My kittens loved each other, but after neutering, hate each other

Question
In September, I got a male kitten from a farm.  As I was leaving, the farmer
told me there was a brother left behind. The two loved each other and shouldn't
be seperated.  Two days later, I went back for the brother.  Was he right!  They
love each other.  They always licked each other, slept together (on top of each
other) and played together.  On Monday, I got them neutered and declawed.  I
picked them up on Tuesday and now they hate each other.  If they get near each
other they start to hiss and carry on.  They are fine with me, but when they see
each other they get very angry.  HELP!  I want my loving boys back.  Can you
advise me on how to handle this situation.  I love my boys and hate to see what
is happening to them.  They don't interact with each other at all.


Answer
Nancy,

Declawing is a procedure that involves the amputation of the cat's digits at the first joint and is incredibly painful. Pain could be one reason that the brothers are being aggressive with each other. I would recommend having the vet prescribe some proper pain relief immediately to see if that helps. Failing that I have a few other tricks that just might get things straightened out, but I feel that it's most humane and appropriate due to the significance of declawing surgery to rule out post surgical pain and or infection.