more on cats

IMG_0128.jpgIt's been awhile since I've mentioned my cats and I need to bring you up to date.

Sapphire has lately decided to require that we feed her special treats on the counter next to the kitchen sink. She enjoys having that kind of special privilege which the others are denied. She also has this thing about always needing to be sitting in a higher place than the other cats.

Sam doesn't seem to mind. I find it really interesting the way that cats seem to accept their place in the pecking order, whether it be high or low. Is it the same with humans? Myself I've usually felt that I have to place myself in the role of outsider in order to be comfortable. Otherwise I start trying to challenge the order of things.

For quite some time we have been trying to introduce a new cat into our family. It's the feral black cat who started out seeming so hostile. He has become really friendly and wants to make the transition to being an indoor cat. The others aren't standing for it though. Maybe three is the natural limit.

Posted by Bill Hopkins on March 16, 2004 09:51 PM
Comments

nah...they'll get used to him in time. Is he fixed? are they? THAT may be your problem. I love the pecking order they arrange for themselves. Mine all have a place on my bed they sleep, and if somebody else is there they will go over and bite them until they move. THen all is well again. I have 4! and 2 dogs. oh and BEA I keep forgetting about BEA BUNNY!!

Posted by: Mary Lou at March 17, 2004 08:07 PM

Your cats are such beautiful animals, Bill. I hope they'll eventually let the black one in. I've tried twice to introduce a second cat to our household with disastrous results but each time the resident cat was a senior. I don't know if they're just really territorial or set in their ways. When they were younger, I didn't have a problem -- strays came in and out of the house all the time while we fostered them. I have two wicked scars on my forearm that are reminders of my Buddy who was 16 when we tried to bring another neutered male in.

Posted by: Leslie at March 17, 2004 09:35 PM

I am not sure how it happened but we have three cats in our household and one dog.

Our oldest one, saved several years ago from the Austin pound, is in decline. But she is holding up her tradition of general crankiness and complaint to what seems like the bitter end.

The other two are insistent in their own ways, one to be petted, the other demanding a lap. They are indeed interesting animals to decipher.

Posted by: Don at March 18, 2004 03:13 PM

Bill she could be a Ragdoll. She has that semilong fur. Is it soft like a rabbit? DOes she chirp or meow? does she go limp ? She might be part Ragdoll. I can not imagine someone leaving her in a shelter!!! But she has a good home now though!!!

Posted by: Mary Lou at April 20, 2004 07:44 PM