Fighting after house move
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 2:07 pm
Hi
I'm at a bit of a loss really so hope someone can help (or reassure).
We have 3 moggies. Cas and Flo are 14 year old brothers. They've always lived together, we've had them 5 years now. We have Mags who is 3 1/2, we've had her since she was 6 weeks and Flo dotes on her (he used to carry her in his mouth - people thought he was her mother!). Cas didn't like her at first, but has got used to her and they groom each other, nap together etc.
Cas has always been the top cat. Flo is a bit of a daft cat. Cas is a hunter, he taught Flo to open doors in our old house and they slept curled up together every night (Mags wasn't allowed as she's a fidget).
We moved house 3 weeks ago. They seemed to settle quickly (we moved 1 year ago as well and they settled quick then and also when they came to live with us). Within a few days they were both crying to be out. They'd be out 24/7 only coming home for food if they were allowed. I waited, made sure they were used to the house and planned to keep them in for at least 2 weeks. After a week Flo escaped, but he simply had a mooch around the garden and came back in. So after a couple more days (cats were getting thoroughly miserable) I let the two boys out. Mags is more of a homebody and the weather was rotten at the time so she was happen to stay in anyway.
The week before we moved Cas was on medication for a poorly leg. His elbow was swollen but there was no obvious sign of injury. The vet said it could have been an injury or it could be something like arthritis. So he had an antibiotic and painkiller for one week and it cleared up. Even now he's not limping or anything.
Now down to the point of my post. For the past 2 days Flo and Cas have been fighting. Not like the playful fights they always have occasionally - proper full on hissing, biting and flying for each other. Cas is quiet, not going out so much, isn't sleeping next to Flo as he's adopted a new spot under the heater.
Yesterday another cat came to our window. Flo hissed at it, Cas hissed at it and Flo turned on Cas. Today they were all out in the garden and another cat jumped at Mags - both boys hissed to defend her, then again Flo turned on Cas.
I just don't understand it. When we moved last year they were a team, like they'd always been. I had to look out for other cats because I was worried about the pair of them bullying other cats!
Neither of them have gone for Mags in any way (even though Cas used to dislike her). It's just between the two of them. Flo used to be a fat cat, we had terrible trouble with an old lady feeding him (he's a cat who'll eat and eat until he's sick and then eat some more), but with a good diet and lots of play we've got him to a healthy weight and he's more sprightly.
Could it just be that we've moved and they are re-establishing themselves as well as with other cats (even though we had 2 1/2 peaceful weeks)? Or has Flo suddenly decided he wants to be top cat? I'm worried sick it's because there is something badly wrong with Cas and Flo can sense it.
I have an appointment for the vet on Friday, but I don't really know who to take! Flo because he's attacking his brother or Cas because our top cat has turned into a victim? (I'm planning on taking Cas as I'm worried about the leg being something to do with it).
Any advice would be massively appreciated. Julz
I'm at a bit of a loss really so hope someone can help (or reassure).
We have 3 moggies. Cas and Flo are 14 year old brothers. They've always lived together, we've had them 5 years now. We have Mags who is 3 1/2, we've had her since she was 6 weeks and Flo dotes on her (he used to carry her in his mouth - people thought he was her mother!). Cas didn't like her at first, but has got used to her and they groom each other, nap together etc.
Cas has always been the top cat. Flo is a bit of a daft cat. Cas is a hunter, he taught Flo to open doors in our old house and they slept curled up together every night (Mags wasn't allowed as she's a fidget).
We moved house 3 weeks ago. They seemed to settle quickly (we moved 1 year ago as well and they settled quick then and also when they came to live with us). Within a few days they were both crying to be out. They'd be out 24/7 only coming home for food if they were allowed. I waited, made sure they were used to the house and planned to keep them in for at least 2 weeks. After a week Flo escaped, but he simply had a mooch around the garden and came back in. So after a couple more days (cats were getting thoroughly miserable) I let the two boys out. Mags is more of a homebody and the weather was rotten at the time so she was happen to stay in anyway.
The week before we moved Cas was on medication for a poorly leg. His elbow was swollen but there was no obvious sign of injury. The vet said it could have been an injury or it could be something like arthritis. So he had an antibiotic and painkiller for one week and it cleared up. Even now he's not limping or anything.
Now down to the point of my post. For the past 2 days Flo and Cas have been fighting. Not like the playful fights they always have occasionally - proper full on hissing, biting and flying for each other. Cas is quiet, not going out so much, isn't sleeping next to Flo as he's adopted a new spot under the heater.
Yesterday another cat came to our window. Flo hissed at it, Cas hissed at it and Flo turned on Cas. Today they were all out in the garden and another cat jumped at Mags - both boys hissed to defend her, then again Flo turned on Cas.
I just don't understand it. When we moved last year they were a team, like they'd always been. I had to look out for other cats because I was worried about the pair of them bullying other cats!
Neither of them have gone for Mags in any way (even though Cas used to dislike her). It's just between the two of them. Flo used to be a fat cat, we had terrible trouble with an old lady feeding him (he's a cat who'll eat and eat until he's sick and then eat some more), but with a good diet and lots of play we've got him to a healthy weight and he's more sprightly.
Could it just be that we've moved and they are re-establishing themselves as well as with other cats (even though we had 2 1/2 peaceful weeks)? Or has Flo suddenly decided he wants to be top cat? I'm worried sick it's because there is something badly wrong with Cas and Flo can sense it.
I have an appointment for the vet on Friday, but I don't really know who to take! Flo because he's attacking his brother or Cas because our top cat has turned into a victim? (I'm planning on taking Cas as I'm worried about the leg being something to do with it).
Any advice would be massively appreciated. Julz