Currently we have two cats living with us. To protect the innocent (and the guilty) I will not use their names; they will be known here as Cat 1 and Cat 2.
Cat 1 has been living with us for many years. When he first arrived, there were two other cats, so he was at the bottom of the “pecking order.” He quickly learned there was only one cat allowed on the big couch, and the other cats had laid claim to their spots on the bed and he was not welcome to join them. As time passed, the other two cats made their way to the Rainbow Bridge, and he became “top cat.”
Cat 1 is a silly cat, who enjoys fun, doesn’t like to get into trouble, and has trained his humans (me and my husband) to cater to his every need. He enjoys spending time outside. He made friends with the squirrels, and they play together – well the squirrels tease him, knowing they can escape high up the tree, but they all have fun. What a good life!
Then, my daughter came for a visit and brought her cat, Cat 2. Knowing they needed time to get to know each other, Cat 2 was kept in her room for a couple of days. The cats greeted each other through the door.
We decided to let them meet, and my daughter and Cat 2 sat on the small couch. Cat 1 sat on the floor on the other side of the room, minding his own business. Suddenly, with a great leap, Cat 2 landed on Cat 1 and fur was flying! We quickly separated them.
Cat 2 was banished to my daughter’s room. Cat 1 had a bloody ear and a chunk of fur missing from his head, and was in shock. I cleaned up his ear and told him it wasn’t his fault. We decided Cat 2 should be banished from our house!
Fast forward a couple of months. Through no fault of her own, my daughter was suddenly in need of a place to live. After a week of futile searching, it became apparent that the only possibility was for her to move back in with us. The problem was Cat 2.
There was no place for Cat 2 to go. So, back she came. Again, kept in my daughter’s room for a few days. But this time a Catio was built for her so she could go outside. She loves it!
However, when it was cold or wet outside, she didn’t want to stay in only one room, and soon made her way around the house. She clearly decided it was a good enough place for her to live, despite the presence of other occupants like me, the “mean mommy” who told her certain places were off limits, and of course Cat 1.
So, now we have Cat 2 who clearly hates Cat 1 and would kill him given half a chance, and Cat 1 who just wants to continue his fun life. My job is to keep them from mass destruction!
I laid down a few rules: Cat 2 is not allowed on the big couch. One “couch cat” is enough, and that’s Cat 1. Also, even though she thinks our bed is a wonderful place for a daytime nap, Cat 2 is allowed only on my husband’s side. Cat 1 sleeps on my side every night, and he instantly smelled her and was worried the first time he got on the bed after she took a nap on my side.
My goal now is non-violent co-existence, sharing the territory while meeting as infrequently as possible. Success is measured in how little blood is shed. To date, both are still alive!
Jennifer P. Tanabe 