[JoeV]

Hi

Any help or insight with this situation is appreciated.

I own 3 cats, Lucky, Red and Condo. Lucky and Red have been together for 10 years and were real soul mates. They were inseparable and slept together, groomed each other and played together. They have been totally dedicated to each other and have never had a problem getting along. Lucky is the dominate cat in the group.

Red recently had some health problems that required a short, 3 day stay in the local animal hospital. He received some medicines and IV fluids.

Upon returning him to our home, Lucky does not seem to recognize him any longer? Lucky will hiss and growl every time that Red is in close proximity? He acts like Red is a strange new cat that he has never seen before? Condo acted the same way for a short time, but now seems to accept Red OK.

This has been going on for 3 days. :roll:

Has anyone seen behavior like Lucky is exhibiting?

Regards

Joe :shock:

 

[seashell]

Strange situation

Hi JoeV, welcome to catforum
There are a few threads here describing similar behaviour - have a look at 'Interesting Question', which was posted within a couple of hours of yours, coincidentaly. I'd post you the links, but I don't know how
Anyway, the general consensus seems to be that the other cats can still smell the vet on the 'patient', and it wears off eventually. You'll get some more detailed info if you manage to find the other threads :!:

Hope things settle down in your 'family' soon.
seashell

 

[JoeV]

Seashell

Thanks for the reply. I did find those other threads you mentioned and it looks like it may just be a matter of waiting for Lucky to settle down. I did call the Vet this morning and she gave me the same advice.

Thanks again.

JoeV

 

[Ioana]

Hello JoeV
You could cut the time short and give both (or all three) of your kitties a bath and then rub a few drops of vanilla on the back of each one of their necks. This way they will all smell the same and be like brothers again

 

[JoeV]

Iona

Thank you for the tip, I will try this. Things are already getting a little bit better. Lucky went over and touched noses with Red a few minutes ago, but then backed off, hissed and ran into another room.

I'll let you know how the vanilla idea works.

Thanks again.

JoeV

 

[Ioana]

No problem - it worked for my kitties

 

[Maegan]

my cats did the same exact thing...it scared me too. I just got the cat toys out and they both played together, no problem

 

[kitkat]

Your cats should be back to normal by now. Alot of cats don't recognize another cat after one has gone elsewhere, especially to a vet. Just try feeding them all a canned treat or playing with them together so they feel more positive things when around the other cats. Hope that helps some

 

[JoeV]

Thanks everyone for the tips. Cats are back to normal now and I am a little wiser.

Joe