I mean when it comes to territoriality and pecking order. I'm just thinking of the situations I've seen around here among, say, groundhogs or squirrels. I mean there's plenty of scorn and arguing, for sure, the odd scuffle, but not much in the way of genuine hatred. I wish I could say the same about cats!

Of course the differences between cats and other furry animals are less than they used to be, specially since the advent of TV and cellphones, still the sheer animosity displayed between cats can be shocking. It usually starts with a random encounter between 2 cats who could just as well decide to say, "How are you old chap? Lovely day, isn't it?" ....but, no! Instead they glare at one another, hunker down, and devote a good 15 minutes to half an hour exchanging shrill insults and dirty looks. They then leap at each other's throats and roll around in the dirt trying to tear each other to pieces, wake up everyone in the neighborhood, and set all the dogs barking. And to what end? So one or both can limp gloriously home with multiple cuts, gouges, and bald spots.

One has to wonder why? The differences between cats, after all, are pretty minor when it comes to actual issues. They want food, comfort, and prestige. They each know they are the center of the Universe and have no guilt feelings about it whatsoever. Yet they are at daggers drawn with each other. Why this level of hatred?

Perhaps the real problem is that each cat is secretly reminded of himself (or herself) when seeing another cat...and doesn't like what he sees! Sort of a case of transference...

I expect much erudite analysis of this problem to ensue here. Don't disappoint me. It is inevitable that a few differences will arise amongst the assemblage here when discussing why cats hate each other so much, and certain people will take umbrage to what others have to say, particularly if those others are on their personal "hate" list, but if so....try to keep it civil, okay? It may help to remember that no cat has ever joined a political party, and that their only religion is self-worship.