SINGAPORE – Integrating new pets into a household can be challenging, as Ms. Gemma Kyle discovered when introducing her two newly adopted cats, Toto and Mia, to her other two cats, Otto and Milly. The 38-year-old did not expect the new additions to show aggressive and territorial behavior towards Milly, the smallest and most frightened of her cats.
The Kyles adopted Otto and Milly, both rescued street cats, in 2021. Toto and Mia were adopted in 2023. About a month after the new arrivals, Toto and Mia began chasing, cornering, and hissing at Milly, making integration difficult.
After months of trying to resolve the situation with no success, the couple turned to veterinary help. They consulted Dr. Daphne Ang, who suggested managing the cats’ living environment, interactions, and introducing fluoxetine, an anti-depressant. While the medication helped Mia calm down, Toto’s hostility towards Milly remained, and he was prescribed additional medication to address his aggressive behavior.
Dr. Ang, a veterinarian with 17 years of experience, explained that a pet’s emotional well-being significantly impacts its physical health. She noted that a pet’s vulnerability to mental health issues can depend on factors such as early learning experiences, genetics, and environment. Adopted or rescued animals, in particular, may have experienced neglect or trauma, making them more susceptible to behavioral problems.
Pet owners should be aware of emotional issues in their pets, such as anxiety and depression-like symptoms. These can show up as excessive vocalization, restlessness, or destructive behavior. A pet may also lose interest in usual activities or show changes in eating and sleeping patterns. Dr. Ang also highlighted the importance of addressing stress-related disorders, which can be triggered by environmental changes or disruptions in routine. Chronic stress can have lasting effects on a pet’s physical and emotional health.
Other signs of emotional distress include compulsive behaviors such as excessive licking or tail-chasing. These could indicate that a pet is dealing with underlying emotional issues.
Ms. Kyle emphasizes the importance of ensuring a pet’s needs are met, including its happiness. In multi-cat households, like hers, it is vital for each cat to feel safe and secure in its own space. While she hopes the cats will become friends, she prioritizes peaceful cohabitation where each cat can live without fear.
Dr. Ang advises that addressing these issues requires a holistic, individualized approach. Pet owners should be attentive to their animals’ mental health to create a harmonious environment, fostering both emotional and physical well-being.
By taking the time to address their pets’ emotional needs, owners can ensure a healthier, happier life for their animals.
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