Our feline family is an example of coalitions in a triad.
In the case of this feline triad, however, the two-against-one lineup doesn’t change. It’s Kinikini and Kali lined up against Ms. Bessie.
It isn’t constant and has lessened over time. But it remains true that several times a day, Bessie will have to take refuge under a chair in the living room to escape Kinikini’s attack. They never really fight, but fur does fly if Bessie doesn’t get to safety in time and is forced to confront her attacker. At other times, Kali take the role of the bully and Kinikini watches from a distance. And our bedroom, as well as our small extra room, are pretty much off limits to Bessie, who spends her time in our open living room/kitchen/dining area, and the nearby storeroom/pantry.
But the last two photos in this Feline Friday gallery show that there’s a disputed spot on the top shelf in the storeroom with a view out a high window. Bessie discovered it and, for quite a long time, she had a monopoly on it. But then Kinikini figured out there was something up there, and he started sleeping there during parts of the day.
The last two photos this week show Bessie and Kinikini taking turns in up there. So far, there hasn’t been any fighting. But they rotate through several times a day.
It’s not all bad. When Kinikini is sleeping up there, Bessie is free to claim the entire living room for herself. And she does.
In any case, here come the cats!
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I have an intense dislike for bullies. My Dad had a really cute cat, very frail and tiny. She loved our house and sadly would be bullied by the male cat. He was my Dad’s favorite and so he let it go unabated. She died eventually I suspect from the stress. Please protect Bessie.
Don’t you worry. The squirt bottle is always within reach. And she has her own routine. She now emerges from her safe spot in a minute or so and goes about her business.
Right on! Your cats are very blessed to have such great parents.
Poor Bessie 🙁
My husband and I actually had a humorous five minute discussion this morning about Kinikini’s pose in the cover photo. I guess we are getting old!
Poor Bessie. On occasion, kitties just never get along. I do think a triad is the most difficult grouping, though. It’s like kids in a family — two or four usually have some peace, but three always seem to produce resentments and fights!