What do i do?

[labstuff444]

I've posted here before regarding reintroducing my cats after some redirected aggression causing a big fight (seeing a cat outside).

That was about a month ago. I followed the re introduction steps and I'm still taking it slow. But the past week they have been so GOOD. I wasn't leaving them unsupervised or anything, but they were doing great.

But just now, about ten minutes ago we had an incident. Out of nowhere my more anxious cat (they ARE both currently medicated) started arching up and howling at my other pretty unprovoked. Atleast as far as I can tell.

I'm seeing a behavioral vet specialist on Wednesday. But any insight in the meantime?
I was so happy they were progressing and now I'm just nervously shaking. I'm so afraid I'm going to have to rehome one of them and it's genuinely my worst nightmare: (

 

[Alldara]

I'd just remove him and then make sure I had something high reward later when you're back at it.

It's really hard when it's outside your home causing the issue inside your home. So if it's a noise or something from outside that can make it more complicated but not awful.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I know in your previous thread that you had not seen the 'stray' cat outside in a while, but that does not mean your cat(s) haven't either seen it or sensed it. You probably need to go back and start trying to determine if that cat is back, whether it is a stray, feral, or a neighbors' cat, and what your options might be to handle any of these scenarios. If it does have to do with this cat, this situation could repeat itself over and over again.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

IF you can determine that it is, indeed, an animal coming onto the property, and IF you have your own yard (not an apartment), there are motion-activated, directional sprinklers that are available. Placing several at the perimeter of the property so that the offender gets a good soaking every time they approach will have a self-respecting cat, and many dogs, taking their business elsewhere.

 

[danteshuman]

I would buy an extra thick piece of poster board with foam. Next time your anxious cat gets spooked, hold the poster board between the cats and remove one from the room.

 

[lucyrima]

Yup, it's amazing what they can sense when things aren't obvious... we had 4 for ? 8-10 yrs long ago and I remember having to learn fast about outdoor cats creating havoc inside. No suggestions here now (if I ever had any), but good luck with them all!

 

[labstuff444]

So I saw the behavior vet. It went incredibly well. He really gave me a game plan.
BUT ideally it's going to involve moving apartments. My ground floor apartment windows are literally ground level. And even with film on the windows, I just saw a cat shadow go by and shake them up a little. Not NEARLY as bad as seeing the other cat. But still. My anxiety is so sky high currently.
I wonder if my complex would let me move units if I talked about this issue. Maybe to a second or 3rd floor. Idk. I think it's worth a try because they can't really do better with this going on OR with me ready to throw up at the sight of a passing cat shadow.

 

[Alldara]

So I saw the behavior vet. It went incredibly well. He really gave me a game plan.
BUT ideally it's going to involve moving apartments. My ground floor apartment windows are literally ground level. And even with film on the windows, I just saw a cat shadow go by and shake them up a little. Not NEARLY as bad as seeing the other cat. But still. My anxiety is so sky high currently.
I wonder if my complex would let me move units if I talked about this issue. Maybe to a second or 3rd floor. Idk. I think it's worth a try because they can't really do better with this going on OR with me ready to throw up at the sight of a passing cat shadow.

Hopefully that works!

I'm so glad it went well and you have a game plan.

Another thing you could try (depending on where the windows are) is seeing if you can do a raised garden in front of the windows. Or a little fencing around the outside of the windows.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Or a solid screen panel of some sort of fabric that would block the bottom two feet of the window, that might work.