My cats are suddenly fighting and fearful after moving. What to do?

Moving can be very stressful on any species. Cats will sometimes display signs of mis-directed aggression when they are stressed. I would recommend getting Feliway pheromones started asap. These come as plug in diffusers or even collars if the cats will tolerate them. They release calming hormones into the air that people won't smell, but do help relax agitate pets. Give the cats a safe place to retreat to - a room or hideout where they can get away from each other, the dog and people. If possible try to have items from their last home there (a bed or toys). Try to feed the same food, switching it over gradually. I would recommend having several litter boxes in different areas of the house while they are acclimating. If the fights are serious enough you may need to separate the cats into separate areas of the house and gradually reintroduce them to each other. If the behaviours continue or worsen, I would recommend consulting with their veterinarian. There are medications that can help in conjunction with training to decrease behavior problems. The following website has some great information about cat behavior by one of best behavior veterinarians there ever was. You may want to search for articles on aggression and anxiety in cats for some more ideas. https://drsophiayin.com/resources/cat_behavior/

I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. The change of environment is likely the cause. I would try feliway diffusers and spray. Feliway is a cat pheromone to help with anxiety behaviors like this. You can also look into trying a calming chew like composure or the Rx version composure pro. I would also tried to have 2-3 litterboxes throughout the living area if at all possible to help with territorial spaces. If these don’t help, i would talk to your vet about starting your cat on an anti-anxiety medicine like amitriptyline. I hope this helps and he starts to be more like himself.

My guess is that you did not do a gradual introduction with them?? If not, you may have to go back and revert to doing that along with these other recommendations. ( https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/introducing-cats-to-cats/ ) I recommend you put some Feliway diffusers (Multicat) in your house and do some environmental enrichment for them. Usually these two things help. ( https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-MultiCat-Diffuser ) ( https://www.feliway.com/us/Why-Use-Feliway/how-to-stop-cats-fighting ) ( thedrakecenter.com/materials/environmental-enrichment-indoor-cats ) Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

I am sorry to hear about your kitties! It is possible there is a change in dynamics if one cat has now reached sexual maturity. If he is not already neutered this may help. You can also get a Feliway multicat diffuser for your house which can help reduce intercat aggression, but it may also take some time and training to get them to get along again. You can read about methods for training the cats to get along again at https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/feuding_felines/

If it has only been a few days since moving into the new house, I would give them some time to adjust. It can take up to two weeks for animals to feel comfortable in a new home. If after another week they are not adjusting I would talk with your veterinarian about anxiety medication for them. I would also make sure both cats are getting a lot of attention, play time, have enough litter boxes and have places they feel comfortable in. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. Obviously, both cats were terrified by this incident. If all has not calmed down, then I would invest in a Feliway diffuser to try & calm your kitties. You can purchase these online or purchase at any pet retailer. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I recommend you put some Feliway diffusers in your house and do some environmental enrichment for her. Usually these two things help. https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser thedrakecenter.com/materials/environmental-enrichment-indoor-cats  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AejmrLa_Cs4