Cats growling/hissing at each other

[Sixshot]

My two female cats (biological sisters) are about 9 months old and I took them 2 days ago to the vet to get spayed. Before their vet trip, they were always quite affectionate with me and each other. Since they came back, they've been hissing and growling any time they see each other. It seems to be getting a little better, but still, they were never this aggressive to each other before.

I'm guessing it's just the stress of being to the vet and all, and that eventually they'll snap out of it. I have to keep them separated when they sleep for now because otherwise they'll hiss and growl all night. I forgot to mention, the vet said the cats were already in heat when they were spayed. Don't know if that could be a reason why they're all upset with each other or not.

Does anyone have any advice? Is this normal behavior for cats?

Thanks!

[badger]

Apart from their hormones being seriously out of whack , there is often a period of adjustment when cats return from the vet. They smell and sometimes act a bit different than before (at least temporarily), which can be seen as threatening. Don't worry, they'll come around. I've heard that putting a drop of vanilla extract under their chins helps, I suppose because it gives them a common odour. But time should take care of this temporary contretemps.

for spaying.

[Jim Hall]

you can also try lavender

[Love4himies]

I have had that when my foster kittens have gone off to get spayed. They are usually best friends again in a couple of days.

[catlover2]

The smell of the vet office used to be enough to get my other cats hissing when one returned....that is normal.

Most cats love butter, so a little dab of butter on each of their foreheads, or on back of their necks should get them into mutual grooming. It takes a while for the homones to simmer down, but in a couple of weeks things should be back to normal. Let us know how these two sisters progress.

[Sixshot]

Thanks for the helpful replies everyone! They seem to be doing a little better today... still hissing whenever they see each other, but no fights. I've been trying to make sure they sleep in separate places but I alternate where they sleep, so they each have to sleep in a room with the other cat's scent. I'll try the butter and vanilla extract too, hopefully that will help them recognize each other better.

[Sixshot]

I'm getting a little worried about one of the cats. She woke up today with her inner eyelids appearing to be half open and they didn't go back down. Also she's been staying off by herself and when I petted her for a bit, she seemed to shiver.

I could be overreacting, but it seems like she's getting sick. Maybe a side effect of getting her shots? I had the vet give her the shots when I took them both in to get spayed.