Some kitties just don't deal well with change. My vet told me sometimes it's a change in their routine, a change in their health (such as going into their first heat). Cats are very attuned to smells, apparently even more so than dogs based on what I've read - even a tiny change can set them off. It sounds like your kitty feels its territory is being usurped.....tom cats are very territorial - in their wild state, they would fight for the right to be the top tom.

Does this change once Fred goes away?

[ October 07, 2001: Message edited by: tuxluvr ]