Male on male aggression

Question
I have a 2 yr old male cat that has just begun attacking my 8 yr old male cat. they are both neutered and have been together since the younger male was 6 wks. The 2yr cat is orange tabby and the older one is a gray cat. the younger cat won't even let the older cat near the food. They have separate litter box's. We try to show the same amount of attention to both. Any tips as to what I can do? I love both so much.

Wendy

Answer
Wendy,

There are a couple of things which may be going on.  If the 8 year old is not feeling well, the 2 year old will challenge his dominance.  So, as a precaution, I would take the 8 year old to the vet for a check up.

Another possibility is that they have seen a strange cat near the household and it has caused a flight/fright reaction in the two of them and that can change the pecking order.

It may be that you will have to feed them in separate dishes.

The thing to keep in mind is that something has precipitated the change in relationship.  The three most common causes are an addition to the household (which can be ruled out), a neighborhood cat hanging around your house where they can see and hear it, or illness in one of the more dominant cats.

Frankly, there is nothing you can do about it.  Cats have to find their own ways with respect to their inter-relationships.  Any human interference, separation, attempts to discipline, and the like will only make matters worse.

The good news, is they will not hurt each other, no matter how much noise or loose fur there may be.  If you can figure out what precipitated the change, all well and good, but it still may not mean they will go back to the previous arrangement.

Best regards... Norm.