Dealing no recognition aggression and cat in recovery

[galaxygal]

I have 2 female cats: goose and tuna. Tuna recently had to get a Penrose drain tube attached due to an abscess near her butt. Thankfully it was caught on time and she had to get the tube to recover. Tube is out now she’s stitched up wearing a soft cone. Goose has been hissing and growling at Tuna. I’m keeping tuna in our enclosed balcony room that is separated by the rest of the home by a Glassdoor. Especially since goose has been aggressive and hissing, the balcony room was the only place I could keep tuna safe in recovery. I’ve started doing the scent swaps with a sock, blanket, and slowly feeding them at the same time. This is the 2nd time this non recognition aggressions happens and last time it lasted less than 4 days and now’s it ongoing for a week. My main concern is allowing tuna to fully heal and I worry I’m not putting much effort in helping them reconcile. Tuna is going back to the vet in 2 weeks or so to get her stitches removed.

 

[rubysmama]

I think you're doing everything right, especially being cautious and wanting to keep Tuna safe while she recovers. Since she's going back to the vet in 2 weeks, maybe it would make sense to continue to keep them separated, as the vet visit could trigger another round of non-recognition aggression.

How are they behaving while separated. Eating and litter box usage ok. No signs of stress

 

[ArtNJ]

Remember to have a blanket ready to reapply the old scent after the vet visit, before the cats meet up again. How To Deal With Non-recognition Aggression In Cats - TheCatSite

Hopefully, having the stiches out will be quick enough that there isn't another episode, but the blanket might help.

Some people even say to bring the two cats to the vet together in a 2 person carrier. I've not tested that myself. Sounds sort of risky to me (redirected aggression?) so I dunno. I mean, I have actually brought 2 cats to the vet together in a 2 person carrier, but never when they didn't both have an appointment, and never when I was worried about tensions.

 

[galaxygal]

I think you're doing everything right, especially being cautious and wanting to keep Tuna safe while she recovers. Since she's going back to the vet in 2 weeks, maybe it would make sense to continue to keep them separated, as the vet visit could trigger another round of non-recognition aggression.

How are they behaving while separated. Eating and litter box usage ok. No signs of stress

They are eating and using the litter box just fine. They even want playtime and cuddles.

 

[rubysmama]

They are eating and using the litter box just fine. They even want playtime and cuddles.

That's good. Hopefully once Tuna is all healed up, they can get back to being friends again.