The Problem
I have two cats (male & female) who are littermates, about 2 and a half years old. They are extremely close, deeply bonded, and become visibly stressed when they are forced to be separated. The problem occurred a few days ago when the female had what we think was an instance of re-directed aggression. She hissed and screamed at the other cat, which in turn made him extremely panicked and defensive, resulting in more hissing and distrust.
The Confusing Part
My partner and I immediately separated them to get them to calm down. We live in a studio apartment so the only other "room" is the bathroom. Leaving the bathroom myself, the other cat managed to slip in (only about 10 minutes after the fight). But strangely, when confined in the bathroom together, they were perfectly fine. We let them calm down together and then once we let them back into the rest of the apartment, they started fighting again. They would look around the room as if there was some third cat they were looking for and afraid of.
Now
The hissing, distrust, and anxiety have continued for about 2 days now (the first day had the worst fights). However, it does come in waves. During the day, the cats might act like things are perfectly back to normal, but then everything can change in an instant. (They went 6 hours without any sign of a problem). Last night they slept on the bed together, but this morning after breakfast I could tell they were very tense (no fighting though). A vet is an option, but it's my last option because the trip will 100% stress both cats out immensely (as it always does). We have one should it become necessary. Neither cat shows any signs of illness or injury. Eating, drinking, and litterbox use is normal.
The Obstacle
As mentioned, my partner and I live in a studio, so separating the cats comfortably is difficult. We also both work 9-5's. We each took a day off to stay home and monitor the situation, but we both have to be at work today. I did not want to lock one cat in the bathroom alone for 8+ hours. (Maybe I should have, but it didn't feel right.) I'm at work stressed because I don't know what's going on and have no way to check in or have someone check in.
Notes
No major changes have occurred in the apartment these past few days that would cause them undue stress. Both cats also had vet check-up 2 months prior and they were deemed perfectly healthy. We've lived in the apartment for 1.5 years.
It breaks my heart to see them so upset around each other. They truly are extremely close. When one is locked in the bathroom and mews, the other will sit by the door to try and comfort them. But once the door is opened, it's like they don't recognize each other all of a sudden.
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/eq1gd8/very_mysterious_case_of_fear_and_aggression/
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