#18 - What Turns Your Cat Into a Terrifying Tiger?

Right before my eyes, I'm constantly observing cats displaying territorial behaviour!   It's well known that cats have very clear views about what's theirs and what isn't.  Usually one of the felines becomes the boss and the others respect it.  

But Chez Mews, it's a tad complicated.  There are now, in all, five cats that theoretically have almost ten acres in which they can go mousing, bird watching, tree climbing or simply dozing in the sun.   

However, the space in the courtyard and mini-garden directly outside my French doors is more or less 'my cat's, known as Ziggy,  the other four, whose kitchen door also opens on to the courtyard  is regarded as 'the other cat's' so to speak. 

So what happens here? Monty (formerly Lord Montgomery) and Miss Hercules (who is fluffy and very feminine) are senior cats.  Monty spends most of his life coming and going through an upstairs window, stopping only for food and a night's rest.  Miss Hercules is content to spend her entire life on Zee and Tobias's bed,  sometimes actually being carried out to the courtyard.  Here she climbs up in the  wisteria, often remaining there till she can get back to bed. 

But there are two more, the juniors Misty and Duchess.  Misty is prepared to take on anyone and anything, including Sprite the much feared - especially by Ziggy - Beauceron cross Labrador guardian  of all.   Duchess, like Ziggy, trusts her nearest and dearest and is wary and fearful of anyone else.  

When all five cats somehow or other converge in these two spaces, territory is quickly marked out.  Venture into Ziggy's garden and it's all huff and puff and 'naff off'.  Miss Hercules spits but usually  retreats.  Monty looks horrified and whizzes off.   He's the only male, by the way.  The two juniors look hopeful of invasion but remain wary. Ziggy guards her frontier.

There's a variety of tail-bushing, ears back, whiskers flattened, low growling, advance and retreat.  So far no one has needed first aid or veterinary attention.  I'm  confident that feline organisation of personal territory is well under way.  From current world events, it seems not only cats appear to be showing signs of territorial  possessiveness!