Cat turning on others

[CatNap]

I have 5 cats. 4 of them have been together for 2 years now. The younger of the bunch has suddenly turned against the others and I'm not sure why. Nothing is out of the ordinary. We adopted a 5th cat 3 months ago, but the aggresive cat has really taken to her. He loves to play with her and clean her but attacks the other 4. He has never been really friendly with them, but more recently, he is launching all out attacks on them, pulling out their hair, growling, teeth showing, the whole bit. His health seems fine as well. The only new thing that has happened is that I have started feeding a few stray cats that come around my house at night. I don't know if he might sense this, but I guess its possible?? What do you all think?? Thanks ahead of time!

[jason]

The only new thing that has happened is that I have started feeding a few stray cats that come around my house at night. I don't know if he might sense this, but I guess its possible?? What do you all think?? Thanks ahead of time!

i have noticed very odd behavior in my cats when i do the same. it could be for many reasons...perhaps maybe...

• a smell on one of nearby strays is reminding one of them of something
• some of the strays are stressing them out due to "challenging personal space", stress can cause some odd behavior

i would stop feeding the strays or perhaps place the food far away from visible areas (like windows and such)...im assuming your cats are indoor only, if not...just stop feeding the strays in your local area and watch the behavior.

[CatNap]

Thanks Jason. I will try to feed the strays away from the windows. I feel bad for them so I hate to stop altogether. Yes, all my cats are indoor only.

[jason]

i know what you mean....i still do it every once in a while, cant help it....but i figure the wellness and safety of my own are more important...tough decision when you care alot, but one i have had to make for myself.