Evolution

It has been interesting to watch the relationship grow between my 15 year old cat and Miss A. A, of course, was oblivious to him when we first brought her home. But Casey was very curious as to who this new little person was. He sniffed at her every once in a while but was mostly content just to be near her. Never once did he act aggressively towards her, try to lay on top of her or get into her crib. He was very well behaved and even, loving towards her.



Then things began to get more interesting for both of them. She finally started noticing him. They would hang out on the floor together. This was still a relatively peaceful time because at this point she never attempted to really touch him that much. Basically she just thought he was cool and if he happened to walk by her and touch her with his fluffy fur, she was delighted.



Shortly after this stage she began to crawl. And with crawling came grabbing and chasing. This is when their relationship went a little sour. Poor Casey was being tormented by this little person WE brought home. This person who used to do things that he liked to do, like sleep and lay around. Now suddenly she was moving around, on the floor! And that was his domain. Not only that but she wouldn't leave him alone. And she pulled his fur. What's with that? Still he was well behaved, he tolerated the abuse and only on rare occasions gave her a slight warning to “Back off!” Let me also say that I did intervene, trying to teach Miss A to be gentle and showing her how to properly pet the kitty.



They have learned to coexist very well. They wander around the floor together. Casey seems much happier now that she is walking. He enjoys eating the scraps she throws down from her highchair. Miss A loves Casey and unfortunately for him that means that she often likes to 'hug' him. This entails her laying on him with her arms spread wide open. He protests and struggles. I tell her to be nice to the Casey. She thought that's what she was doing. Just this past weekend she kept saying the same word over and over. We eventually realized she was saying 'Casey'. It kind of sounds like Ka-see. It was pretty thrilling.






Along with saying his name she has become proficient with petting him nicely. She actually spreads her hand out and strokes it along his back. She stills clasps her little fingers every once in a while grasping a hand full of fur. He meows at her and walks away. Theirs is an ever evolving friendship.