Old friends, new enemies

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Rebecca Root - 11 Jun 2005 02:44 GMT

Sorry, but this is a rehash of something I think I posted earlier this
evening. I'm dealing with a new newsreader, and I'm not sure the
message got posted - it didn't show up in my reader. I'll cut to the
chase:

My cats Riley and Sukey have been best buddies since kittenhood, 4
years ago. 3 days ago they had a falling out - a misunderstanding after
seeing a strange cat outside (my two are indoor). Now they constantly
growl and hiss. Sukey actively tries to attack Riley, he just hisses,
growls and hides. They can't be in the same room and won't eat if they
are lose. I'm mostly keeping them in separate rooms, but Sukey even
hisses at the sound of Riley's voice in another room. They are not
bothered by each other's odor - just sight and sound. I've talked to my
vet who recommends separation and Felaway, which I'm trying. I've got a
call in to a behaviour specialist. Any other recommendations? I'm
beside myself to think that my cats can't be free in the house
together. They used to be such good friends.
What do I do?

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Brad - 11 Jun 2005 04:55 GMT

>Sorry, but this is a rehash of something I think I posted earlier this
>evening. I'm dealing with a new newsreader, and I'm not sure the
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>together. They used to be such good friends.
>What do I do?

Just so you know your original post did make it through.......I posted
to it and I believe one other person...I had no help but am going to
do a little research and ask my vet because I am going to there on
Monday anyway......I don't think the other poster had any advice
either but a similar story I think........I didnt read the entire
first reply......

Brad

LIFE'S JOURNEY IS NOT TO ARRIVE AT THE GRAVE SAFELY IN A
WELL-PRESERVED BODY, BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT,
SHOUTING... " HOLY @#$%... WHAT A RIDE!"

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bigbadbarry - 11 Jun 2005 15:20 GMT

> My cats Riley and Sukey have been best buddies since kittenhood, 4
> years ago. 3 days ago they had a falling out - a misunderstanding after
> seeing a strange cat outside (my two are indoor).

blood is thicker than water, I say, they will mellow out as the memory
of the outdoor cat fades. After all this is when it started.

The outdoor cat might have sprayed outside the window, now it's obvious
they love each other, but out of frusration and sheer hopelessness on
thier part to investigate this cat...they are just taking it out on
each other.

If you have leashes, and could take them out, I'd give them a walk -
around the house. Re-assure them the yard is thiers too. Otherwise I
think it will pass. So long as the ghost cat doesn't come back. This
would be my other concern. I would also try to neutralize any possible
cat smell outside the window.

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Barb - 11 Jun 2005 21:09 GMT

This has happened with my cats several times. They've either seen a cat
right outside their window or a cat on the other side of my deck fence.
Their tails fluff up and they become so nasty and uncontrollable and act
like they want to kill each other. It has always blown over in less than
half a day when they apparently develop ferocious appetites from all this
craziness. They go to their bowls to eat and in "breaking bread" together
they calm down and make up.

--
Barb
Of course I don't look busy,
I did it right the first time.

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Phil P. - 12 Jun 2005 03:45 GMT

> Sorry, but this is a rehash of something I think I posted earlier this
> evening. I'm dealing with a new newsreader, and I'm not sure the
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> together. They used to be such good friends.
> What do I do?

You might want to try the gate-method of reintroduction. This method will
gradually let them feel comfortable in each other's presence again.

http://www.maxshouse.com/introducing_cats.htm

You might also want to think about blocking their view of the lower part of
the window- perhaps with a decorative mylar foil. This way they can still
look out- but just can't see the ground and other cats.

Is this the Riley who had surgery for a patellar luxation?

Phil

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Rebecca Root - 12 Jun 2005 22:57 GMT

> You might want to try the gate-method of reintroduction. This method will
> gradually let them feel comfortable in each other's presence again.
>
> http://www.maxshouse.com/introducing_cats.htm

Thanks, I'll look at that.

> You might also want to think about blocking their view of the lower part of
> the window- perhaps with a decorative mylar foil. This way they can still
> look out- but just can't see the ground and other cats.

I'll see if that's allowed at my townhouse - there are some
restrictions about what can
go in windows. In any case, now I think they've both completely
forgotten about the
strang cat outdoors, they're fuming over the spat they've been having since.

> Is this the Riley who had surgery for a patellar luxation?

Yep, same guy. Knees are holding up beautifully. Great for running away
from your irate sister
after you lose your cool and bite her.

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