Q: Whenever my cat looks through the window and sees another cat outside in the yard, she starts this awful-sounding meow and freaks out, running back and forth to different windows and meowing. If you get near her, she jumps up and scratches you. I try to bang on another window so the cat in the backyard will go away.

The last time it happened, my cat followed me upstairs. I was trying to swat her head to get her away from me. She showed her teeth and hissed like she was going to attack me. I was firmly calling her by name and telling her "no," but she had me cornered. I was genuinely afraid.

Finally she went out of the room and downstairs, and a few minutes later she was back to normal. It's so weird because she is so docile and sweet most of the time. < p>I figure this behavior is probably because she was born in the wild, but I want to see if there is anything I can do. My friend thought there might be some kind of medication I could give her. I hate to get rid of her because we are really attached to her. People who have been around her comment on how gentle and loving she is. -- J.C., e-mail

A: Your cat's behavior likely has nothing to do with being born feral. You have a classic case of what behaviorists call "redirected aggression," and it's not uncommon.

Cats are territorial animals, and the sight of another cat (even through a window) can trigger an aggressive response. The cat who feels "invaded" will work into a state of trancelike anger. The animal becomes frustrated that he cannot get to the invader and typically will lash out at any person or other pet unlucky enough to be in proximity. Sometimes they'll take things further, as your cat did.

The usual advice in such cases is to work to remove the triggers for such behaviors. If possible, figure out a way to keep other cats out of your yard, and block your cat's view to the area where the cats show up. When your cat's in an aggressive state, do not pick her up or touch her, but try to "shoo" her into a darkened room to chill out. Throwing a blanket over her will also end the confrontation in a pinch.

Most cases of redirected aggression aren't as dramatic as your cat's. They can usually be dealt with just by giving the cat a wide berth until it's apparent (from the cat's relaxed body language) that the aggressive state is over. Given the high level of arousal your cat displayed and your fear of a repeat incident, I'd recommend asking your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can set up a program of medication and modification that will help defuse the feline time bomb in your home.

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