Cats have senses that we don't. So they can know when another cat is outside the house, even if they're not looking out the window at the time. They're also territorial. And finally weirdest of all, they seem to have this thing where they can see/meet another cat and instantly decide if that other cat someone they're going to be friends with, or someone they're going to be arch enemies with.
Back when we lived a neighborhood setting our cats had a cat door and could out whenever they wanted. There were lots of other neighborhood cats around. Some were 'in the tribe' others were most definitely not. If one of the not in the tribe cats came in our yard or even just got near it, there was trouble. Usually a lot of yelling and hissing, less often actual fighting.
Now that we live in the woods, there are fewer other cats around. But there are still few. Once in a while one will show up on the back deck and poof, he's in the tribe. Out guys will go and they'll hang around together no problem. Other times someone will be outside who is definitely not in the club and the yelling and pounding at the windows and sliding doors begins. Always a treat when that happens at 3 am.
Back when we lived a neighborhood setting our cats had a cat door and could out whenever they wanted. There were lots of other neighborhood cats around. Some were 'in the tribe' others were most definitely not. If one of the not in the tribe cats came in our yard or even just got near it, there was trouble. Usually a lot of yelling and hissing, less often actual fighting.
Now that we live in the woods, there are fewer other cats around. But there are still few. Once in a while one will show up on the back deck and poof, he's in the tribe. Out guys will go and they'll hang around together no problem. Other times someone will be outside who is definitely not in the club and the yelling and pounding at the windows and sliding doors begins. Always a treat when that happens at 3 am.