I've had a situation developing for several weeks now. As I've mentioned a couple of times, a small stray female cat has taken up residence in my patio and on my deck. Jenny is sweet, friendly, and lovely, and I'd love nothing better than to eventually make her part of my indoor family. Although Billy looks interested in her, and Joey has actually tried a game of "pawsie" through a partially-opened sliding door, Jaspurr (our big red alpha cat) wants no part of her, except perhaps to terrorize her. Just yesterday evening, he jumped all over his brother and littermate Joey, who was minding his own business and simply watching Jenny, who was sitting on our deck.

It is always with concern when we witness what seems to be angry aggression between cats who have been good buddies in the past. Two cats will be engaged in mutual grooming one minute, and at the next, are locked in a tooth-and-claw battle. Our instinct is to break it up before someone gets hurt, and indeed, sometimes that intercession is called for. However, aggression between housemate cats comes in several forms, with associated causes, and it behooves us, their human companions, to fully understand these kinds of aggressive behavior so that we can take appropriate steps, when needed.

Learn More About Aggression Between Housemates.