Feline Behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett is the author of a number of award-winning and critically acclaimed books, including Think Like a Cat and Psycho Kitty. The innovative methods described in all her books are based on Pam's unique way of training by actually understanding the way a cat thinks. She makes numerous television appearances including CNN, Fox News Channel, and National Geographic specials, as well as being a popular guest on many nationally syndicated radio programs. She is now considered to be one of the leading experts on feline behavior.

Q: I have 3 cats, and all are neutered: Kwhy Mel is female, 11.5 years old, and I adopted her 7.5 years ago; Bo Mel, male, is 7.5 years old and has been with me all his life; Sai Mel, male, is 2 years old and also has been with me all his life. Sai Mel and Bo Mel are very naughty in that they like to chase Kwhy Mel for fun (I think they do it for fun). Kwhy Mel will run and shout very loudly. Every time, I try to shout and stop them from doing this. Sometimes they stop, but sometimes they don't. I know Kwhy Mel is unhappy about this. Actually, Sai Mel is the worst culprit, and he cannot be stopped by shouting now -- I have to get up and take some action. Kwhy Mel now is scared to come out for food because Sai Mel may hide and suddenly attack her. She is now staying in the bed in most of the time. Can you suggest any solutions for me to stop this behavior?

A: You mentioned that Sai Mel has been aggressive toward Kwhy Mel from the beginning. When a new cat enters a territory, he'll often try to either be as submissive and invisible as possible to get the "lay of the land," or he'll come in like gangbusters. Sai Mel took the latter approach, and once Bo Mel saw that Kwhy Mel could be intimidated, he joined in the bullying behavior.

Your first priority needs to be to temporarily separate Kwhy Mel from the other cats. Let her have access to the prime areas-the places the cats like best, such as basking spots and favorite places to nap-and separate the others in the "grade B" areas. The reason is to build Kwhy Mel's confidence and to not reinforce the others' feelings that they've successfully chased away their victim.

Play with Kwhy Mel in those areas and help her feel safe again. Then, eventually reintroduce the other cats (one at a time). The reintroduction must be done gradually and for short periods of time. The key is to give the cats a reason to like each other again. Offer treats or distract the aggressor with a toy as the cats gradually get comfortable with each other again.