Cat behavior changed for no apparent reason

Question
Hi Karen!

I have two cats (5 and 6 years old). They grew up together and were always together, grooming each other, sleeping together, etc. Yesterday, we brought the 6 year old to the vet for a check up and a shot and when we came back home the 5 year old started acting as though we brought home a new cat. The 5 year old keep hissing at the other cat and swapping him when it walks by.

Is there any reason for this sudden change? But most importantly, is there anything we can do to "make them friends" again?

Thanks,

Melanie

Answer
Hi Melanie,

This isn't an uncommon thing. What happened is when you brought the 6 year old to the vet he picked up a whole bunch of strange odors on him. When he got home the 5 year old saw him but smelled someone strange. He is confused and thinks this cat doesn't belong there.

You need to rescent the two cats together. Take a rag or old shirt and wipe one cat and then the other and back again. Make sure you get near the tush too, (powerful :)scents there). You can even use your scent and rub them with a sweaty something that you have. They should be back to normal after about a week or two. One thing to remember though, make sure you take both with you next time you have to go to the vet with one. This will prevent any further occurrences of this. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen