Pam, I think you and the others have probably hit the nail on the head about Mimi's slowing down and him finally realizing that she is "weak". She is due for her annual shots and checkup anyway, and I am going to call tomorrow morning and see if I can get her in to see Dr. Robinson on Friday and just have her completely checked, although with a 16 year old cat, it could likely just be the fact that she is slowing down.

By the way, for whoever suggested it, Butter does wear a bell, not only to protect the birds, but to protect Mimi, too. So we have that one covered. Thankfully, her hearing is very keen, still, so she does hear him coming. And all of this aggressive behavior is occuring when they are both outdoors, never inside the house. These cats are both a bit "aloof", not under our feet the way the dogs are, but both are quite social and like to be in the room where we are, but neither get that close to us, to tell you the truth, even when the other one is around.

I had a nice long talk with Kelly tonight, too. She has made some wonderful suggestions, as you all have. While we're checking out options, including medicating him, we're going to make a very strong effort to keep them seperated unless we're right there with them.

Keep the suggestions coming if you have them. I need all the help I can get. I know everyone "loves" Butter and he is a doll, most of the time, but I don't think I can properly describe what he is capable of with those teeth and claws. I had one of those "bad boy" tomcats (big, orange fellow) when I was growing up, and even he was nothing compared to this one. I told Kelly tonight that I can handle many bites and wounds to myself and just live with it, but in reality, other humans, including my children and my neighbor's children, are at risk and if any one of those people or Mimi were injured by him, I could never, ever forgive myself.

Logan