my cat turned mean

Question
we recently moved and my  cat ran away for a month. He was recently found but he is very vicious attacking us and his brother who he has always been around. I don't know what to do . I am sure he went through hell out on the street and became mean because of it. Please any help will be greatly appreciated

Answer
Lori,

Everything is new and has new smells, including his brother and the home. I would do the 'new cat' introduction just like he was a new cat. Putting a drop of vanilla on each cat's forehead is supposed to make them smell the same thus be friendlier. I've never tried it but other people have and they said it works.

Sadly some cats have a lot more wild cat in them than others and really ARE happier as outside cats. If he is not settling in, seems depressed, and wants to out badly, I would give him the option rather than to have a mean and unhappy cat locked inside. It's not fair to the brother either. But I would collar train him first and tape your address and phone number on it. Letting him outside is just a suggestion and an option not a recommendation.

Here are some links on cat introductions that may be helpful: (copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

I hope this info helps. It is going to take patience and lots of love and attention if you want him to re-adjust to the household. Some cats though will never be the same as they were so be too disappointed if that is the case. But hopefully it won't be.

Carol