Hi everyone,
I have two lovely tomcats who used to get on like brothers, but in just a few minutes, everything changed. I’ll give you a quick summary so you can understand the situation better.
A year ago, I adopted Chiffon, a young abandoned kitten. We became very close straight away.
A bit later, I came across Poussiere; he was about the same age as Chiffon but was in a very bad way. After a trip to the vet, I decided to adopt him, and he and Chiffon became inseparable immediately.
Weeks and months went by.
It’s now been about a year since I adopted Chiffon. I’ve had to move for work, and on Wednesday the 10th, they saw their new flat for the first time. No more walks on a lead in the street; they now have a small enclosed courtyard all to themselves.
To prevent them from wandering off to find a mate, I decided to have them neutered. Since my vet was a bit overstretched, Poussiere was the first to be done on Friday the 12th, and Chiffon is booked in for the 26th of May.
The operation went well, and Poussiere came home to Chiffon. On Saturday the 13th, everything was fine; they were playing together until about 5pm, and that’s when things went downhill.
I’d gone to the garden centre to buy some flowers for my window boxes. Chiffon and Poussiere were on a window sill; Poussiere decided to jump down to explore the courtyard, and Chiffon started meowing because his mate was outside and he was too scared to join him. I went out to get Poussiere and brought him back into the flat. And that was when it all kicked off.
Since then, they’ve done nothing but fight—and I mean really nasty fighting, it’s serious. I’m having to keep them in separate rooms. I’ve noticed Chiffon trying to mount Poussiere, which makes him angry, and then a fight breaks out.
I’m at a loss; I don't understand this sudden change in behaviour. They were such good mates, so why all this sudden violence? It breaks my heart to see them fighting like this. I think Chiffon might think Poussiere is a female in heat even though he’s a neutered male—is that the source of the problem, do you think? How can I keep them calm until Chiffon is neutered?
Thank you for your help. I care about them so much; I really don't want to have to give one of them up. The three of us are a family. When Poussiere was ill, Chiffon and I looked after him, and when I was seriously ill, they were both there for me.
I’ve heard of Feliway—is it effective in cases like this? Is there any way to calm Chiffon’s urges?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Best regards, a very worried owner of two fur babies
