Aggression from healthy cat to diabetic cat

Hi,
I have 2 cats, one has diabetes the other does not. My diabetic cat Keiko is larger than Neo and has generally been dominant as he could wrestle the other one with his size, although he is a kind soul and prefers cooperation and cuddling. The last 2 weeks or so, Neo has been aggressive towards Keiko (diabetic cat) in my presence, cornering him, jumping on him and swatting him. Keiko will often lay down and Neo will continue to look aggressive and may keep swatting Keiko. Neo has run after Keiko and Keiko will move to another room. They have wrestled before Keiko's diabetes and it looked pretty even. Keiko has some scabs on his back and I'm concerned he's getting hurt by Neo. When I see it I break it up with water mist. I don't know if that would make it worse.

Has anyone seen this and any advice on what to do? Keiko is the cat I am most bonded to, so I don't like it at all.
Thanks!

 

If they still have their claws, trim the ones on the aggressor to reduce the chances of injury.
Active play, 15-20 minutes twice a day per cat helps reduce stress; cats will attack one that is ill.
Comfort Zone plug ins, sprays and collars also may reduce stress and aggression.
Diversion is good; when you see Neo getting ready to pounce, offer a toy or other distraction.
Finally, if there is a separate room where Keiko can be safe and relax, you may want to separate until you get the diabetes well controlled.

 

Thanks for the good ideas!

 

You could also try rubbing them both with the same dirty bath towel, so they both smell alike. If a cat smells like vet, the other cat in the family can get pretty annoyed/aggressive. I also put Rescue Remedy, which you can get online or at health food store, in my guys water bowls when they're stressed. I'd check with the more experienced members before you do this with a diabetic cat, though. I don't know if RR affects BG.

 

How is Keiko feeling? How are his 5Ps? Maybe Neo is sensing that he might be sick and is attacking him because of that?

 

Those 5 P's by the way are purring, preening, playing, pooping and peeing. In combination with the appetite, they make up what we call the WCR (Whole Cat Report) and give you and us a good idea of how your cat is doing.

 

Oops! 5th P is "peeing".

(My brain gets in a tizz trying to remember them.)

 

Rescue Remedy never bothered Maggie's numbers. In fact, our vet recommended it.

 

BJ's suggestion of play as a diversion is a good one. My younger cat wants to pounce/play when Neko just wants to lie down. I keep a laser pointer handy and that quickly diffuses the situation. A couple minutes of play and things calm down. Your other cat may also be seeing that Keiko is getting lots of attention and want his fair share too, so make sure he gets snuggle time.

If you try Rescue Remedy, get the version for Pets.