Rumor is hissing, Moxie is frightened and it's total chaos

[jazzcat]

I'm beginning the think it is more than just a vet smell. Maybe it is because Decker is sick. He's acting a little weird this morning. We noticed he was dancing around while eating and then ran out to the litterbox room. I went to check for blood but found nothing but a few tiny pee biscuits. I think he's still having a hard time and in a lot of pain. I'm going to call the vet.

I tried the vanilla trick last night and it did nothing. In fact things have gotten worse. Rumor is still hissing and growling at Decker but the worst part is Moxie. She's still hissing and growling at him and last night was running from him but this morning she has start swatting at him. He's so confused and it's making him stressed. I really don't think separating him is the answer either. He would become more stressed probably and I think that will just reinforce that he is different to the other cats.

Any other suggestions?

Also, they are already getting Rescue Remedy in their water - have been for some time - and that isn't helping this.

[Medusa]

You could be right; there may be something else going on w/Decker physically. As you know, cats will pick on the weaker ones and if they smell illness, they might attack. I think your decision to call your vet is wise. I do hope that Decker isn't having more problems, though.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Lori, I'm so sorry to hear this. I was hoping that it was only because of the vet smell. I hope that you'll be able to keep Decker calm so his problem doesn't get any worse. I really don't know what else to suggest. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

[Catlady711]

I have this same problem with my 3 youngest (Josh, Sassy, Sabrina) regardless of which cat in the house goes to the vet. Usually it's Josh & Sabrina that start most of the hissing which of course gets everyone else upset. So here's what I do no matter who goes to the vet.

I put Josh in the upstairs spare bedroom before I even bring the vet visiting kitty home. I usually have to leave Josh up there for 2 days before he's lonely enough to come out (yes I do go up and spend time with him so he's not actually alone the whole time).

Then I lock Sabrina in the bathroom before bringing the vet visiting cat home. She usually only has to stay in there for 5-7 hours, only once did she have to stay overnight in there.

Sassy usually does ok with the other cats so long as I don't let her sniff the vet visiting cat right away.

Once Sabrina gets to come out, I have to supervise her very closely, and if things go well she stays out, if not, back in the bathroom she goes for a few more hours.

Once Josh gets let out, same thing. If I let him out too early he gets Sabrina going, then they both get Sassy going and I'm back at square one again. I also have to make sure to feed the 3 separately and further apart for a couple days (normally they all 3 eat out of the same bowl).

And yes, I have to go through this EVERY time a kitty goes to the vet, no matter if it's one of these 3 or someone else that goes. Needless to say any trip to the vet results in a few days of kitty upheaval in the house. lol

Good luck with your kitties.