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Q. I had an interesting situation happen over the weekend that I thought maybe you or one of your cat experts can shed some light on.

For some background, I have 2 two year old cats - neither one has ever hissed, bitten or scratched - I always say that they forgot to go through the temper door. My brother has watched my cats dozens of times while I am away - they love him as much as us.

My brother came over our house while we were out to feed the boys. He came in and pet Wally on the head and was there about 20 minutes before he went into the kitchen to get the boys their food. He bent over to pick up the food bowls and Wally started hissing and growling at him, showing his fangs, stood on his hind legs (my brother said he was like a mad animal).

Anyway, my brother went into our porch and closed the door to let Wally calm down. Wally dove through the open window to go after him. So, my brother thought it was best to leave so he had to go through the house again - backwards - because he was afraid that Wally would attack him. An hour later, he went back - got half way up the stairs and Wally started all over again with the hissing and the growling and the showing of his teeth. So, my brother left.

I came home later that night, and Wally and Eddie were as calm as ever - like nothing ever happened.

My brother had sealed his driveway on Saturday a.m. Although he had changed his clothes, do you think that odor could have triggered something in Wally to make him react that way? Wally also had his FVRCP booster a week prior - could that be the cause?

Thanks for your insight.

A. First, I would be curious to know how the cats react to your brother now that they are back in their normal routine? I suspect that there was some odor, scent, pheromone, etc., on him that provoked this defensive posturing. It is instinctive for cats to be protective and territorial if they feel threatened. If they are still reacting this way towards him, you should find a product called Feliway. It is a "happy" cat pheromone which may calm their fear of him. Good Luck. -- Dr. Mitch

Mitchell Spindel, DVM, Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Spindel earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. He practiced in Syracuse, New York before he and his wife and children relocated to beautiful North Carolina. Dr. Spindel is a past President of the Forsyth County Veterinary Medical Association. He is the veterinarian for Sci-Works in Winston-Salem, NC and is active with the Forsyth Humane Society, Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation and Greyhound Friends.

Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital

 

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