Cat Behavior/fighting

Question
I have 2 male cats (neutered) a year apart. They are normally inseparable, sleeping and playing together, and get anxious if they have to be apart.  Recently, a dog ran past our open window and Burton, the older cat, went crazy and started hissing and clawing the screen. Butters, the younger one came up behind him to see what was going on, and Burton turned on him, and they fought for a couple of minutes, until we could split them up.  Now, they won't go near each other, and stare at each other from across the room, growling, hissing, and howling at each other.  This is heartbreaking, to say the least.  What can we do to help them over this and get back to the way they were?

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

This a case of redirected aggression. You need to place them in separate rooms and give them a time out. Then make sure that they won't see that dog again. You then need to bring them back in the room but in separate corners. Pet and praise each one. Feed them whatever special food treats they like. And then have them come together slowly. Keep talking calmly. They should be in a relaxed state by then and should be ok. If not, back for another timeout.

If they behaved this way from the dog, I would suggest you take both of them together whenever one has to go to the vet. This will prevent any flareups if one comes back smelling different. They should settle down in a few days. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen