Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 11 months old
My 2 cats have always gotten along perfectly, until yesterday, the older one just flipped out and has been very aggressive and beating up the other cat, however when separating them the older cat that has lost the plot also Attacks us. What has caused this change in his usually mellow personality, and how can I get them to get along again.
1 Answer
Published on January 30th, 2017
Oh my, that is strange that Stan has suddenly become aggressive! A sudden change in behavior from the normal can signal a medial problem. Cats who are sick or are in pain can become aggressive to other animals and their humans. I would have Stan seen by a vet today or first thing tomorrow. The vet can give him a physical exam, blood tests, a urinalysis, and possibly other tests such as an x-ray to diagnose if there is a medical illness causing his aggression. If one is found, the vet can discuss treatment with you. If one is ruled out, I will give you a method to help them get along again. I would separate the cats, and slowly reintroduce them to each other. Take Stan, and put his in his own room with his 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 the other cat into Stan's room while he 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 the second cat 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 Stan out of his room, and see how he interacts with the other cat. 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 Stan in his room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.