Can Enemies become pals?? (long)

Hi all. The problem we are having concerns our darling cat Max and the little cat next door who we share a (huge) garden with. This cat is a lovely wee boy and is just best of pals with Tom. Candy is less impressed but I think she communicates that more effectively so he doesn't bother her.

What is happening is that when Max jumps up to come in the catflap (which is in the bathroom window - its a communal back door) little enemy-puss jumps up to grab/bite his tail. Of course Max retaliates with owwwwww that's sore get lost! by battering away at the cat flap from the inside while his non-friend batters away from the outside. Its a single glazed window eeekk! Of course we can get Max out of the way once he's in but its very difficult to get the little cat away from outside. To bang on the window or catflap just makes him think its Max and he starts again. Honestly my heart is in my mouth coming home at night thinking the window's smashed to pieces or whatever. Of course you can't tell someone to keep their cat away from your window (!)

Just wondering therefore if you can think of any effective ways of discouraging him or frightening away. I had thought of keeping a personal attack alarm by the window and sounding it upon such an incident? Just that Max seems to be coming home less and less these days and I'm feeling upset that maybe he's thinking oh, I can't be bothered going home, its just a load of hassle trying to cross my garden :(. Maybe though it just coincides with the milder weather, that always sees him staying out more.

Also (I promise I'll finish here!) has anyone come across their cat being sworn enemies with a neighbour to end up good buddies? Thanks!

laura.:confused:

PS I attach a picture of Max at a about a year - he's 4 and half now!! He was COTD at the end of March so maybe some of you have seen him around! x

Laura,

Wow. I really don't know what to say. Max is a big boy and beautiful!! Is there anyway of possibly installing another kitty door so he has an alternative to the one he uses now? I mean, the kitty next door can't be in two place at once, right???

Let us know how you make out.

Hey Donna- thanks for your reply! We have only a small flat and the other alternative back window is literally just yards away from the other.

What i did last night when little puss man was up at the window was reach out the top, at the part where the window opens, and pour a wee bit of water over him. owwwwww is that cruel of me? Hopefully not if it gets the message across. He SCATTERED!!! I'll see what happens eh?

Thanks again,

laura.

I have no idea what to do.

Usually outside cats manage to get their territory sorted out in a way that one cat is allowed to cross at different times from others. I wonder however why big Max doesn't get back at Little Enemy-Puss (like that name;) ). Could it be that the little one is not neutered yet- that could change something.

I don't think a little water is cruel- I hope L. E.-P. gets the message.