I have 3 basset hounds, 2 cats, and 3 hens currently out in the yard. My cats and dogs usually never bother the chickens and all of a sudden, today, I see one of my tabby cats running full speed at one of the hens. I raced outside (luckily my hen flew up to the top of a tree branch) and my cat hid, waiting for her to come down. Very shocked, I took down my hen, who was so freaked out that she could barely move, and after reviving her, I went inside to watch my cat closely from the window. A few minutes later, BOOM. My cat was after another hen. I raced back outside, scuffed my cat, and shook her, yelling NO. Later, she tried AGAIN. I checked to see if she had food, added a bit more, but she didn't want it. I am still keeping a close watch, but why is she suddenly doing this and how can I make her stop? The hens are a huge part of our family, and they have free run of the yard. I will not get rid of them. But my cat NEEDS to stop. I am considering spraying her whenever she does this. For now I have to keep a very close eye on her.