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Why are my cats suddenly fighting and hissing after a bath?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bombay | Male | neutered | 14 lbs

I have two cats, both black, one female and one male. The male is about 7 years old and the female is about 5. They are both fixed. Last night I gave them a bath and awoke early this morning to them hissing at each other. Usually they are very lovey and have lived together for many years, and participate in grooming one another and whatnot. Today they are agitated and growl and hiss when in each other’s presence. I want to diffuse the situation but am not sure how to approach it.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 31st, 2018

Great question! Washing Rikku and Lucy will have changed their smell, and they now see each other as strangers. I would separate the cats, and slowly reintroduce them to each other. Take Lucy, and put her in her own room with her own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let Rikku into Lucy's room while she is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove him from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let her out of her room, and see how she interacts with him. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep Lucy in her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other. I hope this helps, good luck!

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