We have two indoor cats (brothers) who get along well (except for the occasional sibling squabble). One of the cats got loose for a few hours and came home a bit disheveled and with a small nick on his paw (nothing serious looking). Aside from that, he seems and acts fine.
The Problem: The other cat now acts suspicious of the one who got loose, even to where he backs up, arches his back, and hisses a little. We have never, ever seen this behavior before.
I know nothing of cats, except that “cats is weird.” So, is anyone familiar with this kind of behavior? Does it signify a problem that the one cat can sense, or does he just have a foreign smell?
Aside from being concerned for the cat’s health…it’s creepy as hell. Think Pet Sematary. :eek:
Thanks!
Most likely a strange smell. Our youngest does the same if either of the other two goes to the vet. Takes her a couple of days to settle down.
Yep, this is pretty normal cat behaviour. The escapee now smells different, so the other cat isn’t sure if some sort of trick isn’t being played on him and if he should defend his home. As the escapee cleans himself up over the next day or two, things should get back to normal.
Keep a close eye on that nick and on your cat’s behaviour/eating/drinking habits. Cats usually try and hide injuries and pain, but if he goes off his food or has other weird behaviours, he might have developed an infection or other problem with it and a vet visit might be needed. Try and keep the wound clean and dry until it heals.
Thanks for the quick answers. That makes me feel better (and less creeped out). Against my better judgement, I gave him a quick warm water rinse to get some of the dirt off. He actually took it very well.
Thanks again. That’s why I love this place.
How long it takes depends on the cat, of course. For example:
Our two cats have been together with us for ten years.
1- When Max gets home from a visit to the vet, Karma couldn’t care less. Things are perfectly normal.
2- When Karma gets home from a visit, Max hisses, growls, and won’t be in the same room with her. It takes about 9 days for him to get back to normal. (Of course, from his perspective,* she’s* the one who isn’t normal.)
3- When they go to the vet together: makes no difference.