"Cats can't be happy and mad at the same time," Dr. Wright says.

If you notice the bully cat dipping its head, shimmering and arching its back end to pounce, distract it with treats or play. However, during the midst of a chase, stick to the sidelines and don't interfere unless there is bloodshed.

"It is important to allow each cat access to escape routes," Dr. Wright says.

Finally, when both cats are calm or napping, run towels across their coats. Then swap the towels and place them where each cat sleeps and eats to help them get used to the other's scent, which helps make a positive association with the other cat. "Cats are real olfactory organisms and can be influenced by smells," Dr. Lachman says.

Catty Behavior No. 4: Ambushing Ankles
You walk down the hallway, turn the corner and e-owww!! Your feisty feline springs from its hiding spot and wraps its claws around your ankle. Many times, the cat is simply redirecting the need for natural play and possibly its sexual impulses (yes, even if it is spayed or neutered) toward you.

"Quite often it is a male cat or single cats deprived of sufficient play time," Dr. Valentine says. "One remedy is to get another cat for it to act out its play prey aggression."

Try to ignore the cat during the attack and walk away, Dr. Lachman says. When your cat is calm, avoid overstimulation by limiting friendly pats and strokes to 10-second intervals and never engage in roughhouse play.

Invest in interactive toys, such as wands with feathers or low-voltage laser lights made specifically for cats. Schedule five to 10 minutes twice a day to play with your cat.

One woman sought out Dr. Wright after weeks of being attacked by her cat each morning. The cat would hide by the spare bedroom door, spring and latch on to her calf. Her legs had wounds in various stages of healing.

"I told her to walk down the hall and stop just before the door and toss the cat's favorite toy mouse down the hall to elicit a play response. As the cat played with the mouse, she walked by. Now, her cat has a safer, friendly ritual each morning and lies in wait for the mouse," Dr. Wright says.

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