Psycho kitty

[Rebecca Lyman]

I have a cat Lyle, that all of a sudden, is attacking one of my other cats, Murphy. One minute they will be laying together, licking each other and the next Lyle is chasing Murphy around the house trying to kill him. Lyle gets in this trance like state and stalks Murphy and attacks him. Once we get Lyle to snap out of his trance, he is fine and loves Murphy. We have Pheromones plugged in all over the house but it doesn't seem to be doing anything for this sudden aggressive behavior. We love Lyle but are afraid he is really going to hurt Murphy as Lyle has all his claws and Murphy is declawed (we got Murphy from a shelter). Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Rebecca Lyman]

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[Kelly]

Almost sounds like Lyle is trying to establish alpha dominance and Murphy seems to be really just setting off his instinct to do this.

[Ed Burke]

I have 3 cats that live together indoors that were the entire litter of the mother cat. Two are males, one female, all neutered, all have claws. They play and chase each other, but occasionally the males will have a more serious tussel. I suspect the equality of the claws helps this remain a limited encounter. I would not be surprosed if, in such situations, a declawed member would be unable to discourage the brother cat. If I pay too much attention to any one for too long, I have seen a quick attack by another, as if to say 'stop monopolizing' Mr. Food Can Opener.