It is often assumed that everyone in a loving family will learn to get along and accept each other's differences. Especially sisters. But we all know cases where grudges remain for far too long. This is how it is in my family between two sisters: Momo and Maddie. They are my cats.
Momo is an older cat who just wants to live a peaceful life sleeping in the sun.
She is troubled by anxiety, whether it be an unknown visitor, quick movements,
or loud noises. She stays inside almost all day now. She is very affectionate
to people that she trusts, and purrs loudly when petted. I am her main person,
although she is affectionate with the whole family .
Four years ago we rescued an adorable little kitten, Maddie.
Her personality is almost the exact opposite of Momo. Maddie
doesn't lay around. She plays. She thinks. She's busy - always.
She doesn't seem to have any fears.
From the very beginning of her time with us,
one of her favorite sources of entertainment has been poor Momo.
Maddie hides and jumps out at Momo all the time.
This happens so often that Momo has even more anxiety. She is
constantly on alert for Maddie whenever she rounds a corner, and
her naps are not so peaceful anymore. She hisses at Maddie
whenever she is within 5 feet of her.
They even fight through the window!
We keep them separate when we're not home to avoid any skirmishes
that may arise from Maddie's boredom. When we go away for a weekend
we even put plywood up to divide the house into two separate territories
while we are gone.
After watching "My Cat From Hell" on Animal Planet, a show where
cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy works to help families with problem
cat situations, I decided to try one of Jackson's techniques when
two cats don't get along. He gets them to eat near each other.
I started feeding them canned cat food at dinnertime
and put their bowls very close together.
As one is eating, the other often looks up and sniffs the other.
Maddie even licked Momo one time!
Night after night, for the past 2 months, they have eaten together.
They even sit near each other as they wait for their food,
sometimes going nose to nose.
And sometimes they look up at the same time too.
I am happy to report that things are beginning to change.
Here they were both outside on the front step
with no hissing or fighting.
Here, Momo actually felt comfortable enough
to turn her back on Maddie.
And just the other day, they were both laying quietly
on the couch in peace!
Don't get me wrong, there are still many times every day that I hear cat fights
or find Maddie jumping at Momo while she is sleeping.
Everything is not perfect.
But I think we are making progress.
Maybe these two sisters will continue to have
more and more peaceful moments together.
Over time, who knows what can happen!
Maybe they will even be able to ...
That would be very nice.
