Question: I have had two Abyssinian cats since they were 3 months old. They will be 5 in July. They were always great together until two days ago. Now they are terrified of one another, growling and screaming. One seems to be more aggressive, chasing the other. Nothing has changed in their environment. I have them separated now. What do I do? ? Charles
Answer: Aggression in cats can occur for many reasons. Cats that have not been neutered are more likely to become aggressive than neutered cats. So the first step is to get your cats spayed or neutered.
The next step is to make sure that both cats are healthy. Cats often show few symptoms of illness to their owners but other cats sense a problem and fights may develop. Take your cats to your veterinarian for a complete physical exam.
Cats will often fight over territory. They often stake out areas in the home as their private place. When another cat tries to invade this space a fight can develop. Make sure each cat has their own litter box, food, and water dishes in separate areas of the house.
Commonly, house cats that have lived amicably together for years will suddenly fight if a stray cat takes up residence in their yard. Your cat may see the stranger outside and get angry. In a moment of ?misdirected aggression? he will turn and attack the first living thing that walks in the room! Try to discourage stray cats from your yard and place blocking film on your windows so that your cats can?t see the intruders.
Cats may become aggressive when they are bored. They need something interesting to do. Take time to play with your cats! Get a large number of toys and rotate them daily. Select toys that they can chase and run or climb on. Add vertical space with climbing trees or shelves. Grow some edible plants like kitty oat grass for them to nibble on occasionally. Try a running water cat drinking fountain. Many cats don?t like to share a water dish that another cat has drank from and they all like really fresh water. Make sure you provide plenty of scratching posts.
Occasionally, cats that have started to fight may need medication to alleviate the anxiety that has developed between them. Ask your veterinarian if she thinks medication may be needed while re-adjusting your felines to a more amicable relationship!
Dr. Baker
Baker Veterinary Clinic
1801 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Read more articles by Dr. Baker | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2011/05/20/why-are-always-calm-cats-suddenly-fighting/
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