Sudden Cat Behavior Problems

Question
Thank you for your answer.  Out of all the people I consulted, you are
the only one to suggest not to keep them separated.  We have since let
them go their own way and they have only locked up once.  I have one
follow up question.  Should I interact with them when they are
confronting each other?
Thanks again.
Matt

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Followup To
Question -
My two cats have recently become bitter enemies.  Up until
yesterday afternoon they were fine together.  We have never had
a problem with the two of them.  My only theory to their sudden
180 degree change is the following:

First off, both our cats are indoor cats only.  Our older cat (age
5, female, spayed) was looking out the window at a
neighborhood outdoor cat.  At the same time our younger cat
(age 2 male neutered) attacked the older one.  This resulted in
an all out battle which lasted on and off for about 15 minutes.  I
finally separated the two of them and they have been apart ever
since.

It has now been about 24 hours and they are still hissing at each
other and I am trying to figure out a way to re-introduce them to
each other.  Again, I'm not sure if they saw an outdoor cat.  What
I am sure of, is their sudden violent behavior toward each other.  Do
you have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your response,
Matt
Answer -
Matt,

What you have witnessed is not uncommon.  Usually, however, the two
buddies usually "kiss and
make up" eventually!  The 5 year old mistook the 2 year old for the
outside cat and reacted as
she should have in those circumstances.

For them to get back to the old relationship (which may never entirely
happen), you should be
prepared for a fairly lengthy transition which could take days, weeks,
or even months.  

First off, I would not keep them separated as that will exacerbate the
problem.  Cats will rarely
truly inflict harm on each other in a "fight".  Some loose fur may be the
worst you see.  Cats have
much, much tougher skin than we do and it takes pretty substantial
biting or clawing to inflict
any damage.  For the most part. most cat fights are posturing and lots
of noise.

As difficult as it may be, I would leave them back together and weather
whatever storms may
occur.  Eventually they will come back to some kind of terms.  If one of
them begind to chase the
other, even if it appears to end in a "fight", this will be a very good
sign.  One maxim to
remember is that we mere humans tend not to understand cat inter-
relationships at all!!!!!

Best regards... Norm.

Answer
Matt,

There are two rules I always follow when dealing with how cats inter-relate to each other: (1) No human interference (They must be given a chance to work it out, and our interference will only lengthen that process!) and (2) We mere humans do not understand how cats inter-relate to each other (Thus, we are likely to misinterpret play as a cat fight, etc.).

If, for the most part, they are interacting, albeit somewhat tentative with some posturing, that is a good sign.  I believe your patience and perseverence in letting the two cats work through this situation will be rewarded in the end!

Best regards... Norm.