Cat Hissing at his Brother

[StevenL]

Last week I took my cat George in for surgery for blockage. He was gone about 5 nights. The whole time his brother, Ted, would walk aimlessly around the house mewing, I assume looking for George.

George comes home and I let him out of the kennel. Ted starts hissing at him! Ever since he's been home Ted has hissed, albeit not terribly aggressively. He will just look at George, hiss, and walk away. These two have been the best of friends since we got them. Playful with each other, sleep together, etc.

Is there any reason you can think that Ted is acting this way? I'm hoping it will pass, but the sound of a cat hissing is quite unsettling. Perhaps it is harmless. For now, I've sequestered George as he recovers from his surgery, and in a couple of days I'll let them be together again. Seems strange that he would react this way given their past history.

[chico2]

Steven,cats go by smell and what you are seeing is not unusual.
George has been gone for a few days and Ted does not recognize his smell,it's nothing to worry about,I am sure after a while they'll be best buds again

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by StevenL

Is there any reason you can think that Ted is acting this way? .

Yup, it's because of the way George smells. Ted likely either doesn't recognize him (cats relate to each other based on odour) or just plain doesn't like the vet smell that he's acquired. Should go away eventually, or you can speed the process along by rubbing them both down with one of your unwashed shirts or giving George a few sponge baths (no soap though, just a warm damp washcloth).

[Winston]

Yep been there done that!

A little dusting of baby powder on your hands and then give them both a little rub down or you can try a dab of vanilla under the chin and some say that works! I use the baby powder and it works like a charm.

Good Luck

[pattymac]

Yup, he would smell like the vets and his brother doesn't approve.