) I've also let them see each other through a crack in the door (which produced no hissing or growling), and also I've put one cat in a cage, and let them have an up front meeting (there was growling on both sides for awhile, and then it calmed down and they both seemed to almost fall asleep. I decided to let them go together.....

Well, as soon as I opened the door the gray cat (recently spayed) ran out of the bedroom, hid in her favorite hiding spot, and started growling at the other again! So they are seperated again. It's been one full week of seperation.

So, I guess my questions are: Once the ovaries are removed does the hormones causing the aggretion immediately stop, or do they linger? And also, should I be re-introducing them differently?

Any help would be appreciated. Unfortunately, we are going away in a week, and then moving 2 weeks later which will be stressful enough if they are getting along. Thank you in advance!

Hmmm..I've never had to deal with that kind of problem..the only advice I would have is to be patient and perhaps given some time they will start to get along again.

Good luck!

It will definitely take some time for the hormones to work out of her body.

Actually, the move might be a good thing for your two cats. While it will be stressful, they will again be on neutral ground. One cat can't see the house as "her territory" to be defended.

Have you tried the vanilla trick? You put a dab of vanilla extract under their chins and by their tails so they smell similar. It might be worth trying.

I hadn't heard of the vanilla trick. I'm definately going to try that tonight, thanks!

I came on here to find an answer to this problem specifically. My two cats haven't been "speaking" to eachother for four days. They growl and hiss when they see eachother and the vanilla trick hasn't worked. I also tried to mellow them out with catnip, but hasn't worked either. I know that this is just a matter of time, but it's still frustrating. Is there nothing else I can do to help this "re-introduction" process along?

We have 5 cats now, they have there moments when a couple have a little argument but so far nothing that lasts very long. the 3 boys cats are pretty mellow and easy to get along with but the older girl [missy] and the younger girl [angel] can be real touchy at times. They all have been "fixed" eccept for Tuffy who is the sick stray I have been working with. The 3 boy cats all sleep in a big ball together but each of the girl cats sleep by themselves. Must be one of the differences between boy and girl cats. I know this don't help with your problems at all but just some things I have noticed lately. Angel don't like the stray [tuffy] so tuffy just gives her her space and all is cool. Tom

Originally Posted by Lucyinthesky319

I came on here to find an answer to this problem specifically. My two cats haven't been "speaking" to eachother for four days. They growl and hiss when they see eachother and the vanilla trick hasn't worked. I also tried to mellow them out with catnip, but hasn't worked either. I know that this is just a matter of time, but it's still frustrating. Is there nothing else I can do to help this "re-introduction" process along?

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The vanilla needs to be reapplied at least four times a day in order to work, because usually the cats will just lick it off. You can also dust each cat with Brewer's Yeast to help make them smell the same.

If the aggression is new, often times the cat getting attacked is sick. When a cat becomes ill their scent changes, and this often leads to attacks by the other resident cat. Cats are so scent-driven that this is what motivates them more than anything.

If they are growling and hissing, and you know the cats are healthy- been to the vet and such, then just leave them alone to figure it all out. They will in time. If they are openly stalking-tail tucked, ears flat, slowly circling each other with narrowed eyes, separate them and use a baby gate (stretched vertically) in the doorway between them. If they are going airborne and fighing, then also separate them.

But hissing and growling is not a cause for alarm. They will figure out they have to get along after awhile, and the more you interfere with them, the longer the process will be. Your stress level plays into this as well- if you are yelling at them to quit, or stop, they will feed off your stress and become more agitated. If there is no bloodshed, then just step back and be a quiet observer-

Good news! My cats are finally getting along again

It took a solid week of work. It was constant switching rooms and sleeping blankets, and many peeks at each other through the door, and a few face to face visits. Last night was the first time they both smelled each other up close without growling. They are still wary of each other, but they are relaxed enough to fall asleep in the same room. Snuggling can't be far behind.

Thanks for all your help!