Cats started fighting after 2 years

by Marissa
(Oxford, Ct. USA)

My cats, a female and a male, who are the same age and both spaded and neutered have been with each for over 2 years. They used to play all the time together, but I have noticed this past 6 months or so, they hardly interact, let alone play. It seems like a few months ago, the female has had no tolerance for the male even coming up to say "Hi!" She would hiss at him. That has never ever happened before. Then all of a sudden today they got into a vicious fight! That has never happened before. They used to be best of friends but now they seem like enemies. What is going on? I miss my happy kitties together!

RESPONSE:

You don't say how old they are but, assuming you got them as kittens, they are entering true adulthood. Cats mature around age 2-3 years and often buddies can start picking on each other at this time. There is no way of knowing what triggered this change in behavior but it sounds like the female has had enough. Has there been any kind of change in the routine? Did you change jobs, someone move in or come for and several day stay? New furniture? New carpet? Trying to discover what might havee triggered the change will help. In the mean time, adding more play will help them burn off excess energy caused by anxiety. Give them treats when they are in the same room together and behaving. Be sure you have some high up places and cubbies to hide in. Give it some time and see if more play helps.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom