My cat hates his brother and sniffs everything

by Jamee
(New Zealand)

3 days ago my cat came inside early evening and starting sniffing anything in his sight, his brother came in soon after and was suddenly hissed and growled at by the first cat.They are normally very loving towards each other sharing their food and sleeping together. There has been a change to their living environment we have had my flatmates mother move in temporarily and she did a big spring clean of the house (this also happened 3 days ago.)

When my cat is growling and hissing at the other i pick him up and he will continue to do it to me.
Why has this happened.

Reply
Hi
This is a common issue and is known as aggression truama. Basically all the new smells of the cleaning chemicals etc and also the fact that his home now smells different and may no longer smell strongly of him has frightened your cat. they don't like change and their senses especially their sense of smell is very important to them. When cats become afraid they can react aggressively and sometimes the fear can be blamed on another animals. I know it sounds strange but it is very common. I have written more information about this issue which also contains information about helping your cat through this time. Here is the page

cat-aggression-trauma.html

best wishes kate

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