My female cat, who delivered 4 days back, is hissing at my male cat, with whom she had bonded well for 6-7 months. My male cat was spayed 2 days back, which is also since when the female has been hissing at him. What could be the reason for this and what can I do?

Dr. Sharmila Rai

Hi! This behaviour can happen as your female cat is a new mother, causing her to be more protective towards her kitten. Moreover after the surgery your male cat must be carrying different scents in his body from the clinic and surgery, which we cannot detect but cats are quite sensitive to scents. Give her some time and slowly introduce him again to her.

Dr. Tajunnisa M

Hi Tabassum. It's one of the post partum maternal behaviours which is shown to protect her kittens. She thinks other cats especially males would cannibalize them. Its better to keep her separate from other cats for some days. As kittens grow she will start socializing with others soon.

Tabassum

Thank you Dr. Sharmila and Dr. Tajunnisa. How long should I wait before I gradually reintroduce them?