Cats are curious creatures and kittens make it their daily mission to be into everything. With Tic Tac aged two and Inkie at eleven months, we have a constant flow of exciting adventures.
This week, Inkie began collecting beetles. His first specimen, a firefly, was a huge hit because I'd never seen one before. Inkie handed it over for release, so we watched it flutter away, flying like an overburdened helicopter, and then it sat in the tree outside, beaming its light at us.
His second find was a huge beast with spots on its wing covers that hissed like a steam engine. It had spiked antenna and fiercely jagged femurs – and it was definitely miffed at being dragged off the roof and brought in. When I set it outside, it stomped off, disgust clear with every step.
With them, the various lizards, squirrels, bees and other beasties, there's plenty to entertain us. Although wildlife is super exciting, we also take pleasure in simple daily tasks.
If I open the lid to the laundry basket, Tic Tac dives inside, digging excitedly into worn T-shirts and damp towels. Opening the kitchen cupboard involves a five-minute wait because Inkie needs to explore behind the tins of peas and beans.
It's like living with mini-VIPs: every time we open a door or drawer, a furry pitches up and wants to be part of the experience. Even shopping bags are an invitation to enter and play.
But there are spaces that are reserved for the VVIP, by which we mean Target, the senior cat. At 14, he is much respected by both kittens. This is partly as cats are mindful of hierarchies and partly because overstepping boundaries with the big cat may earn you a swift whappy paw around the ear.
Target has reserved my office desk and the bathroom rug as his personal domains. Usually, it's not an issue. There are plenty of chairs, a small sofa, and we bought some nice little rugs to dot around so there's always comfy floor place to hang out.
The problem lies in the bedroom.
Target has slept with us since he was a tiny kitten, and our bedtime ritual has evolved over time. When I have my evening shower, Target lies in front of the door on his blue mat, cleaning his claws and running a paw over his ears. Then we go to bed where Target enjoys super special bedtime squizzles with Tom.
They cuddle, purr, and head-butt until Target is completely blissed out. Then he staggers over to me to share our pillow: a custom-made giant batik effort that sleeps two comfortably. He pushes a paw into my hand, another in my hair, and purrs us all asleep.
Two weeks ago, that ritual was rudely disrupted.
It started by pure chance. Target was slow to come upstairs, so I was making the bed, flipping the top sheet around, when Inkie strolled in. He dived in straight away, ears flat, tail bushed, and squeaking throatily in his best top predator voice.
We tossed the sheet, made waves with the blanket, and when Tic Tac raced in and joined us, there was pawing and clawing and explosions of frenzied excitement.
By the time Target came up, Inkie was flat on his back, purry-panting with pure delight. Tom very naturally petted him, much to Target's outrage.
While Inkie revelled in the pets, Target sat at the end of the bed. The message was crystal; Target was upset and jealous. Inkie was clueless. He loves the big cat, so he head-butted Target, purred and was clearly delighted at sharing the fun.
Thankfully Target curbed his jealousy and gave him a half-hearted lick but the ears sitting slightly back signalled his displeasure.
Oblivious Inkie embraced the new tradition. The next night, he ran up the stairs, ready for his game. Target followed, looking rather grumpy. Thankfully, we worked out a way to please all the cats with an amended ritual.
While I shower and Target washes, Inkie waits in the sheets, meowing with excitement. We play, Tic Tac joining in, and we whoop, squeal and holler, having a splendidly wild time.
Then, when we finish, I pick Inkie up. As Tic Tac disappears under the bed to enjoy her nap in total darkness, I hug the kitten and rub his ears while Target jumps up on the bed, stamps his paws and head-butts Tom.
Turns out that Inkie isn't fussed over who is doing the petting as long as it happens. And afterwards, he slides down to the floor to see Tic Tac. He may head-butt Target first, but by that time our old boy is all purry-furry himself.
So it's win-win all round.
Cats are social creatures who live in extended families, and so they share many of the emotions we humans have.
Jealousy is a reaction to a perceived threat to a valued relationship. When jealous humans and cats think that someone is trying to mess with their relationships, they act out. So, a cat who thinks a new kitten is taking away the love of their best human will attack the kitten – and sometimes bite the human too.
With people, conversation that focuses on the need for respect and avoidance of control fixes the problem. But cats just don't get it. Note: Dogs are social too and they also feel jealousy. So do rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and other animals.
When pets are jealous, the only thing to do is to reassure. Make time for your jealous pet with one-on-one cuddle sessions. Kiss, hug, reassure. The animal is suffering, they don't have our capacity for ethical reasoning, and so they need to be comforted.
Also, to make sure all the pets get their fair share of your time and love, be mindful of rituals. Every pet should have their special time with you. Good luck!
Bubbles is one year old, male, neutered, and healthy. This fat fluffy cat loves his food! He's a boy who loves to eat, hang out and chill with his humans. Bubbles is an excellent companion and looking for a loving home.
Interested adopters, please contact SPCA Penang, Jalan Jeti Jelutong, 11600 Jelutong, Penang. Phone: 04-281 6559.
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