FNRA Defined; Reference Articles; Solutions; YT Videos

The articles below both explain what FNRA is and offer solutions.

Feline Non-Recognition Aggression in cats occurs when one cat is aggressive to another familial cat after both have been separated – usually after a trip by one cat to the vet, or after time spent in a boarding kennel. This aggression can lead to vicious attacks against each other, and the aggression can also be redirected towards humans in the household. Each of the articles below is a worthwhile read. By reading them all, the relevant concepts will be reinforced.

“The returning cat, who has been touched by strange humans, or picked up the odors of other animals, disinfectant, iodine, alcohol, or anesthetic gas while at the vet’s, smells differently. Since cats recognize each other by smell first (not by sight), the returning cat can appear to be a total stranger when he comes home. The resident cat then thinks, this may look like my buddy, but they don’t act or smell like my buddy... they must be an intruder! Sometimes while at the vet, cats can also become so frightened that they involuntarily express their anal glands, which are small sacs located next to the anus. The contents of the anal glands contain strong- smelling pheromones that can linger even after the cat has been cleaned. When the returning cat comes home literally smelling of fear, it can frighten the other cat enough to prompt an attack.” - Non-Recognition Aggression Syndrome In Cats, January 13, 2017 by Camille Schake.

"This type of aggression is something that all veterinarians should know about because it usually entails aggression of one cat to another after a visit to a veterinarian’s office." Feline Non-Recognition Aggression by Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, Dipl. ACVB

More feline articles by Dr. Dodman can be found at the Cat's Corner of his website.

Non-Recognition Aggression in Cats by Allison Hunter-Frederick, IAABC Foundation Journal

Non-Recognition Feline Aggression by Molly DeVoss, Cat Behavior Solutions

Non-Recognition Aggression in Cats by CatInTheBox. The have some fun toys for cat enrichment if you are looking to help get through a bout of FNRA.

Aggression in Cats After a Trip to the Veterinarian by Julia Wilson, Cat World

Non-recognition aggression is so preventable! by Patience Fisher

Aggression Between Cats After a Veterinary Visit by Pam Johnson-Bennet

Cat Fighting: How to Handle Between Cats Returning From the Vet by The Tiniest Tiger

Tuft's CatNip Article

Aggression After A Vet Visit - by AntiCruelty.Org

Reintroducing Cats After the Vet: Feline Non-Recognition Aggression Explained by Catster Editorial Team and Matt Jackson