Your Cat(s)' name, age, and gender
Philly, 5 years, female; Kit, 3 years, female; Molly, 3 years, female; and Piper, 2 years, female.
Is one cat the matriarch or patriarch? Describe how.
I cannot tell if we have a true leader of the pack or not. The younger cats do seem to understand to give the oldest cat, her space if she is not in the mood to be sociable. They get along well as a group of four and they also each have their special individual relationships with each other.
How I Became Part of a Cat Family
I've had cats in my life since I can remember. Although as a child, they came and went and were not a constant, I always loved cats. From adult hood on, my husband and I have mostly always had at least one cat in our family. They have always been family members, and in fact, being childless, they have been thought of, and treated like, our children.
My Cat Family Members
Philly is the oldest, and she is the "you can only pay attention to me and give me affection when I allow it type". We accept her as she is and love her despite the fact she can seem a bit aloof at times. But over the 5 years she's been with us, she has slowly mellowed and is much more accepting of human contact, even from strangers.
Kit is a litter mate sister to Molly. They are both unique and special, but different as day and night. Kit is the "in your face" type. She has to introduce herself to every person who comes through our door. She wants to help repairmen, as she has no inhibitions, and she is a complete flirt. Molly is much more reserved, but can let loose at times. She can be very affectionate on a one-on-one basis with my husband and I. Molly and Kit still often play-chase with each other.
Piper is somewhere in between Kit & Molly's personalities. She'll visit with strangers, she'll show affection to my husband and I, but she isn't as out-going as Kit, nor as reserved as Molly. She has chosen Kit as her favorite big sister.
They each have special quirks that make them special in their own ways, and it's never boring watching them grow and change within themselves and with their relationships with each other.
Tips and Tricks
- Over the years I have learned many things. I've learned that despite cats loving to hunt and climb trees and chase leaves, outside is no place for them to be unless on harness and leash.
- I've learned they are all unique, they are all different no matter how similar.
- And I've learned you have to know when you have too many cats in the home, and no matter how hard it may be, sometimes you have to give one up so that it may be healthy and happy in a new home that is more suitable to the particular cats make-up and personality.
