I've no clue what's going on, and it's breaking my heart. My two cats, Chloe and Max, have always been best buddies, napping together and grooming each other. But suddenly, they’ve started fighting out of nowhere. It’s like night and day! There’s no yowling or hissing when they’re apart, but the moment they get close, fur flies! They were perfectly fine until a week ago, so it’s not like this built up over time. It's so stressful watching my once peaceful home turn into a battleground. They’re both healthy otherwise; eating well, playing alone, and no signs of itching or skin issues that could point to hyperesthesia. Have any of you been through something like this before? What should I do to help them get back to their buddy-buddy selves? Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reaching out with your concern! When cats who normally get along start fighting, it can be unsettling. There are a few reasons this might be happening. Stress is a common culprit; changes in the home, like new furniture or different people spending time around them, can trigger this behavior. Health issues can also cause changes in temperament, so check if either cat might be experiencing discomfort or pain.
Additionally, redirected aggression could be at play. This occurs when a cat is agitated by something outside, such as another animal, and takes it out on a nearby cat.
For now, try to reduce potential stressors. Ensure each cat has its own resources like food bowls, litter boxes, and resting spaces to minimize competition. You can also try playing calming music or using diffusers with calming scents designed for cats.
Keep an eye out for signs of injury, excessive hiding, or changes in eating habits, which might indicate a more serious issue.
To better understand and address what's going on, it would be a good idea to book a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can help you get to the bottom of this and work with you to restore peace at home.
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