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Why is my cat attacking the others after their baths?
I have three cats and they all got along wonderfully. They are all spayed/neutered. But once they got a bath one of them is viciously attacking the other two to the point that they cower around her and she has started to poop and pee outside of her litter box. Please help!! We are so desperate and love every member of our family but this has now been going on for a week and a half and we are at our wits end.
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Member 1031114
on Apr 19th 2011
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in Other Behavior & Training
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Sounds like your attacker doesn't recognize your other two cats anymore. This happens also with some cats after they come back from the vet. The scent has been washed away or there are invader scents. You first need at least three litterboxes. Then you should head to the vet in case something else is bothering her and it coincided with the bath. To me it seems like she's being territorial out of fear. You may have to do proper introductions again. This means you'd have to isolate her and let her meet your other cats gradually. It's also a possibility your attacker cat isn't the one eliminating outside of the box unless you've seen it. Since she's a bully, they tend to bully the other cat's at the box and the frightened cat will seek a safer spot to "go." If this is the case then you would need to follow her around to discipline her. She needs it or your house will be a giant litterbox for marking and frightened cat's. That is unhealthy for you as well as your kitties. Purrs
Member 1017380
answered on 4/19/11.
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This is just one of the reasons cats should not be bathed. With so many advances in flea products today, bathing cats to rid them of fleas is unnecessary and often proves to be ineffective. Baths strip the skin of natural, healthy oils. In addition, baths cause significant amounts of stress to felines, and this could be the sole cause of the aggression you are witnessing. I would avoid bathing them from now on. If there is an issue where they have gotten into something, try spot cleaning them with a damp rag instead. Do not force the cats to be near one another or to be friends. Allow them separate areas to call their own and give them time. Show each one love and affection and be patient with them. If they were friends before, they will likely return to their original state. Keep the house and their lives as stress free as possible, and discontinue the bathing if at all possible. Best of luck!
Dahlia
answered on 4/19/11.
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