Learn to recognize this behavior and nip it in the bud. Here’s why.

By Karen Commings

One of your previously mild-mannered indoor cats attacks a cat companion for no apparent reason. As the victim scurries out of the room, you notice a cat belonging to your neighbor loitering in your front yard. That same previously mild-mannered feline is now tense, puffed up and ready for action — having just redirected his frustration onto a housemate.

What begins as a single act of frustration can become a habit. It can lead to a variety of behavior problems in both the aggressor and victim.

Redirected aggression can occur when an indoor cat sees something outside that he or she objects to. The intruder can be a cat or other animal that for some reason startles or offends the indoor cat. Because the cat can’t get at the intruder, he vents his anger on the nearest body.…

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