I have 2 male brothers Milo and Otis that I adopted from a rescue last year at one year old. they were pretty much born in the shelter system and knew nothing of life outside. they have been sweet, affectionate and loving siblings always loving to sit in a screened window and curled up against me at night.
I recently put up a fence around my backyard and thought maybe with careful supervision i could let them out for a few minutes under my watchful eye. so three days ago i did that. and left the door open a bit just in case they got scared. nothing happened. Milo was off in a minute. after Otis got up the courage to go outside they just sat in the garden and perused the area. second day same thing. however yesterday something changed. I did let Milo out of my sight while I went inside to the bathroom and to get a drink. then I noticed Otis came back inside but I had to retrieve meowing Milo. all of a sudden in a short while Otis is growling hissing and screaming at Milo and poor Milo doesn’t have a clue. he just wants to be near Otis but he’s acting like Milo is a stranger. all night I was awake and worried about them getting into a fight.
I am so upset and bewildered. I had to google the behavior and found a couple of articles describing the problem so I separated them with their own litter box. I had an extra one. I put food and water and they are in different rooms now since last night. and not too happy about it. I tried to reintroduce them today, but it’s too soon. there is no change. I also got a one day delivery of Feliway multi cat calming diffuser. but it’s only been plugged in for about an hour so I don’t know if it works or not. Has anybody out there experienced this and was it ever resolved? Did your cats become friends again? somebody 🙏🏻 I need advice and lots of feedback. Thanks so much signed a very stressed out mother 😢