Well, Mary didn't actually attack her physically. She made her claim as alpha cat, and everyone complies. It's better than it was. Just wait and see how things progress. Sometimes my alpha male wants "that place" all to himself, and sometimes he'll share. Sometimes, I think he's being a jerk and just shoving his weight around, and sometimes he invites one of them to curl up with him. As long as it doesn't get out of control and no one gets hurt, that's progress. It's when the bullying goes on and on, like with Bingo, or between my alpha and my black kitty, Ziggy that I lost last January, that it's a bigger problem and more difficult to stop from happening. If that has lessened with Mary's presence, then Momma having to give up her window seat sometimes is worth daughter Bingo not getting ulcers from constantly being physically harassed in earnest. Just a thought...
You are very cat perceptive. I still haven't gotten a water stray bottle but will to use on Larry & Curly when they go after Bingo. Just yesterday Scary went after Larry after he chased Bingo. Exactly like you described. There was no contact. Larry backs down. Scary is one tough little girl.
Very interesting, and gratifying as well. As an outsider looking on, I believe great progress has been made in your cat colony. See what happens; you may not need that spray bottle. Mary isn't going to put up with "punk" behavior. I like the girl myself; she's ruling the roost, but I don't think she's a bully per say. It goes with the alpha territory to get the spot with a view. I think it's very interesting, indeed. ;-)
Mary's not going to be nearby all the time Larry & Curly chase Bingo. To me Mary's alpha position is a front to keep herself safe. Deaf Gerry will make her retreat so she has is using all kinds of survival modes. Thanks @aerialpegasus