My cat is hissing and aggressive after dog fight. How can I re-enter?

Oh dear, how stressful! Unfortunately it can be common for cats to lash out when one cat in the household suddenly smells or acts different - as they tend to do when they come home from the vet. Most of the time they go back to their normal interactions once the strange smell (in this case, from the vet clinic) wears off and the cat relaxes and acts like herself....but in your case, there's nowhere for Tribble to hide and isolate herself while she readjusts to being home. The most important thing right now is to not allow them to fight or have negative interactions. As long as they can be kept separate while they both settle down, they will probably do ok - but if they continue hissing and growing, and worse yet if it escalates into a fight, that could permanently damage their relationship. I would absolutely keep them separate until they seem to be relaxing. I understand that'll be challenging in a 1 BR living space - but if possible, you could put 1 in the bathroom with her own litterbox & food, and then have them switch places tomorrow so they can get reacquainted with each other's smells. If that's not possible, you may need to crate them both while you work on their reintroduction. Perhaps you could borrow dog kennels so they can each have their own living space while they're confined. I know this isn't an easy answer - but the most important immediate intervention is to do what you need to do, to keep them from fighting while the stress levels come down! Finally, adding a pheromone diffuser such as Feliway Multicat may help promote a calming atmosphere. I hope this helps!

Unfortunately the new cat is likely causing stress and this is a common feeling reaction to stress. She may not want to go outside as long as that other cat is around. It may be difficult to keep the other cat out of your area unless you want to purchase or build a fence. There are fences available that have curvature to the top that make it difficult for a cat to climb over. There are some things you can do at home that can help to manage her stress. Set aside 30 minutes a day for a vigorous play. Use a pheromone diffuser. There is a special prescription food made by Royal Canin called calm which may help. Use food puzzles. Give environmental enrichment. Lastly, your veterinarian has medications which can help as well. Many cats require a combination of therapies. Best of luck.

Sometimes when a pet comes back from the vet, they smell differently, and that would cause Sweetpea to react differently to the dog because she thinks he's a stranger. I recommend slowly reintroducing them to each other. I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. Make sure Sweetpea has a litter box, food, and water in her room. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. You can also place a blanket with the dog's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the dog's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for your dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing Sweetpea in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the dog on a leash to Sweetpea while she is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your cat has a cat tree where she can escape from the dog as needed.

Cats can keep up this stress type behavior sometimes for days. If she seems comfortable in your room then I would consider closing the door and keeping her safe if your room for a few days and then allow her access to the other areas in time. You can also use a product called feliway to decrease some of the tension. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Cats are very sensitive to other cats in their territory. Unlike most dogs that will accept another dog into their house relatively easily, for cats it can be a different story. Your cat is upset by the presence of the strange cat in your house. Animals behave that way sometimes for reasons that are unclear, taking their anger out on you. She may smell the foster cat on you. I would definitely keep them separated from each other and give her some time and space to possibly accept the fosters presence. Don't get hurt! I wouldn't force your attention on her for now. Maybe in a few days she'll be easier to approach.

This is very common when a cat escapes or stays at a vet for a very long time, as their scent changes can stress out the other cat in the household. A good first step is to bring Simba to a vet ASAP, especially if he is injured, to treat all injuries and make sure he doesn't have any illnesses that could be passed onto your other cat. Once he is healthy, you can begin to reintroduce them again slowly, either by sniffing each other through a door, or by providing plenty of places for both cats to hide and get away from each other as needed. If a fight does break out, separating the two and trying again later is best. Pheromone diffusers such as Comfort Zone may also help, as well as providing extra food, water, and litter so that they do not compete or fight over shared resources.

Since she was gone for so long, an examine with your veterinarian would be recommended. This may diagnose any underlying injury or infection. Frequently, either can be responsible for a sudden change in behavior. In the meantime, give her space and time to reacclimate to you. Don't force her to be held or pet. Offer treats and praise when she comes close. A pheromone product, such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffuser, may help to decrease any anxiety.