Well, Crap

[days_unfolding]

The Prozac for Mimi is NOT working. She and Zara got into a fight at 2 AM the other night (my neighbors were not thrilled with the yowling), so I switched her Prozac dose from morning to night because I normally leave the gate open in the bedroom at night. Well, they just got into another fight at 2 AM. This can't go on. I'll call the vet on Monday to discuss other options. The weird thing is that they were sitting peacefully within a foot of each other earlier.

Comments

[ravengirl.livejournal.com]

It might not have been long enough to have taken effect. It's weeks sometimes before those meds really start to work regularly. (Usually the dose for Prozac is given 2X daily in smaller doses.)

The "seated near each other peacefully" isn't as peaceful as it appears. It's a silent "overtaking" of territory by the dominant cat and it builds over time to aggression.

Ella is my "aggressor." While she would be better off as an "only" cat, Zola was here first. I do keep them separated (closed doors) when I'm not home, but over time, a "calming collar" worn in my presence, Feliway products, and the use of Prozac (for Ella AND Zola, as it also keeps the innocent cat calmer) have all worked to varying degrees.

Re-acclimation can be done time and time again. The way cats are introduced to each other is important for longterm peace, but separating them and going through it again is sometimes useful. It takes time, but it's best for the animals.

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

I couldn't remember how long it took to get a full effect of Prozac. I was on it once, but that was quite a while ago. I check the prescription, and it is for once a day. Weird.

I hadn't thought of Mimi and Zara lying near each other as aggression, but yes, Mimi was encroaching on Zara's territory.

I'm not sure how to reintroduce them because Mimi is quick and darts out of the gate. I could keep Zara in the bedroom, but I really hate to do that.(I do keep Zara in the bedroom while I'm at work.)

[ravengirl.livejournal.com]

I know acclimating is tough. And re-acclimating, ack. It's really best, though, to switch them each out to different areas so they all essentially "share" the whole house, just not at the same time.

You had two cats, but the third (I'm right, you have three now, right?) changes the cat dynamics. Not their fault, of course, just nature.